Dog Spotlight
Featured dogs needing rescue, foster, or adoption help.
Welcome to our Dog Spotlight page. These are shelter dogs that Paws4Nac is actively helping network for rescue, foster, adoption, or other placement support. Each profile includes basic information, volunteer observations, photos or videos when available, and notes that may help potential rescues or adopters better understand the dog outside of a typical kennel setting. Behavior notes are based on limited shelter observations and are not a formal behavioral evaluation.
Lil’ Smokey Bean
Large Mixed Breed | About 1 Year Old | Neutered Male
Lil’ Smokey Bean, or “Bean,” is a big, joyful, affectionate young dog with an even bigger heart. Born around May 2025, Bean is still very much in his adolescent stage: energetic, playful, eager to connect, and learning how to manage his size and excitement. His foster family describes him as a giant teddy bear — strong, goofy, loving, and very motivated to please.
Bean is highly trainable and responds well to structure, consistency, and clear expectations. He enjoys daily exercise, whether that is a walk, a run, a game of fetch, or active playtime. With regular outlets for his energy and someone willing to continue teaching him good manners, Bean has tremendous potential.
Because Bean is such a large, powerful young dog, he needs a person or family who will help him succeed by setting kind, consistent boundaries. He is not trying to be difficult — he is young, happy, strong, and still learning. Skills like waiting calmly at doors, keeping four paws on the ground, and greeting people politely will be especially important for him because he is strong enough to accidentally knock someone over when he gets excited.
Bean is friendly, loving, and happy-go-lucky. He has done well in a dog-dog test and showed no problems during that introduction. He is also friendly with children, but because of his size and strength, he should be supervised around kids and would do best with a family that understands he is still growing into his manners.
Bean needs a hero — someone who sees the wonderful dog he already is and is ready to help shape the even better dog he can become. With exercise, patience, training, and consistent leadership, this sweet boy is ready to become an incredible companion.
For more information about Bean, please contact info@paws4nac.org.
Princess
Heeler mix | 3 Years Old | Female | Heartworm positive
Princess's previous owner described her as a people-oriented dog who was good with children, though they expressed some concerns about her interactions with other dogs.
Since arriving at the shelter, Princess has shown us a wonderful side of herself. She appears to be house-trained, keeps her space clean, and truly enjoys being around people. She is affectionate, social, and happiest when she is spending time with her human friends.
Like many shelter dogs, Princess can become vocal or excited when separated from other dogs by a kennel fence. However, once she is out of that environment, she relaxes considerably. To better understand her behavior, we conducted four dog-to-dog introductions in the shelter, and Princess handled them well, showing appropriate social skills and no signs of aggression.
Princess has also represented the shelter at local community events, including two baseball games. She took the other dogs, the crowds, noise, excitement, and attention completely in stride. She greeted new people with confidence, enjoyed the outing, and proved herself to be a wonderful ambassador for shelter dogs.
The Princess we have come to know is a friendly, loving companion who enjoys human connection and is ready for a second chance at a forever home.
For more information about Princess, please contact info@paws4nac.org.
Wrigley
Bull Terrier Mix | 1 Year Old | Spayed Female | Heartworm Negative
Wrigley is a beautiful, sweet young girl who has quickly won us over. She is cute, expressive, and much softer than she may first appear when she is behind a kennel barrier. Like many shelter dogs, Wrigley seems to feel the stress of the kennel environment, but once she is outside and has a chance to settle, her lovely personality starts to come through.
When Wrigley first came out of the kennel, she was a little vocal toward nearby dogs. Once she moved away from that stressful barrier environment and spent time in the yard, she relaxed quickly and showed us a much calmer, sweeter side. She was easy to enjoy, responsive to people, and comfortable around our young volunteer.
During her time in the yard, Wrigley showed little interest in Penguin and Puffin and was able to coexist calmly. Based on what we observed, she may be dog selective to dog friendly, and she appears to be very people friendly.
Wrigley is the kind of dog who deserves to be seen outside the noise and stress of the shelter. With time to decompress, thoughtful introductions, and someone willing to give her a fair chance, we think this sweet girl has a lot to offer.
Placement Notes
Wrigley may do best with a rescue, foster, or adopter who can give her time to decompress and introduce her thoughtfully to other dogs. Based on what we observed, she should not be written off because of kennel reactivity. Once outside the kennel area, she showed a calmer, more social, and more manageable side.
For more information about Wrigley, please contact info@paws4nac.org.
