Adopt

Shiba Inu Rescue Association Adoption Process

So you've seen the beautiful, headstrong breed known as the Shiba Inu. You've looked at your living situation and decided that you are ready to open your home to a homeless Shiba. Now the question is, how do you adopt one? Below is SIRA's adoption process explained. Please read all the information as our process may differ from other shelters or rescue organizations you may have looked into adopting from. We currently CANNOT accept applications from people outside of the Midwest region. Our service area includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

The first step in adopting a rescue Shiba from SIRA is to fill out our adoption application. This allows us to find out more about you and your family, your living situation and what you are looking for in a forever friend. You must complete all applicable fields in the application and be as detailed as possible. Incomplete applications will be returned for correction. Please click HERE to complete the application. If you have any problems or questions do not hesitate to contact us at adoptsirashibas@gmail.com.
Once we receive and review your application, we will call and verify your references. All applicants are REQUIRED to provide TWO non-related references that do not reside in your home. These should be people who have been around your pets or are familiar with your pet experience If that is not possible (i.e. you have never owned pets or have not owned any for many years) please provide references who know you well.
If you currently own or have owned pets, you will need to provide us with your most recent veterinarian's information and please contact them to grant permission to release your records to Shiba Inu Rescue Association. Failure to do so will result in a delay of the adoption process.
If you are renting, you will need to provide us with your landlord's information. Please also let us know of any breed/weight/pet restrictions set by your landlord. We will be calling to verifying all information. It might be helpful to let your landlord know we will be contacting them. If we cannot verify that you are allowed to have a dog, it delays the process.
You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt.
Once the application is approved and references are checked, we will find a volunteer to perform your home visit. The volunteer will make arrangements to visit with you in your home. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING CHILDREN, MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE ENTIRE HOME VISIT. The home visit gives us the opportunity to discuss with you and your family any issues or potential dangers for the dog (i.e. exposed wires, possible escape issues, etc. ). We can then offer suggestions of how to Shiba-proof your home and management techniques to keep the dog safe and everyone happy. This is also the time for us to find out and discuss with you exactly what your are looking for in a dog, and what will fit best with your family.
Find your forever friend! Once your home visit has been completed and you have been approved to adopt, you may begin the search for your forever friend. Use the email links on the dogs' bio pages to contact the foster families and let them know you are interested in their foster.
Foster families care for the rescued shibas in their home for an average of 6-8 weeks. They evaluate the dogs and find out how they are with adults, children, dogs, cats and other pets if possible. They know how much stimulation and activity their foster dog needs in addition to any training that may be needed in the future.
All potential adopters are required to travel to meet their new dogs in person and resident dogs must meet the foster dog at the foster home. There is also a 24 hour waiting period before adoption may occur.
If you are not able to adopt the first dog you are interested in, please do not be discouraged. This does not mean you are not a good home for a rescue Shiba, it only means that there was another family who's situation was better for that particular dog. Keep looking and inquire when you see a dog you are interested in. Your perfect match is out there and you will find it. We will help you in the process!

ADOPTION!
Once you have found your perfect match and the foster home has approved you to adopt their foster dog, an adoption day will be arranged. All resident dogs must meet potential new dogs. We require a waiting period as well. Before your forever friend comes home, you will need to be sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for your new Shiba. A Shopping Check List is available for you to use. You will be required to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within the first 10 days of adoption and provide proof of such check up to the adoption coordinator. The final stop in the process is to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee!

Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog and are based on the age of the dog when they entered foster care:
Puppies to 1 year = $550.00 (Please note - all puppies under 6 months are required to be foster/foster to adopts due to spay/neuter age) (Foster/Foster to Adopt = $525.00*)
Adolescent 1-3 years = $450.00 (Foster/Foster to Adopt = $425.00*)
Young Adult 4-6 years = $350.00 (Foster/Foster to Adopt = $325.00*)
Adult 7-9 years = $300.00 (Foster/Foster to Adopt = $275.00*)
Senior 10+ years = $200.00
*Foster/Foster to Adopt rate only applies if fees are paid in full within 14 days of receipt of adoption contract. Dogs already listed as available for adoption are no longer eligible for Foster/Foster to Adopt rate.
Adoption fees may be paid by check, money order, cashiers check, Venmo or Zelle only! Fees paid by PayPal are subject to a service charge.

Shiba Inu Rescue Association reserves the right to deny any applicant at any stage in the adoption process for any reason.

ADOPTABLE DOGS!

