Dogs For Adoption

About Layla

Layla is a 7-year-old black-and-tan female Doberman who has been a beloved member of our family for the past six years. While we do not know her exact birth date, we were told she was approximately 15 months old when we first learned about her on May 7, 2020, and we adopted her shortly thereafter. She currently weighs around 90 pounds, although we will have an updated weight after her annual physical exam this Saturday.

We adopted Layla from a foster home, so unfortunately we know very little about her life before she came to us. What we do know is that she has grown into a sweet, affectionate, and loyal companion. Layla loves being around her people and prefers to be wherever the family is. If you’re moving from room to room, chances are Layla will be right behind you.

When we first brought her home, she struggled with significant separation anxiety and seemed generally nervous and unsure of herself. Over the years, however, she has become much more relaxed and confident. Today, she is a happy, well-adjusted dog who enjoys her routines and the comfort of being with her family. She can still be vocal when strangers arrive, workers are in the yard, or the doorbell rings, but once she has the opportunity to meet someone, she is consistently friendly and welcoming.

Layla is fully house-trained and has never required a crate while living with us. Although we are unsure what training she received before we adopted her, she knows and responds well to basic commands such as “sit” and “down.” She walks on a leash without issue, although most of her exercise has come from running and playing in our large fenced yard rather than taking frequent leash walks.

She has also done well during car rides. We haven’t traveled with her extensively beyond veterinary appointments and a recent meet-and-greet, but she has always behaved well in the car. She can be a little hesitant about jumping into taller vehicles like SUVs and sometimes needs a bit of encouragement, but she has no trouble getting into a sedan.

For the past six years, Layla has lived in a home with four adults and no children or other pets. My wife was disabled, and we shared a home with her parents so that together we could help care for her. Sadly, my wife passed away on March 28, and that life change has led us to the difficult decision to seek a new home for Layla.

Because she has not regularly lived with other dogs, we recently arranged a meet-and-greet with members of a local Doberman club at a dog training facility. They spent considerable time interacting with her before introducing her to a male Doberman. The interaction went very well, and Layla was calm, friendly, and comfortable throughout the experience.

Layla does have a few ongoing medical considerations. She currently takes Fluoxetine, which was prescribed shortly after we adopted her to help manage her severe separation anxiety. Given how much she has matured and how dramatically her anxiety has improved over the years, we are not certain whether she still requires the medication, but she remains on it currently. She also takes Proin for mild urinary incontinence, a condition she had when we adopted her. The medication has successfully controlled the issue. In addition, she had several cracked teeth removed last year and recovered without complications.

Above all else, Layla is a loving dog who wants nothing more than to be part of a family. She has brought us years of companionship, loyalty, and affection, and our hope is to find a home where she can continue to thrive, be loved, and enjoy the attention and companionship she values so much.

This is My Story