Meet Our Dogs

At Paws A While Shelter, our focus is on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs of varying size and breed with owners that match their energy and needs. We’re proud to say our small rescue shelter provides a safe space for dogs looking for their forever homes.

Rehoming Criteria Grades

As you look through the details of the dogs in our care, you will notice that each dog is coded with a rehoming criteria grade A, B or C. The grade shown should help in identifying a dog to suit your experience and the requirements that we feel the dog needs from any new owner. Please do discuss with us any dog which interests you, even should you feel that you may not fully meet the requirements.

Criteria Grading Key

A

  • Well-balanced with people, including children and other dogs
  • Suitable ages advised based on the dog
  • Should settle easily in most homes
  • Possibility of breed-related traits and behaviors

B

  • Suited for breed-experienced owners
  • Could be shy or wary,  and need ongoing training and understanding
  • Possible medical health issues requiring owner intervention

C

  • History of or higher degree of problem behavior (e.g., guarding behaviour, behavioral issues)
  • Reasons for behavior can vary
  • Requires experienced homes only
  • No young children recommended, depending on circumstances
  • Needs a lot of time, patience, and compassion
  • Can be a very rewarding experience for the right person/family

Things to Note:

Please remember that the assessments and details of each dog we have available are based on any history that we may have been made aware of from previous owner(s) and the behaviour we see here whilst they are in our care at Paws A While Shelter. Once any dog is rehomed, that behaviour may change due to many reasons and the changes the dog has endured may also affect their behaviour.


It is very important that you allow a new dog to overcome as much of the stress it is under, during the early periods of being in a new environment. Dogs that are exposed to lots of new experiences too quickly can often lead to an increase of stress and then associated problem behaviours often surface during this time.

We require a meet and greet for all our dogs, but some may require a few extra steps. These are specified on our dog profiles but also when we discuss adoption with you. Please note that any meet and greets with any of the dogs in our care will be arranged by appointment only, should your adoption application be a suitable match for the dog you have applied for to adopt. 

All dogs have the option to be re-homed with 5 weeks free insurance.

Flo

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

Approximately 10-12 Months

Breed

Belgian Malinois Cross

Sex

Female

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B

General Medical Information

Flo is vaccinated, flea-treated and wormed. 

Note for Adoption

Flo is a sweet girl who loves affection. She is a loyal and loving dog who once trust is built, forms a strong bond.

  • History: Flo was found as a stray. She continues to grow in confidence since her arrival, however, this still needs work. She needs someone who has the time and patience to build a relationship and bond with her.

  • Experience with Malinios': Flo's adopters should have experience with Malinios' as the breed experience will help her to thrive.

  • Home Environment: Flo would suit an active home and someone being home most of the time. She would not be suitable to be rehomed with children (due to her age and size), cats or other small animals. There should also be no visiting children to the house.

  • Training Needs: Flo has some basic training, she will need on-going work in this area. This will help her build confidence, adapt to new situations, and settle into her new home successfully. She may need work on house training as she is not consistently clean in her kennel.

  • Space for Play and Stimulation: Flo will need a secure garden with a high fence. She would benefit from lots of mental stimulation and enrichment. 

  • Health Note: Flo had an injury to her front left paw when she arrived, after an x-ray, it showed that all the toes have been broken at some point in her short life and have not healed correctly. While she is currently comfortable and is taking a joint supplement, she may be prone to developing arthritis or mobility issues later in life. This is something her future adopter will need to monitor and manage with veterinary support as needed.


Amber

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

2 Years Old

Breed

German Shepherd Cross

Sex

Female

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B

General Medical Information

Amber is vaccinated, flea-treated and wormed. 

Note for Adoption

Amber is a sweet, friendly and full-of-life girl who is energetic and loves long walks. 


  • Loyal Companion: Amber is a loving and loyal dog who forms strong bonds with those who earn her trust. Once she feels secure, she blossoms into a wonderful companion.


  • History: Amber was found as a stray. She has grown so much in confidence since being with us, however, this still needs work. She needs someone who has the time and patience to build a relationship and bond with her.


  • Experience with Large Breeds: Amber would suit a family who have experience with large, high-energy breeds.


  • Home Environment: Amber would suit a home where someone is home most of the time; she can sometimes be noisy when left. She would not be suitable to be re-homed with children, cats or other small animals.



  • Training Needs: Amber has good basic obedience which is to be built on. This will help her build confidence, adapt to new situations, and settle into her new home successfully. She will need extra work on walking on a lead correctly, and she will also need work in house training as she is not always clean in her kennel. 


  • Other Dogs: Whilst in our care, Amber was friends with another dog and they played lovely together. However, with new dogs, she can be unsure and needs ongoing work in this area. 