WENDY - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

I am Wendy and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 9 years old and a gentle, well-mannered, little lady! I came to SIRA after a life as a breeding mama. When the breeder did not want me anymore, SIRA brought me to my foster home near Minneapolis. Living in a house with people is brand new to me – and kind of scary. There are so many unfamiliar sounds and new things that I’m still cautious and skittish when a loud noise or unexpected movement surprises me. But I’m learning that I like it here! There are so many soft places to nap and a securely fenced yard where I can explore. And OMG there are squirrels! They are fascinating! When I see them in the yard, I stop whatever I’m doing to watch. I like the other dogs in my foster home. They help me feel safe when I snuggle with them. There are cats here too and I’m good with them. I’m still getting used to the humans. They are nice to me and I like to follow them around and watch what they’re doing. When they settle in on the couch to watch TV, sometimes I’ll join them. I don’t get too close, but I do enjoy having them nearby. Foster dad says he can tell that I am starting to relax and show my true Shibatude, because when I really don’t like something, I show my disapproval with a really good Shiba scream! Foster dad says I’m a smart girl. I’m learning to respond to my name and to respond to commands – sometimes (I AM a Shiba afterall). My forever family will need to be experienced with shy, fearful dogs and be patient as I learn to feel safe in my new home. I let my foster dad pick me up, but I still need to learn about going for walks on a leash. I’m healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and I weigh about 19 pounds. My forever home will need to have a securely fenced yard for me to play in. Like many Shibas, I’ve shown signs of being a door-bolter and escape-artist, so my forever family will need to be vigilant when they open doors and supervise me carefully outside. My ideal forever home will have another nice dog to help me adjust and come out of my shell. Cats would be okay too. I’ve met some little humans, and I’d be okay if my forever family had gentle kids that are not too little or too high-energy. But most of all, my forever family will need to be able to give me time and love while I adjust. If you can do that, I will be a sweet and loving addition to your life. If you live in the Midwest, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to become an approved adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can connect you with my foster dad, so we can meet. foster mom, so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.

JOTARO - AVON, IN

My name is Jotaro and I’m looking for my forever home. I was found as a stray and brought to a shelter where I stayed while the staff tried to find my owners. When nobody claimed me, the shelter contacted SIRA, thinking I was a Shiba Inu. SIRA brought me to my foster home in Indiana, where I live now. I got checked out at the vet and they say I am a healthy boy. They think I’m around 7 or 8 years old and I weigh around 40 pounds. I am neutered, house and crate-trained, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Even though I act and look kind-of like a Shiba, SIRA wanted to know for sure, so they got my DNA tested and found out my secret! I’m actually a New Guinea Singing Dog! Singers are Most Singers behave quite differently than typical dogs. We are an ancient breed like Shibas that came from wolves originally. But while the Shiba Inu breed was developed in Japan, Singers come from the Island of New Guinea. We are related to the Australian Dingo and pretty special and unusual – so special that you can sometimes find Singers in a Zoo. But SIRA thinks I’ve lived in a home with humans and other animals before, because of how well I’ve adapted. I’d rather be in a home with a family that loves me and knows how to keep me happy and safe. As you might have guessed, Singers got their name because we sing! When I sing, it’s more musical than a howl and certainly much prettier and more polite than a Shiba scream (video in the comments). I like it here at my foster home. I’m not really into playing and I’m not much of a cuddler, but I like being close to my foster family. My favorite thing to do is to find a soft, comfy place to curl up and hang out. My foster mom and dad are really nice to me. They call me Jojo and love me like part of the family. I’m cautious and apprehensive and shy, and I tend to startle easily, but once I get to know you, I’m also very affectionate and love to give kisses. There are other dogs here and I’m good with the 3 boy dogs, who are pretty submissive and easy-going. There is a girl dog here too, but she’s kind of bossy and I am not so fond of her dominance. My best friend here is a cat! Now, that’s unusual for a Singer, but I like her the best. She is used to dogs and she gets me – I like being near her, but I also like my personal space. There are three human kids here too and we get along well. I haven’t been around really little kids (younger than 9) since coming here. Foster mom says I’m smart and curious. My favorite places to explore are the tabletops and counter tops where the humans keep really interesting (and sometimes yummy) stuff. My perfect forever family will be calm and attentive. It would be ideal if they are familiar with New Guinea Singing Dogs or with other ancient breeds. I’d do well with moderately active adults who like to go for walks and I’d enjoy having older kids around as long as they are respectful and give me my space when I need it. If you have another dog who is laid back, friendly, and respectful, that might be just fine. I’m not the kind of dog that is good off leash. Like Shibas, Singers are very independent and have a high prey drive – and lousy recall, so all it takes is a bunny or squirrel or a blowing leaf to catch our eye, and we’re gone! If my forever home has a fenced yard, it’s super important that it be very secure, with a high fence that I can’t climb or jump of gaps that I can squeeze through. While I haven’t tried to break out of my foster home, Singers (like Shibas) are really amazing escape artists and my forever family will need to commit to supervising me when I'm outside. I do best on a consistent diet since my tummy can get sensitive with too many changes. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in me, the next step is to apply to become an approved adopter with SIRA. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to download the application forms. The application helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match! Once you’re approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster mom and dad so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.

