Mary: A Smart, Loyal Cattle Dog Mix Ready for Her Next Mission
Location: Phoenix, Arizona at Almost There Rescue
Breed: Queensland Heeler/Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 6 years old
Date of Birth: April 7, 2020
Gender: Female
Weight: 37 pounds
Size: Medium
After raising her Project Hail Mary puppies, Mary has completed her job as a devoted mother. Now this loving 6-year-old is ready for a mission of her own: finding a family that will choose her.
Mary spent her entire life with one owner before arriving at Almost There Rescue, so adjusting to a completely different environment has been a major change. Despite everything unfamiliar around her, she has shown herself to be a smart, curious girl who bonds deeply with the people she learns to trust.
She is an adventure buddy, puzzle solver, fetch enthusiast, and cuddle bug wrapped into one loyal companion.
Meet Mary
Mary is a 37-pound Queensland Heeler and Cattle Dog mix with the intelligence and drive commonly associated with herding breeds.
She loves having activities that engage both her body and her mind. Some of her favorite things include:
Playing fetch
Learning new skills
Solving treat puzzles
Exercising with her people
Exploring her surroundings
Curling up for cuddles after an active day
Mary is not looking for a home where she will be expected to entertain herself without guidance. She needs people who enjoy interacting with their dog and will give her productive ways to use her intelligence.
A Strong Bond with Her People
Mary forms close relationships with the people she trusts. Once she feels safe, she becomes a loving companion who wants to participate in everyday life.
Because she spent so many years with one owner, Mary may need time to understand that her next family is permanent. A predictable routine and patient approach will help her adjust.
Her adopter should initially limit overwhelming outings and large groups of visitors. Giving Mary time to settle will allow her true personality to emerge naturally.
Wary of Strangers
Mary can be cautious around unfamiliar people, particularly men.
Introductions should be calm and should never involve forcing her to accept physical contact. Visitors can help Mary by initially ignoring her, avoiding direct eye contact, and tossing treats from a comfortable distance.
Her adopter should understand canine body language and recognize when she needs more space. Positive experiences will help Mary build confidence far more effectively than pressure or punishment.
An Active Herding Dog
Mary needs an active home familiar with the exercise, enrichment, and structure that herding breeds often require.
Daily walks are valuable, but physical exercise should be combined with mental activities. Treat puzzles, scent games, short training sessions, and structured fetch can help keep her satisfied.
Her future routine might include:
A morning walk
Breakfast in a puzzle feeder
Short training sessions
Games of fetch
Supervised time in the yard
Enrichment activities
Quiet evening cuddles
Mary can be vocal when she is excited, uncertain, or trying to communicate. For that reason, a detached home with a yard would likely suit her better than an apartment or shared-wall property.
Selective About Other Dogs
Mary is selective about her canine friends. She prefers dogs that communicate clearly, respect boundaries, and do not overwhelm her.
Any resident dog should meet Mary through Almost There Rescue before adoption. A calm, socially appropriate dog may be a possible companion, but a pushy or overly energetic dog may not be suitable.
Her compatibility with cats and other animals is currently unknown. Families with pets should discuss their complete household with the rescue.
Best with Children 12 and Older
Because of Mary’s energy, herding instincts, and need for respectful interactions, she is looking for a home with children ages 12 and older.
Older children should understand how to give her space, avoid rough handling, and follow the family’s training and management rules. All household members should attend Mary’s adoption meeting so the rescue can determine whether everyone feels comfortable together.
Mary’s Ideal Home
Mary would thrive with a patient, experienced family that appreciates intelligent working dogs.
Her ideal home will provide:
Children ages 12 or older
A house with a secure yard
Daily exercise
Mental enrichment and treat puzzles
Plenty of fetch
Positive, consistent training
Patient introductions to strangers
A compatible resident dog or no other dogs
Time to adjust to a new routine
Affection and companionship
Lifelong veterinary care
Mary could be an excellent match for an individual, couple, or family seeking an active dog who will also happily cuddle when the day’s adventures are finished.
Mary’s Health
Mary is house-trained, spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Her adopter should request copies of her veterinary records and confirm her vaccination dates, microchip information, parasite prevention, current diet, and any ongoing health recommendations.
About Almost There Rescue
Almost There Rescue is a Phoenix nonprofit specializing in pregnant dogs, nursing mothers, and young puppies.
The rescue provides veterinary care, socialization, enrichment, and behavioral support while helping its dogs prepare for family life. Mary received the care she needed while raising her puppies and is now ready to be someone’s cherished companion.
How to Adopt Mary
Anyone interested in Mary should schedule a Meet Our Teen + Adult Dogs appointment.
Mary’s profile:
Meet Mary on Petfinder
Adoption information:
Adopt Through Almost There Rescue
Schedule an appointment:
Book an Adoption Appointment
Rescue website:
Almost There Rescue
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have valid state-issued identification. All household members and resident dogs should attend the meeting.
Adoption Fee
Mary’s written biography says her adoption fee is $200, while Petfinder’s fee field currently displays $150. Applicants should confirm the correct current amount with Almost There Rescue when scheduling.
Contact Information
Address: 2611 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Email: info@almostthererescue.org
Phone: (480) 336-9860
Website: almostthererescue.org
Visits: By appointment; walk-ins may be accepted when space permits
Help Mary Begin Her Next Chapter
Mary has spent her life bonding deeply with one owner and then devoted herself to raising her puppies. She has taken care of others—now she deserves a family that will care for her.
She needs activity, structure, patience, and respectful introductions. In return, Mary offers loyalty, intelligence, playful adventures, and plenty of cuddles.
Please share her story with experienced herding-dog families who may be ready to become Mary’s co-pilots on her next great mission.