  • Space for Play and Stimulation: Amber will need a secure garden where she can play and would benefit from lots of mental stimulation; she loves puzzle toys.


Pete

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

3 Years Old

Breed

Greyhound

Sex

Male

Rehoming Criteria Grade

A

General Medical Information

Pete is vaccinated, flea-treated, wormed, and neutered.

Note for Adoption

Pete is a loving, energetic companion who is always ready for adventure. His wagging tail and affectionate nature make him a joy to be around, and once he settles into his new home, you’ll have a bond for life.


  • Loyal Companion: He adores human company and thrives in a home where he has companionship throughout the day, as he can sometimes become destructive when left alone in his kennel.

  • Energy & Exercise Needs: Pete is a bundle of joy. He loves a good walk and enjoys off-lead play for about 20 minutes before happily settling down on a comfy sofa or bed to relax.

  • Walking & Awareness: On the lead, he walks beautifully, making strolls with him a pleasure. However, as a sighthound, he has a keen eye for small animals and will notice them long before you do, so awareness and management on walks are important.

  • Socialisation & Other Animals: Pete loves meeting people and always greets them with a wagging tail. He could potentially live with another dog, but slow introductions would be necessary. He could also live with dog-savvy children, but he is not suitable to live with cats or small animals.

  • Experience with Sighthounds: A home with sighthound experience would be ideal, but not required, as understanding his natural instincts will help him thrive.

  • Training Needs: His basic training is still a work in progress, so ongoing training will be beneficial to help him settle and develop good manners. He is also not consistently clean in his kennel, so this may need some work once in a home.
     

If you’re looking for an affectionate, fun-loving companion and have the time to continue his training and provide him with the exercise and care he needs, Pete could be the perfect addition.

Meet and greets will need to be arranged by appointment only, subject to a suitable adoption application.



Rizzo

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

3 Years Old

Breed

Border Collie

Sex

Female

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B/C

General Medical Information

Rizzo is vaccinated, flea-treated, wormed, and spayed. 

Note for Adoption

Rizzo's journey highlights her resilience and the potential for growth with the right environment and care. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Rizzo's needs and ideal home situation:



  • Previous Home Environment: Rizzo was surrendered to the rescue after her family realized they could not provide her with the necessary time, stimulation, and exercise. The busy home environment was overwhelming for her, prompting the need for a calmer setting.


  • Loyal Companion: Rizzo is a loving and loyal dog who forms strong bonds with those who earn her trust. Once she feels secure, she blossoms into a wonderful companion.


  • Playful Nature: She has a strong love for tennis balls and enjoys structured play, making activities like scent games very beneficial for her mental and physical stimulation.


  • Calming Influence: Rizzo has a calm demeanour and interacts well with other dogs, often acting as a role model and helping to teach confidence to other dogs in the rescue.


  • Sensory Sensitivity: Like many Border Collies, Rizzo can be sensitive to noises and unfamiliar situations (e.g., vacuums, TVs, and objects on wheels). However, with time, patience, and exposure to these elements in training, she has shown improvement.


  • Experience with Border Collies: Rizzo would thrive in a home with someone who has experience with her breed. Understanding her herding instinct and sensitivity is vital for her development and comfort.


  • Calm Home Environment: Given her background, Rizzo would do best in a calmer household, ideally without children or with only visiting children, as a busy environment can be stressful for her.


  • Training Focus: A commitment to reward-based training is essential for Rizzo, as it helps her build confidence, adapt to new situations, and settle into her new home successfully. She will benefit from structured training sessions and consistent reinforcement of positive behaviours.


  • Multiple Meet and Greets: Before adoption, Rizzo should have several meet and greets with potential adopters to build trust and ensure that she feels comfortable in her new environment.


  • Space for Play and Stimulation: Rizzo will need an environment that allows for plenty of exercise and mental challenges. Access to a secure garden where she can safely play and explore is ideal.


Rizzo is a loving dog with the potential for a wonderful companionship if she is placed in the right home. With her intelligence and eagerness to bond, along with a dedicated and experienced owner, Rizzo can flourish. If you are looking for a sweet and loyal companion who needs a little patience and understanding, Rizzo might be the perfect fit for you!


Meet and Greet with Rizzo will need to be arranged by appointment only, subject to suitable adoption application.

Oaty

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

4 Years Old

Breed

Cockapoo

Sex

Male

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B/C

General Medical Information

Oaty is vaccinated, flea-treated, wormed, and neutered. Oaty is currently receiving veterinary care for a skin condition.

Note for Adoption

Oaty has had a bit of a rocky past, but with patience, care, and proper training, he has been able to blossom into a confident and affectionate dog.



