Sandy the German shepherd mix is sweet, smart and looking for a forever home

Not everyone is comfortable being part of a large, noisy family with kids of all ages. Some of us are most comfy in a less crowded home, with one or two adults or perhaps older, respectful kiddos.

Sandy’s perfect role is being a supporting star in a calm household.

Sandy is a 3-year-old German shepherd mix at San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter seeking her dream role. Shelter volunteers are rooting for her, with her balance of affection and easy-going independence.

She’d be happiest in a cat-free household with a human leader to help her feel secure by providing clear direction and love; a home where she needn’t share the limelight with another dog.

But wow, does Sandy have a lot of love to give her humans.

Give her some back rubs and treats and she’s a happy girl. She’s a nice size and her short fur doesn’t seem to shed.

With one ear up, one ear down and compelling brown eyes, Sandy has a cute, recognizable look.

Friendly and energetic, Sandy walks well on a leash and would probably love hikes. She’s also well mannered on car trips.

Sandy loves being out in the community and meeting new people.

This smart and curious dog likes to explore the outside world, yet comes when called. A big yard or long walks would be ideal for her.

If you’d like to give a sweet and smart dog the starring role in your quiet and mature home, come meet Sandy.

For more information about Sandy (ID No. 212815), call the volunteer line at the Animal Services shelter at 805-781-4400 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/aserv. The shelter is located at 885 Oklahoma Ave., off Highway 1, in San Luis Obispo.

The full-price adoption fee is $81 for cats and $115 for dogs, plus a $28 county license fee for dogs, if the adopters are San Luis Obispo County residents.

The adoption fee includes a new collar, a spay or neuter operation, basic vaccinations, a microchip and eligibility for a free veterinary check within San Luis Obispo County. Cats also are tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and adopters receive a carrier.

HART Cat of the Month

Lover boy Val is February’s Cat of the Month.

Val is a 10-year-old short-haired brown tabby. He’s a healthy and playful boy.

Val is sweet and sensitive, and more than anything loves to put his paws around your neck and give you hugs.

He loved to roam the hills and beaches. But that became too dangerous so he was surrendered to the Homeless Animal Rescue Team shelter in Cambria.

You can take the kitty out of the wild but you can’t take the wild out of this kitty. Val still longs for his outdoor excursions, so he’d love to be indoor/outdoor or at least have access to a catio.

Val enjoys human interaction and is quite a lover. He’ll sit on your lap, give you hugs and affection of all kinds.

This sweet boy will rub his head against you and purr, purr, purr.

Val should probably be the only cat since he tends to dominate other cats.

If you are looking for a free-spirited kitty who loves outside-time as much as cuddle-time, Val could be your Valentine.

You will find Val in the patio room at HART.

As HART’s Cat of the Month for February, Val’s adoption fees are waived.

HART is a cage-free, no-kill shelter located in lovely downtown Cambria. We love what we do.

Come on by to meet George and all of our other available cats and kittens at 2638 Main Street in Cambria. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 805-927-7377, visit www.slohart.org and follow HART on Facebook and Instagram at @HARTCambria.