willow

Meet Willow!

A courageous two-year-old Siberian Husky/American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Los Angeles, CA, whose tricolor coat shimmers as brightly as her unstoppable spirit.

Willow’s story is one of resilience, growth, and hope. Despite a challenging beginning, she’s blossomed into a loving, curious girl with an unstoppable zest for life. A distemper survivor with a fighter’s heart, Willow has endured more than most pups her age, but you’d never know it when she’s trotting happily on a long walk or curling up beside her caregiver for a cuddle session. Walks? She looooves them, whether it’s a brisk stroll or an adventurous hike, she’s happiest when exploring the world with her person!

This playful and spirited girl currently shares her space with four senior dogs. While she does best in a single-dog home, her trainer believes she could thrive with a dog of similar energy and age, just no snack-sharing please, as Willow can guard her food around other dogs. She has also shown protective behaviors, including a past incident where she attempted to bite a mail carrier when startled, and she tends to nip when overly excited. Willow is also fearful of strangers, particularly men, which can cause her to react defensively when she feels unsure or unsafe. These behaviors are rooted in past trauma and fear, not aggression, and she’s actively working through them in a board-and-train program focused on building confidence through positive reinforcement. With the right support, she’s learning how to trust again. Willow prefers to be the center of affection and would flourish in a home that can offer her one-on-one love, structure, and understanding. She’s making real progress and trying so hard to get things right, especially when surrounded by patient hearts and steady routines.

Willow is crate trained, house trained, and knows the “sit” command like a pro! She’s a clever explorer who once figured out how to push through a screen window just to be near her favorite people. Her heart is full of affection, loyalty, and a need to feel safe. She thrives with a calm, adult family that values routine and kindness, and she’s especially compatible with guardians who are home often and understand the beauty of going slow and steady.

If you're someone who believes in second chances, sees strength where others might see struggle, and has the time, patience, and love to help Willow continue to grow, she just might be your heart dog waiting to happen!

Could Willow be the devoted, adventurous, snuggle-loving girl your family’s been waiting for? Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to meet Willow today!

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