  • Initial struggles: Oaty had a tough time adjusting to kennel life due to a bad experience with a crate and the stress of being in a new environment.


  • Building trust: The staff and volunteers worked hard to build Oaty's trust, and he has learned to see the kennel as a safe space. Crating is not advisable


  • Wary of strangers: Oaty can be cautious around people he doesn't know, especially when it comes to personal space and touch. He is muzzle-trained for grooming and vet visits.


  • Affectionate with trusted individuals: Oaty is very affectionate with staff and volunteers who have taken the time to bond with him and gain his trust.


  • Confident around dogs: Oaty is generally confident and calm around most dogs and enjoys social walks off-site.


  • Cat-chasing: Oaty has a strong desire to chase cats, which is a work in progress. We would not recommend that Oaty is re-homed with cats.


  • Intelligent and active: Oaty is an intelligent and active dog who needs mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.


  • Suitable home: Oaty would thrive in an adult-only home with no visiting children, where his owners can take the time to build a relationship and bond with him.


Overall, Oaty is a wonderful little dog who has overcome some challenges and is now ready for a forever home where he can receive the love, care, and attention he deserves.


Meet and Greet with Oaty will need to be arranged by appointment only, subject to suitable adoption application.

Arlo

RESERVED


Register Interest
Age

3 Years Old

Breed

Chihuahua Cross

Sex

Male

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B/C

General Medical Information

Arlo is vaccinated, flea-treated, wormed, and neutered. 

Note for Adoption

Arlo is a sweet, sensitive little soul who’s looking for a calm and understanding home where he can feel safe and truly thrive. He bonds closely with those he trusts and has so much love to give once he feels secure.


  • Loving Background: Arlo grew up in a quiet and stable home with a single female owner. He was deeply loved and formed a strong, trusting bond, which helped him feel safe and secure in his environment.


  • Positive Progress: Despite his initial anxieties, Arlo has shown just how well he can adapt in the right environment. When he recently stayed with a couple and their own Chihuahua, he was an absolute star — settling in beautifully and enjoying the company. He also does really well on his regular walks to the arboretum, which can be busy, showing calm and confidence even around lots of people and other dogs. These experiences highlight just how much potential Arlo has to thrive with continued gentle support.


  • Playful and Curious: Arlo loves his puzzle toys and takes real joy in engaging with them — they’re a great source of mental stimulation and a fantastic way to help him build confidence. He’s also starting to enjoy making new friends and is slowly learning that the world isn’t such a scary place after all.


  • Ideal Home: Arlo would thrive in a home where someone is around most of the time and can provide calm, consistent reassurance. A quiet environment without children, and with an owner who’s happy to take things at his pace, will help Arlo truly flourish. Experience with nervous dogs would be a bonus, but most of all, Arlo just needs someone kind and patient.


Meet and Greet with Arlo will need to be arranged by appointment only, subject to suitable adoption application.

Jasper

Available for adoption


Register Interest
Age

2 years Old

Breed

Shih Tzu

Sex

Male

Rehoming Criteria Grade

B

General Medical Information

Jasper is vaccinated, flea-treated, wormed, and neutered. 

Note for Adoption

Jasper is a lovable and playful young dog who is eager to please and enjoy the company of people. Here are some key points about Jasper's personality and needs:


  • Cheeky and playful: Jasper loves to have fun and show everyone a good time, especially in his kennel.


  • Loves company: Jasper craves attention and affection from people, and he's a sweet dog who loves to cuddle and greet everyone he meets.


  • Needs reassurance: Jasper lacks confidence, but his time in foster care has helped him build some self-assurance. He still requires further support to boost his confidence.


  • Intelligent and trainable: Jasper is a smart dog who picks up on training quickly and enjoys interacting with people and his toys.


  • Nervous in certain situations: Jasper can become nervous around people and certain dogs on occasion, especially in stressful situations. This can lead him to reacting to other dogs by barking.
    He will need on going when meeting new dogs out and about.


  • Good recall but needs improvement: Jasper has good basic training and his recall is generally good, but he would benefit from further training in this area.


  • Requires a patient owner: Jasper needs an owner who is understanding of dog body language and willing to use reward-based training to help him build confidence.


  • Needs regular grooming: Jasper requires regular grooming to keep his coat in good condition.

  • Living arrangements: Jasper requires company during the day and to be the only pet in house. He would benefit from a reasonable-sized garden for playtime and zoomies, and an owner who is willing to invest time in training and socialization. However, due to his nervous nature, Jasper is not suitable for households with children.



Overall, Jasper is a lovable and playful dog who requires a patient and understanding owner who can provide him with the care and attention he needs to thrive.


Meet and Greet with Jasper will need to be arranged by appointment only, subject to suitable adoption application.