Video: Maisie walking on leash in the backyard
Video: Maisie and Maya
Video: Maisie venturing out of her crate
Maisie, ~1.5 yr old female black lab mix, ~35 lbs, spayed
Background: Maisie was found as a stray in Stanislaus County and was scheduled to be euthanized. At the shelter she was very fearful, cowering in her kennel. A good Samaritan notified us of the situation, and we worked with the shelter to pull her and quickly get her to a foster. After getting to her foster home, she blossomed and started to show her true playful and affectionate personality. An adopter came forward understanding that she would need time and patience to adapt to a new home. However, despite the adopter’s best-efforts Maisie reverted back to being very withdrawn and fearful. She is now with another foster who has made great progress in helping her become more comfortable with her new situation.
What Maisie's Foster Says: Maisie is a well-mannered, crate-trained dog who does best with a predictable routine and gentle guidance. She is fully house trained and has had no accidents though she’s taken outside every 2–3 hours during the day. She sleeps quietly through the night in her crate without issue.
Crates are a comfort for Maisie. During the day, she relaxes on her bed in a large crate with the door open and will calmly stay there with the door closed if I have to leave for short periods. At night, she sleeps soundly in a crate in my bedroom. She is quiet, settles easily, and does not chew her bedding. Maisie currently eats and drinks when her bowls are placed on the bed inside her crate. After meals, she often chooses to lie near me or her foster sister, Missy.
Maisie walks nicely on leash in the backyard and willingly follows me outside when it’s time to go out. In the yard, she enjoys extra freedom on a long line, which allows her to explore, follow Missy, and approach people for gentle sniffing and petting—without feeling pressured.
Throughout the day, Maisie spends time resting and exploring the yard. She’s beginning to venture out of her crate more on her own and settle near me and Missy, showing growing confidence and trust.
What Summer's Rescue Rep Says: Maisie will need a very special adopter—someone willing to help continue her journey toward feeling safe, confident, and truly at home. While we will never know what early experiences shaped her, Maisie is timid around people, sensitive to loud noises, and easily overwhelmed in new or unfamiliar environments. What we do know is that, given time and patience, she is capable of trust, connection, and joyfulness.
Her progress in foster care shows what’s possible but transitioning to a forever home will still take time. Maisie will need an experienced, patient adopter who understands that her trust cannot be rushed and that setbacks may be part of the process. She thrives with routine, calm energy, and gentle guidance.
A quiet suburban or rural home with a securely fenced yard is essential, giving Maisie the freedom to explore at her own pace. She gains confidence from other dogs and would do best in a home with at least one calm, well-adjusted canine companion—two would be even better—who can help show her the world is a safe place. Homes with small children are likely to be too overwhelming for her and may cause her to retreat.
Maisie may never be a “typical” dog, and that’s okay. She is a unique and sensitive dog who deserves an adopter committed to the long haul—someone who will celebrate small victories, respect her boundaries, and give her all the time and space she needs to continue growing. For the right person, Maisie offers the chance to form a deeply meaningful bond built on patience, trust, and compassion.
Medical: Maisie is in good health, current on vaccines, heartworm negative, microchipped, and spayed.
Located In: Walnut Creek
If you are interested in Maisie, please contact Rescue Rep Kathy at ksmillich@gmail.com
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