KITA - BONDURANT, IA

My name is Kita and I'm looking for my forever home! I’m 6 years old and live with my foster family in Bondurant, IA. I came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility where it was my job to make puppies. But that life is behind me now. I’m a healthy girl – spayed and up-to-date on my vaccinations – and I weigh just under 25 lbs. This is my first time living with humans in a home. Everything is so new and overwhelming! But foster mom is proud of me for how I am adapting. I'm still very shy and cautious with people, but I'm starting to understand that I can trust my foster family. They're so kind to me, and their affection feels nice, even though it's new for me. Sometimes when I'm feeling very brave I'll sneak up to get petted - and sometimes I'll even give little kisses or hop up on the couch. When I meet new people, I'm curious, but I generally won't approach until I know them. My very favorite thing about my new life is being outside! I love to be outside – chasing the other dogs in the fenced yard or just hanging out pretending I’m a wild Shiba doing wild Shiba things. My foster mom hangs out with me. It spoils my wild fantasy when she watches me and I let her know with my very best HOWL! My perfect forever home will be a calm, quiet place where I can continue to get used to this new life. I’d love to have a couple of cozy, soft, quiet spots of my very own, and a kind person to pet me and give me a hotdog from time to time. Loud noises and sudden, unexpected movements spook me and my instincts make me want to bolt and hide. For that reason, my forever family will need to be extra-careful when opening doors. I’d really love to have a securely fenced yard of my own to play in and a nice dog-friend or two to play with, but I could probably get used to leash walks with some more practice. I’m learning how to walk on a leash. I’m still a bit nervous at first, but once I get going, I forget to be nervous. I'm good with other dogs and I pretty much ignore the cats here in my foster home, so I’d be fine with them too. I’ve met some kids and I’m curious about them, but nervous because of their sudden movements and squealy noises. I’m a very good girl when left on my own. Foster mom lets me have free run of the house and I don’t have accidents or destroy things while she’s gone. If you live in the Midwest and want to help a pretty girl like me learn to live her very best life, then visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, they’ll introduce you to my foster mom, so we can meet! My adoption fee is $350.00.

ERIE - FINDLAY, OH

Update - Meeting Pending! My name is Erie and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m 6 years old and came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility. I’m a healthy and beautiful sesame girl - around 25 lbs and I’m being fostered in the Findlay, OH area. I didn't live in a home with people until recently, so I'm still getting used to this new life. Unexpected movements and unfamiliar noises can startle me. I’m figuring out that humans can be really kind and gentle. My foster family is so nice to me. I still get jumpy, but foster mama says that I’m a real sweetheart! I I am the first one to greet her with a smile and a tail wag in the morning and when she comes home. And I don’t show any aggression to people. I’m gentle with little humans too. I’ve learned that if I approach my foster mom she’ll pet me! I like how it feels so much that I've started to feel comfortable letting her rub my belly. I give her little kisses on the top of her head when she bends down to show her how happy I am. Foster mom says I’m really smart and very curious, so I figure out how to maneuver things to get what I want. I love going for walks outside. Like many Shibas, I’d love to chase all of the critters outside, but I’m learning that I can't catch them when I'm attached to foster mom on a leash, so I just stop and watch. I like going outside! My forever family will need to be very careful when coming and going from outside to keep me from getting loose. I’m a little sneaky sometimes and have figured out how to get around the dog gate if it isn’t set up just right. But don’t let my Shiba-tude mislead you. I’m a very good girl! I have never had an accident in the house and I tolerate baths with no complaints. I am not one of those Shibas that jumps all over the furniture either. I’m happy being a “floor dog.” Even if I get scared by thunder or fireworks, I will come into the bedroom for refuge, but I’m not interested in being on the bed. I’m also a good girl when my foster family is away at work. I’d love to have an active forever family who will take me out on lots of long walks and hikes. Having a fenced yard would be nice for days when we can’t go for walks to help me burn off energy. It would be great if my forever family had another nice dog who could help show me the ropes and teach me how to play and how to be a pet. I’ve never lived with a cat or other small pets and considering how I like to chase the outside critters, living with small pets might not be a good fit for me. If you have experience with fearful, skittish dogs, and can give me time and patience and some training, I promise I’ll be a wonderful addition to your life. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in a smart, pretty girl like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process to become an approved SIRA adopter. Applying helps SIRA learn more about you so they can learn if we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet. My adoption fee is $350.00.

SASHA - SUN PRAIRIE, WI

Hi, my name is Sasha and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m five years old and my foster family says I’m a sweetheart! Until recently, I lived in a home with a family, but they decided that they couldn’t care for me any longer. A really nice lady took me in and helped me get to my foster home. So, a bit more about me: I’m pretty nervous and shy and cautious around people who I don’t know. But if you’re patient with me and help me build trust (and give me hot dogs), I’ll be your best girl. Some things I love include being outside. I love to hang out in the securely fenced yard at my foster home and play with the other dogs in my foster home. What’s even better is when foster mom takes me for a walk! I love exploring. And I love hot dogs! But more on that later… I like my foster home and get excited when my foster parents come back home, even though I still play hard-to-get when they want to pet me. I’m pretty laid-back when I’m indoors. I’m a very good girl. I’m house-trained and don’t even jump up on the furniture (even though my foster family says it’s okay). I like to sit in front of the TV and take a nap, or even go down the hall to the bedroom to get some alone time. My wish list for my forever home would include humans who are patient and gentle with me to help me not feel so scared. I will need at least one other nice dog to play with, and a securely fenced yard to play in. I’d love to have a quiet home without small kids… but with lots and LOTS of hot dogs!! Did I mention that I like hot dogs? Yeah. I REALLY like hot dogs!! I weigh about 25 lbs and am healthy and spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. I’m being fostered in the Madison, WI area. If you live in the Midwest and would like to be my forever home, the next step is to visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming approved to adopt. Just download the application that will help SIRA learn more about you to see if we might be a good match. Once you’re approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster family so we can meet. My adoption fee is $350.00.

