Sheila: A Shy, Affectionate Lab Mix Learning to Trust
Location: House Springs, Missouri at Open Door Animal Sanctuary
Breed: Labrador Retriever mix
Age: Approximately 1 year
Gender: Female
How to Adopt Sheila
Sheila is waiting at Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs, Missouri.
View Sheila’s Petfinder Profile
Complete the Canine Preliminary Adoption Form
View Open Door’s Adoption Information
Phone: 636-671-3643
Email: tracie@odas.org
Address: 6065 Duda Road, House Springs, MO 63051
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Visits: By appointment
Applicants must submit a preliminary adoption form before scheduling a visit. Once a match is found, Open Door conducts a home visit before finalizing the adoption. Applicants must live within 100 miles of the shelter.
Sheila’s $150 adoption fee includes preventative care, vaccinations, a microchip, medical records, collar, tags, food, and other take-home supplies. Open Door’s general dog adoption fee also covers spaying or neutering. Applicants should confirm Sheila’s individual medical status directly with the shelter. Open Door adoption information
About Sheila
Sheila’s journey began on a cold February evening when she was seen running near Open Door’s parking lot with another dog.
Although the other dog was caught quickly, a frightened Sheila disappeared into the night. When shelter employees returned the following morning, they found her waiting nearby—tired, uncertain, and reluctant to trust.
Staff gently secured her, carried her inside in a crate, and gave her a quiet, warm place to rest. In the months since, Sheila has blossomed into a loving young dog who finds tremendous comfort in the people she trusts.
She may be cautious at first, but once Sheila feels safe, she wants to be as close as possible. She leans into her favorite people, melts into their laps, and happily soaks up affection.
When meeting someone new, she may offer an adorable combination of full-body wiggles and a submissive grin. Her family will need to give her time to approach and connect without pressure.
Sheila is also learning to walk more confidently on a leash. Continued positive experiences will help her become even more comfortable exploring the world beside someone she trusts.
Her compatibility with other dogs will depend on the match. Sheila was not interested in reconnecting with the dog she arrived with, but the shelter believes she may eventually enjoy living with the right canine companion. Any introduction should be slow and carefully supervised.
Her compatibility with cats and children is currently unknown. Families with either should speak with Open Door before applying. Sheila’s Petfinder profile
What Sheila Loves
Sheila may enjoy:
Quiet time with trusted people
Cuddling and sitting in laps
Gentle affection
Calm, confidence-building walks
Predictable daily routines
Reward-based training
Treat searches and food puzzles
Exploring at her own pace
Comfortable places to rest
Patient people who celebrate her progress
Because Sheila is not yet house-trained, her adopter should expect to establish a consistent bathroom schedule and reward her whenever she goes outside.
Her Ideal Home
Sheila’s ideal family will:
Give her time to build trust
Provide a calm and predictable environment
Continue her house and leash training
Use positive-reinforcement methods
Avoid forcing unfamiliar interactions
Introduce resident dogs slowly
Confirm her compatibility with children and other animals
Offer daily mental and physical enrichment
Provide routine veterinary care
Appreciate the special bond earned through a shy dog’s trust
Make her a permanent member of the family
Sheila has already come a long way from the frightened dog waiting outside the shelter on a cold morning.
Now she needs a patient person who will help her continue building confidence. In return, Sheila is ready to offer affection, playful wiggles, lap cuddles, and the deeply meaningful love of a dog who has learned that she is finally safe.
