The thing is, she's not timid once she knows the person. She's a big lovebug with the shelter people that she knows, even the the guy worker I met. It's just that it takes her a while to be comfortable with new people (except for kids, who she apparently likes right away). And she needs to be socialized to lots of things, although they said she's good on her walks around the neighborhood -

You know, a shy dog will always have that tendency BUT you can still do some amazing things with one. As long as you are a pretty experienced trainer and fluent with markers and reading dogs...you can have a great relationship. My severely shy dog was my first dog actually but I went on to do agility competitions with her and she was the best companion, remote control obedience. Its all about what you want and what you want to work with.

Here you go Matt, a clear headed dog that needs rescue http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/kaipo-dies-at-the-end-of-the-week-thanks-to-deadbeat-owner

 Quote: Al Curbow

Here you go Matt, a clear headed dog that needs rescue http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/kaipo-dies-at-the-end-of-the-week-thanks-to-deadbeat-owner

This really breaks my heart. You're right, Al, he seems like a stable and friendly dog. Matt, are you out there? Anybody in California who can help this guy? He's been sentenced to death because of the humans in his life, not anything he did wrong. And, yes, I know Kaipo's story is not unique. These tragedies get repeated thousands of times a day all over the country.

Thanks for the link Al. I tried a few searches and he didn't turn up so I think he must've gotten pulled by somebody. If he was still there, I'd have made an effort, but I'm over 600 miles from LA so it'd have been tough. Thanks for thinking of me though!

Just wanted to follow up and let you guys know that I just this past weekend adopted a 7month old lab (mix) pup from the county shelter, one county to the East of my county. She's smart and confident and friendly. Pretty darn solid all in all, considering the funky environment it sounded like she came from. She has either had some training (hard to believe considering her story) or she's just intuitive about learning things because she's doing really well already with the basics. For a lab pup, she's not too hyper but still pretty energetic, though she can calm down when she needs to. She looks to be pretty much all lab but she has a bit of a curve to her tail. 45 lbs right now and was just spayed last week. I figure she might top out at around 60 lbs. Funny thing - I didn't go planning on adopting her. I was just going to meet her and then think about it over the weekend, but it ended up seeming like such a good fit that I brought her home that afternoon and took the day off work.

Anyway, thanks for all the moral support and advise. I'm sure I'll be posting with questions regarding Bella at some point and will try to get a photo uploaded soon.

Congratulations, Matt, on adding Bella to your family! I guess it's true, you know the right one when you see him/her. She sounds like a real sweetie, and I look forward to updates, photos.