AIKO - MONROE, WI

My name is Aiko and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 9 years old and a petite girl - I weigh about 18 pounds. I spent my whole life making puppies at a commercial breeding facility. When they didn't want me anymore, SIRA rescued me and brought me to my foster home here in Monroe, Wisconsin. At first, I was so scared by just about everything. But gradually I started to realize that things here are pretty nice. My foster parents are so kind and gentle. Foster mom calls me her "Little Teddy Graham" which is sooo embarrassing, but you see what I mean. And as I started to relax, I let my true self come out. I may be (ahem) a mature lady, but I'm a silly girl at heart. I like to play peek-a-boo with my foster family around corners and run in the yard with the resident dogs here in my foster home. They have things called toys here! We never had them where I was before and at first I didn't know what they were for. But I've figured out how to play fetch with them all by myself. I also like keeping an eye on things here - I mean someone has to, right? I'll come to the top of the stairs to see who is coming in the front door so they don't let any riff-raff in. Foster mom says I also have a sassy side. I have NO idea what she means, but apparently I'm a picky eater? Hrmph. I mean do you blame me? Once you show me all of the delicious foods that exist, yes, I'll go on hunger strike if given the same wet food every day. A lady needs variety! Another new thing for me is going for a spa day. I had no idea what was happening the first time, but OMG the pampering and the nice smelling things they rub on me! It feels so good! And we get to ride in the car! I like rides, even if I'm sometimes nervous about going someplace new. I also like to go for walks, but I'm not always so fond of getting my harness and leash put on. I'm a healthy girl - spayed, house-trained, and up-to-date on my vaccinations. I do have seasonal allergies, but I take a daily allergy pill during the summer and fall and that keeps the itchies under control. My perfect forever home will be a quiet one, since I'm still getting used to this new life. A nice resident dog to be my friend and a securely fenced yard to play in are also on my "must have" list. If you have cats or other pets, that's fine with me, but no little human kids please. They terrify me! My forever family should be experienced with shy/fearful dogs like me and able to be patient with me as I continue to adapt to this new life. They should be careful to prevent escapes, since scared Shibas like me sometimes try to bolt. If you live in the midwest and think you'd like a fluffy little Teddy Graham of your very own (I can't believe I just said that), visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to learn more and download SIRA's application forms. Applying to become an approved adopter helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can make sure we'd be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster family so we can meet! My adoption fee is $300.00.

NYKON - OAK FOREST, IL

Update - Adoption Pending! My name is Nykon and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 7 years old, I weigh 22 lbs, and I recently came to live in my foster home in Oak Forest, IL. I’m a healthy boy, neutered and up-to-date on my vaccinations. Until the SIRA people came to rescue me, I had spent my whole life at a commercial breeding facility helping to make puppies. Everything about living in a home with humans is new and strange to me, and I don’t mind admitting that at first, I was terrified! But now I’m starting to learn what it means to be a treasured family member. I’m still pretty cautious and skittish around new things – especially unexpected movements and noises. But as I get used to the new routines here, my curiosity is starting to help me feel brave. I’m learning to trust my foster dad. It really helps when there is string cheese involved. He will gently pick me up and sit down on the couch next to me and I’ll stay up there next to him as long as he keeps feeding me pieces of string cheese. Yum!! I’m learning so much! I’m getting the hang of going for walks on a leash. I really love that! I tug a little bit on the leash when we first get going because I’m so excited to explore all of the smells. But the rest of the way, I walk right beside my foster dad like a good boy. Recently, my foster dad took me to a fenced area where there were other people and dogs playing. He said I behaved like a gentleman, sniffing them to get acquainted. There was a really big puppy there who was totally bonkers, so I stayed away from him. Because of that, my foster dad thinks I’d do well in a home with other dogs, as long as they are respectful and laid-back. I haven’t met any cats yet, or small kids, so I’m not sure what I’d think about them. Little kids who scream and run would be too much for me, but I think I might be okay with older kids as long as they’re calm and gentle. My perfect forever home will be one with patient and kind humans who understand that I’m still learning to feel safe in this new world. I’d love to have a private cozy spot where I can go when I need to feel safe. I’d love to have a fenced yard where I can run around and play – and another nice resident dog to be my friend and help show me the ropes of this new life. If you live in the Midwest and want a sweet, gentleman to share your life with, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA make sure that we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster dad so we can meet! My adoption fee is $300.00.

