Astrid is a beautiful Border Collie mix with an incredible spirit and a story that speaks to just how resilient a dog can be. At around 2 years old, this sweet girl has overcome more in her short life than most dogs ever will.For the first year of her life, Astrid survived on her own as a feral dog on the reservation. During that time, she contracted distemper—a disease that many dogs don't survive. Against the odds, Astrid pulled through. She was later humanely trapped and brought into rescue, where she has spent the last year learning that people can be kind and that life can be safe.Today, Astrid is a loving, affectionate dog who enjoys meeting new people and soaking up attention. She adores cuddles, has eyes that will melt your heart, and has a gentle sweetness that is impossible to forget.As a result of surviving distemper, Astrid has a permanent neurological tic that causes her head and body to bob up and down. The good news? It doesn't slow her down or keep her from enjoying life. She's happy, playful, and otherwise thriving. Because distemper survivors are relatively uncommon, it's difficult to predict what her long-term medical future may look like. Right now, she is healthy and doing wonderfully, but her family should be prepared for the possibility of unexpected medical needs related to her past illness. Her constant tic has also caused significant wear on her teeth, so she may require more dental care than most dogs her age.Astrid is house-trained and crate-trained, but she is still working through some fears from her past. Walking on a leash remains very challenging for her—she may freeze and "pancake" on the ground or try to bolt when she feels overwhelmed. Car rides are also difficult, and she does best when crated. She will need a patient, understanding family that is willing to let her continue building confidence at her own pace without rushing her. Because of her leash challenges, a securely fenced yard is an absolute requirement so she can safely exercise and enjoy the outdoors.Astrid loves having canine companions and would do best in a home with another friendly dog. She does like to be in charge, however, and is not a good match for other dominant female dogs. She is also a little too enthusiastic about cats and would do best in a cat-free home.Astrid is the definition of resilience. After everything she's endured, she has chosen to trust, to love, and to embrace the life she was finally given. She isn't looking for a perfect family—just one that will be patient, understanding, and willing to celebrate every step of her journey. In return, she'll offer unwavering loyalty, endless affection, and the kind of bond that only comes from a dog who truly knows what it means to be given a second chance.Dogs are not placed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We strive to find the perfect home for each animal. Applications may take up to 48 hours to process. All CAWS animals are fixed, microchipped, and vaccinated. Her adoption fee is $200. If you are interested in adopting a CAWS pet, please fill out an online application at If you are interested in adopting a CAWS pet, please fill out an online application at
