Available for adoption in NJ: “My name is Daphne but I'm affectionately referred to as ‘Daffy Italiano’ because I love to eat spaghetti from a fork and gingerly take a meatball from my foster mom’s hand. That may not sound pawsome, but it is for me.

The beginning of my life got off to a rough start. At almost 2 years old, I am only now learning how to trust a human, but don’t worry - my foster mom will share with you all the pointers on how to make my transition into a furever home a successful one.”

Daphne was rescued, along with her siblings, from a neglectful situation where they were confined to a small space with little human contact for the first year of their lives. As a result, Daphne takes time to warm up. She is still building trust with people and doing very well. She will keep space between herself and strangers but doesn’t run away. She is alert to her surroundings and deeply observes everyone and everything.

Daphne is a very low maintenance dog. She is not a barker, preferring to speak with her eyes and cocked head. She's housebroken and uses training pads like a champion.

While she loves walks and car rides, leashing and getting her into the car is a work in progress, but she really enjoys having free run of a fenced in yard.

Daphne understands which furniture is dog friendly and found out recently the large scary puffy beds on the floor are absolutely wonderful to go off to dreamland. She uses her crate to rest but it’s never locked since she spent the beginning of her life confined.

Daphne lives with a diverse pack of dogs and has had several playdates with other pups. She has done well with every dog she has met. In the company of a playful dog she gets lost in the moment, relishing in the fun and good times. She shines and it melts your heart. However, she is also able to keep herself entertained, playing alone with her imaginary friends as she tosses her bones in the air.

Baking in the sun is another favorite sport of hers. She also loves the kitchen and follows you around to see what you are doing but is not a Velcro dog. Daphne has not been tested with cats.

Daphne’s simple wish for her furever home would be one that gives her space, time, understanding and love. She would do best in a home without small children due to the attention she will need to come out of her shell. She would blossom with another playful dog in the home to help her learn how to trust her humans and be a dog. A home with a fenced-in yard would be ideal.

Daphne is being fostered in Wayne, NJ. If interested in her, we request a visit with her in her foster home to ensure the best fit.

The first step is to fill out our application:

https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption...

There is an additional $20 microchip fee which includes registration and transfer to her new furever family.