ELLIE - LEES SUMMIT, MO

My name is Ellie and I’m looking for my forever home. Foster mom says that I’m the sweetest Shiba she’s ever met! I’m 7 years old and I lived almost all of my life at a commercial breeding facility making puppies. It was a hard life. When SIRA came and rescued me along with many other Shibas who lived there, I was in rough shape. They noticed that I had a lot of trouble walking. They took me to the vet who said that both of my knees were really, really messed up and needed surgery. SIRA made sure that I got the care I needed, and now I’m much better! I have pins in both of my knees, but they don’t bother me at all, and the only way you can tell is that I have a little bump on each knee that other dogs don’t have. I live in Lees Summit, MO, now with my foster family. It was so scary at first. Everything was so strange and new and I wasn’t used to people being kind. But everyone is so nice! I’m still very wary around humans, especially people that I don’t know. And new noises and unexpected movements still spook me. I like to find quiet corners to hide where I can still watch what’s going on. Now that I’m learning the routine here, I’m starting to get braver. Having routines and schedules really helps me feel safe. I’ve started taking treats from foster mom’s hand and I sometimes let her brush me. When she brushes me or strokes my fur with her hand, it feels so good that I forget to be scared for a minute. Sometimes when my foster family is having fun, I think I’d like to join in, so I’ll sneak up to get a closer look. But I’m still pretty scared so I stay just on the sidelines. Foster mom says that I’m a very good girl. I’ve only ever had one accident in the house, and even then, foster mom could tell I was trying hard to get outside. And when I’m scared, I never get aggressive. I just freeze or run and hide. There are other dogs here in my foster home and I’m starting to figure out how to play with one of them. When I want them to come play, or when I am done playing and what to come inside, I let my foster family know. But I don’t bark – foster mom says I yelp or whine or even meow! My perfect forever home will be a quiet, calm one with grown-up humans who will be patient and gentle. It would be great if they were experienced with shy, skittish, fearful dogs like me and understand that it will take time for me to get used to this new life. Small kids probably aren’t a good match for me – they’d scare me too much. I like going for rides in the car and I’m starting to learn to walk on a leash, but I could still use a lot of practice. I’d love to have a securely fenced yard where I could play and it would be nice if there were another friendly nice dog to play with and to help me learn how to be a treasured family member. I am spayed, healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations and I weigh 22 lbs. If you live in the Midwest and can help a sweet little girl learn what life is all about, then the next step is to apply to become an approved adopter with SIRA. The application process helps SIRA learn about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to start the process. My adoption fee is $350.00.

NELLIE - CHICAGO, IL

Update - Meeting Pending! My name is Nellie and I’m looking for my forever home. My Must Haves: lots of love and attention from my forever home and humans prepared to introduce me gradually to other dogs and manage resource guarding around food and treats. I’m a friendly, happy 9-year-old girl who recently came to my foster home in Chicago from a commercial breeding facility where I spent my whole life making puppies. That was a hard life and I’m very happy to be retired now. Foster mom says she’s so proud of me for how well I’m adapting to my new life. I mean, who wouldn’t like it here!? The humans are so kind and gentle and I love all of the attention, snuggles, petting, and treats! And oh my gosh – the TOYS!! I never knew what toys were before, but they are so much fun! I love unpacking the toy bin just to explore all of my options. When foster mom is home I follow her from room to room because I like being where the action is. I sleep in bed on the pillow right next to her. The first few times that foster mom left me at home when she went out, I got anxious. But once I got used to the routine, I realized that she’d come back soon. I get so excited when foster my foster mom comes home from work. I greet her with a toy in my mouth, my best airplane ears, and a wiggle butt. I also love going for walks. My foster family makes sure that I’m always in a secure harness and they’ve got a tight hold on my leash, because I can sometimes get hesitant and skittish around new and unfamiliar things. But I love exploring! I’m wary of other dogs at first and I may growl at them to let them know that I don’t want them to come too close. But once I see that the dog is friendly and respects my boundaries, then I relax and wag my tail and let the butt sniffing begin! If my forever family has another dog at home, they’ll need to be prepared for a slow and gradual introduction with careful supervision and also to feed me separately from other pets, because I can be protective of my food and treats. But I’m a good girl, I promise! I’m potty trained and tolerate things like baths well. I haven’t met any cats or small pets yet, so I don’t know how I’d do with them. I haven’t been around really little kids much, but I think I’d like them as long as my foster home is careful to supervise closely and introduce me slowly. I’m healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and I weigh just under 20 lbs. So if you live in the Midwest and want a pretty and affectionate best friend to be by your side, then I’m your girl! Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to learn more and to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment to see if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.

MOLLY - BONDURANT, IA

My name is Molly and I’m looking for my forever home. My MUST HAVES: securely fenced yard, quiet home, patient grown ups, no young children. Here’s why. I am 5 years old and I came to my foster home in Bondurant, IA, from a commercial breeding facility where it was my job to make puppies. I’m still getting used to living in a home with people, so I’m still pretty timid. But I’m learning that humans can be kind and gentle. Once I get to know you, I’ll show you how sweet I am. Treats help. Foster mom figured out that Cheddar cheese cubes help me to be brave! When foster mom comes home from work, I get so excited that I prance around and wag my tail with joy. I’m still cautious, but will walk up to foster mom when I want treats or for her to pet me. And I’m even starting to take treats from foster dad, even though men are really scary to me. I’m a very good girl here in my foster home. I am fully house trained and not destructive so I don’t need to be crated. I’m even good in the bathtub (one I let you catch me, that is). I like being indoors where it’s calm and there are soft places to nap, but sometimes I like to sunbathe on the deck outside or run and play with the other dogs who live here. Sudden movements and loud noises still spook me and little kids really make me panic. There’s something about the way they squeal and run around that makes me tremble and pace. Foster mom got me a special Adaptil collar to wear that helps me calm down when I’m really stressed. Foster mom has been teaching me how to walk on a leash. Sometimes I get going for a while and something will startle me. Then I freeze and nothing will make me walk more – not even my favorite treats. So foster mom has to pick me up for a while until I feel brave enough to try again. But since I’m not yet comfortable leash walking, my forever home should have a securely fenced yard and a patient adult human or two to help me learn to feel safe. I’m good with cats and other small pets. I’d love to have another nice dog to run and play with. Oh, and maybe some bully sticks to chew on? Those are my favorite! Toys are still new to me, but I’m starting to be curious about them. I’m a healthy girl, spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations and I weigh about 30 lbs. If you live in the Midwest and would like a shy, sweet girl like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process. Applying to become an approved adopter helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet. My adoption fee is $350.00.

