Friendly German shepherd Miley O’Riley is a dog who loves her people — and she needs a home

Love and devotion are at the heart of what makes dogs amazing.

Yet prospective adopters often let their eyes do the choosing when looking at the shelter’s website. Additionally, due to preconceived ideas about specific breeds or a dog’s age, they may scroll past their ideal canine match without a glance.

Miley O’Riley is a good case in point. Being a German shepherd, Miley might get missed by some adopters because they assume she’s too active, while others don’t consider her because she’s 6 years old.

Yet in reality, Miley’s a laid-back, physically fit, middle-aged gal who’s a good match for someone looking for a dog that likes to be with her people — whether it’s hanging out at the house or going for walks.

According to her previous owner, Miley’s housebroken and low-energy, though her herding ancestry inspires her to chase both other pets and livestock. So Miley’s ideal as the only pet in a household with humans old enough to know that rewarding good behavior — instead of relying on punishing the bad — will result in a happier and better trained dog.

Miley’s fabulous smile and nice energy level makes her a volunteer favorite. They also appreciate her knowledge of basic commands and her willingness to form bonds with those who take the time to know her.

On town field trips, Miley appreciates meeting new people, especially if they have treats to share.

Miley O’Riley longs to devote herself to someone, who’ll love her as much as she’ll love them.

For more information about MIley (ID No. 962487), call the volunteer line at the San Luis Obispo County 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, and adopters receive a carrier.

This story was originally published June 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM.