Willa is available to applicants whose applications were received on or before October 20, 2026.

Meet Willa, a beautiful 1½-year-old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix with a heart as big as her personality! This sweet girl brings together some of the best qualities of both breeds: the loving, playful spirit of a Golden Retriever and the gentle, thoughtful nature of a Great Pyrenees. Still young and full of puppy energy, Willa is learning how to be the very best girl she can be!

With her incredibly soft coat, soulful eyes, and a smile that will melt your heart, Willa is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She is incredibly sweet and affectionate, although her Great Pyrenees side means she can be a little reserved when meeting new people. Willa prefers to take her time getting to know someone, but once you've earned her trust, you'll have a devoted companion who will happily soak up all the pets and affection you're willing to give!

True to her Great Pyrenees heritage, Willa is a thoughtful girl who likes to take a moment to consider what's being asked of her before responding. She knows basic commands like "sit" and "come," but sometimes needs a little extra time to decide to follow through. It's not that she doesn't want to please you—she just likes to think things over first! She's a smart girl who will thrive with patient, consistent training, positive reinforcement, and a family that appreciates her unique personality.

While Willa loves her people, she doesn't need to be the center of attention every minute. She's perfectly content finding a comfortable spot near the front door to watch the neighborhood or curling up on the bed for a well-deserved nap. She's also happy to relax around the house while her foster mom is at work. But when her foster mom returns, Willa's inner Golden Retriever shines through as she greets her with a toy in her mouth and a happily wagging tail!

If there's one thing Willa absolutely LOVES, it's playing with her foster brother! Whether they're racing around the backyard, enjoying a spirited game of tug, or wrestling together, Willa is happiest when she has a canine companion to share her adventures.

Because she enjoys the company of other dogs so much, Willa's ideal forever home would include another playful, confident dog. A well-matched canine sibling would not only provide companionship and endless opportunities for fun but could also help Willa continue building confidence as she matures.

Willa also loves her toys, although plush toys tend to have a rather short life expectancy in her company! She's an enthusiastic chewer who is still learning the difference between her belongings and her humans' possessions. Occasionally, when she gets ahold of something she shouldn't have, she thinks a game of keep-away sounds like great fun! She may run off with her newfound treasure or hold on to it quite firmly, although with patience she will eventually allow her foster mom to retrieve it. Her future family should be prepared to continue working on "drop it," "leave it," and appropriate chewing habits using positive reinforcement and trading for high-value treats. Keeping tempting items out of reach and providing plenty of durable, appropriate toys will help set her up for success.

Despite her Great Pyrenees heritage, Willa isn't necessarily the outdoor-loving guardian you might expect. She enjoys running around the yard, playing with her foster brother, and exploring, but when her foster mom heads inside, Willa would much rather be right there with her. She's a family companion who wants to be part of the household!

Leash manners are one area where Willa could use some additional practice. She's a strong girl who loves going on walks and investigating every interesting smell along the way! She can pull on the leash, so her future family should be prepared to continue working with her using appropriate walking equipment, patience, and consistent training.

One funny little quirk about Willa? While she loves her walks, she generally prefers to take care of her bathroom business at home rather than on the go! For this reason, a securely fenced yard is highly recommended. It doesn't need to be enormous, just a safe space where she can play, explore, and comfortably do her business.

Willa is looking for a family that will love her for exactly who she is while helping her grow into the confident, well-mannered adult dog she's destined to become.

Her ideal home would offer:

• A playful, confident canine companion who enjoys wrestling, chasing, and sharing adventures.

• A securely fenced yard where she can safely play and enjoy her daily routine.

• A patient, committed family that will provide structure, consistency, and continued training, particularly with leash manners, appropriate chewing, and learning to willingly give up items.

• Plenty of love and understanding as she builds trust, develops confidence, and continues to blossom.

Willa has so much love to give and an incredible amount of potential. She may take a little longer to show you her whole heart, but once she does, you'll discover a loyal, affectionate, playful companion who will bring endless joy and laughter into your life.

If you're looking for a sweet, playful girl with a thoughtful spirit, a whole lot of personality, and a heart of gold, Willa just might be your perfect match!