GINGER - FLINT, MI

My name is Ginger and I’m looking for my forever home. My must haves: a securely fenced yard, no small kids, no small pet animals (dog-savvy cats are okay). I’m 6 years old and foster mom calls me Lil’ Lady because I’m such a polite, dignified, shy, and gentle girl. She always tells me how proud she is of how well I’m adjusting to my new world. You see, I lived my whole life at a commercial breeding facility making puppies. When SIRA came to rescue me, I had never lived in a home before, so everything is so new and overwhelming. Where I came from, humans were scary, so I’m getting used to how kind and gentle everyone is here. When I first came to my foster home here in Flint, MI, I was so scared that all I did was hide and shake in my crate. But after just a couple of weeks, I’m learning the new routine and I’m feeling much more safe and secure. Now when it’s time to go outside and play, I get excited and wag my tail. And when it’s dark and quiet and the humans have gone to bed, that’s when my playful, silly side comes out and I toss toys up in the air or chew on chew bones or even do a little redecorating, collecting stray socks or other treasures for my nest. Foster mom says that I’m very smart and learn quickly - and I’ve also gotten good at expressing my opinions (and I have some!). Like if we’re out walking and I decide I’m done, I’ll just sit down – or turn around and walk back toward home. Or if I grab something that I shouldn’t be chewing on and foster mom says “no, ma’am,” I’ll leave it alone for a while, but I might go back to find it again later just to see if she really meant no. I like getting attention from foster mom. She’ll stroke me and talk to me with her kind, gentle voice and it just feels so good! I let her touch my paws and tail and even pick me up. I like it when she brushes my fur too. It feels nice to be pampered. Sometimes when she stops petting me I’ll boop her hand – just a little boop – with my nose to ask for more. I also love being able to go outside in the fenced yard here at my foster home. Sometimes there are bunnies out there for me to chase! Going for leash walks is something I’m practicing. I used to get so scared when cars would pass that I’d lay down and tremble. Now that I’m more used to them I’ll just stop and sit and watch. I’ll need a very patient forever family to help me continue to get used to all of the new noises and movements and experiences that happen in the world. I get along well with other dogs and I’m even good with dog-savvy cats (but I might chase them if they run from me). But foster mom thinks that I wouldn’t be a good match for other small pets (based on how excited I get to chase and catch bunnies). I’d love to find a quiet, laid-back forever home. One with an easy-going dog to help me learn the ropes would be great. If there are kids in the house, it would be best if they were older kids who can understand that loud noises and sudden movements really scare me. I’d love to have a nice cozy crate to use as my den and safe spot – and maybe a sofa where I can hang out next to you and chew on my chew toy. I’ll need a securely fenced yard where I can explore and do my business, since I’m still figuring out this whole leash-walking thing. Sometimes walks are just too much for me with all of the cars and people walking and kids playing and lawnmowers. If you’re patient and give me time and gentle encouragement, I promise I’ll be a very good girl. I’m not loud and don’t make a racket. I’m good in the car and totally okay being left alone if you need to go out. I haven’t shown signs of door bolting like other Shibas, but my forever family will need to be careful when opening doors or gates so I don’t slip out. I’m healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations and I weigh just under 30 lbs. If you live in the Midwest and want your very own Lil’ Lady to be by your side, then visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process to become an approved SIRA adopter. Applying helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can make sure we’d be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet! My adoption fee is $350.00.

RHEA - MACHESNEY PARK, IL

My name is Rhea and I’m looking for my forever home. My must-haves are a quiet, calm home with no small kids. I’m a quiet 8-year-old and until recently, I spent my whole life at a commercial breeding facility making puppies. That life was hard, but it was all I knew. When the nice people at SIRA came and brought me to my foster home here in Machesney Park, IL, it was like landing on Mars – everything was so strange and scary. But I’m starting to learn that people can be kind and gentle. I am curious about the things they do and enjoy watching from a distance. It’s still scary and overwhelming to me when people are moving around, but if my foster dad is sitting still, I approach him for pets and neck scratches. Ah… that feels so good! He says that I’m a sweetheart with the kindest eyes. Aw! I don’t like loud noise or sudden/quick movements, so a quiet home would suit me best without little kids running around. Older kids would be fine as long as they aren’t too loud. I may not be a cuddly or particularly playful pup, but if you’re looking for a happy and laid-back companion to hang out with, then I’m your girl. I’m not particularly food-motivated. I like to graze. But one time when I had to take medicine, foster dad hid it in some wet food. Ooo! That was yummy. I’m still not quite comfortable going for leash walks outside. I prefer to go out in the yard and quickly do my business, and then come right back inside where it’s quiet and safe. A home with a securely fenced yard would be ideal for me, but I would do fine on a secure tether if you don’t have a fence. I'm good with other dogs, but I've never met a cat before or lived with other kinds of pets. I am a healthy girl, spayed, vaccinated, and I weigh 21 lbs. When I was first rescued, I had bad knees - something called luxating patella that made my knee caps looser than they should be. But I had surgery to fix both knees and I’m fully recovered now. So if you live in the Midwest and want a laid-back, quiet, sweet girl to hang out with, then I’m your girl. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming approved to adopt through SIRA. The application process helps SIRA determine if we might be a good match. Once you’re approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster dad so we can meet! My adoption fee is $300.00.

