Lola is about a year and a half old and came to us from our local animal care and control back in April. We were volunteering at the intake shelter when we heard the familiar words: "Can we show you someone who might need you?"

Lola was in the employee-only section, not because of behavior issues, but because she was terrified. An owner surrender, she was overwhelmed and confused about why she'd been left in such a noisy, unfamiliar place. She had to be carried out, hiding her head the entire time. But the moment we stepped into the parking lot, it was like a switch flipped. She knew she was safe.

Since then, we've realized Lola simply wasn't set up for success in her previous home. Thankfully, her foster is fully committed to helping her build confidence and learn how to navigate the world. Now she just needs a forever family with that same patience and dedication. Lola is shy at first. She doesn't always do well meeting strangers unless they follow her lead. She may bark because she doesn't yet realize that strangers can be kind, too. If you move slowly and give her space, she'll warm up and once she does, she's incredibly affectionate. She'll ask for love, offer kisses, and happily stay by your side.

She is potty trained and will signal at the door when she needs to go out. In a new home, she may need a little time and consistency to reestablish her routine, but she absolutely understands the process. She's also doing well with crate training. She settles best if you sit nearby for a few minutes or use a crate cover to help her relax.

Outdoors, Lola is still building confidence. We suspect she didn't have much exposure to new dogs or people before rescue, so busier environments can feel overwhelming. She does beautifully on quiet trails and in calmer areas. In more active neighborhoods, she benefits from treats and a confident handler. For this reason, we believe she would thrive in a suburban or lower-traffic nieghborhood.

We've been working on structured co-walks with other dogs, and she's improving every time, though her comfort level can depend on the other dog's energy. Her reactions don't stem from aggression, but from uncertainty. When she trusts her handler, she shows genuine curiosity about making new friends. We truly believe that as her confidence grows, she'll discover how much she enjoys playtime and companionship.

Lola's ideal adopter will meet her where she is, continue her training, and focus on building a strong, trusting bond. In return, they'll gain an incredibly loyal, loving companion. We are requiring an adoption trial to help ensure Lola is set up for success in her new home and provide support before making it official.

Her adoption fee includes spay, up-to-date vaccines and preventatives, and microchip. She is currently being fostered in Chicago and has an open adoption radius, meaning we accept applications from anywhere. However, approved adopters must travel to Chicago to meet her and finalize the adoption. If you'd like to be considered for Lola, please apply directly. For questions prior to applying, email [email protected].