DEE DEE - SUNRISE BEACH, MO

My name is Dee Dee and I am looking for my forever home. My “must haves” are: no little kids (they scare me) and either a securely fenced yard or a person who likes to go for walks/jogs. I am six years old and I came to SIRA after spending my life making puppies at a commercial breeding facility. That was a hard life, but it was all I knew until I got to my foster home here in central Missouri. I’ve had so many new experiences since coming here! Foster mom says she proud of how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come. There are 3 other dogs here and love to play with them. I’ll run up and bark or growl at them and bump them with my butt to tell them I want to play. Even though I only weigh 15 pounds, I’m not intimidated, even by the dogs who are much bigger than me. In fact, I stand up for myself pretty well and will protect my food bowl from the other dogs. But I’m a gentle girl, and don’t display any resource guarding with humans. I am still pretty nervous and around people – especially men. I guess it’s because I didn’t have many positive interactions with humans until recently. But I really like my foster family. I let foster mom pick me up and brush me. And foster mom and dad let me sleep with them in the big bed, which I really love. I’m a very good girl and will sleep for 8 to 9 hours without needing a potty break. My crate is my “safe spot” and I am content to hang out there for short or long periods of time with no fuss. Foster mom says I’m very smart, because all they had to do was take me outside for routine walks and I potty trained myself! I don’t necessarily tell the humans when I need to go out, but foster mom says she knows because I start pacing. I used to pace all the time when I first came to my foster home. I had only ever lived in a small kennel before so pacing was the only thing I could do. Here there is so much to see and sniff and experience! I love taking walks and I can even help get my harness on. I’m a good dog on leash, but I sometimes get spooked by the noises outside. I love taking detours into the weeds by the side of the road, and foster mom has to tell me to “drop it!” when I find unauthorized snacks. I do not jump on furniture (to tell the truth, I’m not sure I know how to jump off if I did!) I’m a typical Shiba in many ways. I’ll teach you all about the Shiba Nope, if you don’t already know. I’m skittish around people and sudden movements and unexpected noises. Foster mom can call me and call me all day and I’ll ignore her until I have a good reason to come (or until the humans come to me, mwa-ha-ha!). But I love food and treats, so that is helping me learn commands like “sit” and “stay.” I can be vocal, especially when the doorbell rings or when I see other people walking in the road. My perfect forever home would be with adult humans who are gentle and patient and familiar with Shibas and dogs from commercial breeding situations like me. I may always be wary of people I don’t know. I’d love to have another nice dog to play with. I’ve never met a cat before, so I don’t know what I’d think of them. If you have a fenced yard, that would be ideal, because I love to burn off energy and sometimes foster mom just can’t walk fast enough! I am a healthy girl, spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you live in the Midwest and want a gentle, smart, well-behaved girl like me to add to your family, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you so they can tell if we’d be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet! I can’t wait! My adoption fee is $350.00.

MORTY - JONESBURG, MO

My name is Morty and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m 7-months old and weigh 22 pounds. I came to SIRA from commercial breeding facility that was closing. I was scared and very shy when I first got to my foster home here in Jonesburg, MO, but once I realized how much fun it was here I let my goofy, silly side out. There are other dogs here and I love to run and play and tumble and wrestle with them in the securely fenced yard. And the toys! OMG! I never had toys before, but here there are so many different ones to play with and I can’t get enough! I like my foster mom and dad very much. When I’m done playing for a while I like to hang out with them. They’ll hold me and snuggle me and that feels so good! And sometimes I get treats. I love treats. I love all food and I’m a good eater. Actually, foster mom says that I eat like a cow. I’m not sure what that means, but I’ll take it as a compliment. I’m a good boy about going into my crate and staying there quietly when it’s bedtime or when my foster family isn’t home. My perfect forever home will be with a family who will love to play with me and who will enjoy helping me get enough exercise to burn off some of my puppy energy. While I’d LOVE to have a securely fenced yard, I’d probably do okay without one. I’m working on my leash-walking and with some practice, could be a running buddy or enjoy long walks or hikes with my forever humans. If you have another nice dog who likes to run and play hard and wrestle, that would be super. I’m still learning how to tell when other dogs are done playing and when I need to back off, so an older dog who needs space might not be a good match for me. Foster mom thinks I’d I’ll probably do fine as an only dog as long as you have time to play with me. I’m very fast and strong, so my forever family will need to be prepared with extra safety precautions when I’m not inside a secure fence, since I have a pretty high prey-drive and like to bolt to chase just about anything that my cross my path. For that reason, I’m probably not a good match for a home with cats or other small pets. I haven’t met any little humans yet, but foster mom thinks I’d like them. I’m a healthy guy – neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you live in the Midwest and are looking for a sweet, silly, high-energy boy to be your best buddy, then look no further! Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming approved to adopt through SIRA. The application process helps SIRA determine if we might be a good match. Once you’re approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet! My adoption fee is $550.00.

KISEKI - OMAHA, NE

My name is Kiseki and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m 4 years old, healthy, and I weigh about 30 pounds. My must haves: Someone patient and experienced with reactive dogs. No small kids, cats or small pets. I am looking for a very best friend who I can love forever and won’t have to share with lots of other dogs, like here at my foster home. It might take some time for me to relax and trust. You see, I’ve had a rough past. I came to SIRA as a stray. The shelter staff could tell that I’d been through a lot because I can be defensive and unpredictable in new situations or when I feel threatened. I’m scared of men and have bitten out of fear. But things have been so much better since I came to my foster home in Omaha, NE. You guys, my foster mom gets me! She calls me Ki and she has been so patient with me. She could see that I’m not mean, but that I needed time to settle and get used to her so I could show her that I’m a good boy! I’m fully potty trained and can be trusted to free-roam in the house while she’s away without having accidents. There are lots of other dogs at my foster home and after gradual introductions, I’ve learned to get along with them with supervision. But foster mom knows that I’m just not fully happy sharing her with so many other pups, so she says she’s going to help find me a best friend of my very own and forever home where I can be my very best self. I’m not destructive. Okay - I’ve been known to make my own chew toys from the socks in the laundry basket or graze through trash cans looking for snacks, so foster mom recommends some common-sense puppy proofing. I get it, but who can blame me? They all look like toy baskets to me, and I figure if I can reach the basket, then it must be fair game! Foster mom and I love to take walks together and I’m very well-behaved on leash. I love to go for car rides and look out the windows. But wherever we are, my favorite thing is to be with my human. I will sit at foster mom’s feet and soak in all of the love and petting and attention that I can and give her love right back. That’s what makes me feel safe – to be with my trusted person and to feel their love and kindness. It might take a little while for me to learn to trust new people, but my foster mom can show you how to help me feel safe. You see, people haven’t always treated me kindly, so I have to keep my guard up until I’m sure. But once I trust you, I relax and show my sweet self. My perfect forever home would be with a single woman – someone who has a quiet home where the two of us can be a team. We’d go for walks together and car rides and just hang out. My foster home shouldn’t have cats or other small pets, because I’ve got a typical Shiba prey drive. I’m healthy, neutered, and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you live in the Midwest and are looking for a loyal pal to be your shadow and trusty side-kick, then Ki is your boy! Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming approved to adopt through SIRA. The application process helps SIRA determine if we might be a good match. Once you’re approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet! My adoption fee is $350.00.

RICK - KANSAS CITY, MO

Update - Meeting Pending! My name is Rick and I’m looking for my forever home. My must haves: a family experienced with fearful/shy dogs; I’m 8 months old and came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility where I was born. When I first came to my foster home in Kansas City, I didn’t know what to think. Everything was so strange and new. Where I came from, humans were so scary that it took me a while to realize that my foster family is kind and gentle. They were so patient with me – waiting for me to decide I was ready to approach them rather than forcing me. They tell me all the time what a good boy I am and they praise me and encourage me. That helped me learn to realize that I can trust them. Treats help too, but honestly, the kind words and gentleness really won me over. I love it when they give me ear scratches. Those feel so good! But I’m not yet comfortable having my tummy touched. And I’m still pretty skittish and fearful of men. Foster mom says that I’m a very good boy. I don’t bark or howl – or Shiba scream. And I’ve never tried to bolt or escape like many Shibas or roll around in stinky stuff outside (like my foster sister does). I don’t make a ruckus indoors like most puppies. I’m usually content to hang out in my kennel or in my spot living room. I’m very gentle and tolerant, like when foster mom gives me a bath or when my foster sister is bouncing off the walls with her puppy energy. While I’m cautious by nature, once I relax and get used to things, my curious side comes out. I love to play in the fenced yard at my foster home and inspect all of the smells and things in it. My perfect forever home will be a calm one, with no small kids. Living with a human lady would suit me best, so I can continue to learn over time that men can be kind too. I would love to have another nice resident dog to help keep me company. Foster mom thinks I’d do well with a laid-back dog – even a senior dog – and while I’ve never lived with a cat, she thinks I would do fine with one who is dog-friendly. I’d do best with a securely fenced yard to play in. I’m still learning about leash walks, but foster mom thinks once I’m more comfortable on leash I’ll really learn to like them. But the most important thing about my forever family will be patience and compassion, since I’m a shy guy. I’m a healthy boy, neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you are looking for a sweet, quiet, gentle boy to keep you company, then look no further. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. Applying helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can determine if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom, so we can meet! My adoption fee is $550.00.

COMING SOON...

DOGS NEEDING FOSTER/FOSTER TO ADOPT HOMES

CARLEE

Carlee is a 7 year old female released to SIRA from a commercial breeder. She is still a little shy but enjoys getting pats and running around in the yard. She is great with other dogs too! She has been fully vetted and is ready to find her foster or foster to adopt home!

JEWEL

Jewel is a 5 year old female released to SIRA from a commercial breeder. She is still a pretty shy and timid girl. She would do best in a home with another dog to help teach her how to be a free dog. She is also best suited for a home without small children and with a fenced yard until she gains confidence with people and the leash. She is great with other dogs! She has been fully vetted and is ready to find her foster or foster to adopt home!

FIDO

Fido is a 4 year old female released to SIRA from a commercial breeder. She is still pretty frightened and trying to figure out what her new life is all about. She needs a home without small children and with another confident dog to help show her the way. She seems to love puppies the most currently but is great with all other dogs. She needs a home with a fenced yard and a lot of patience to help her. She has been fully vetted and is ready to find her foster or foster to adopt home!