Adopt-a-Pet: Oso

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Many potential pet adopters are in the market for a puppy or kitten; we certainly can’t blame them, but for our part, we’d much rather bring home a well-behaved older dog. One pet that fits that bill is Oso (ID# A1024904), a beautiful red Australian shepherd mix who’s about 9 years old and up for adoption at the West L.A. animal shelter.

Oso is a special favorite of shelter volunteer Mirja Bishop, who has interacted with him regularly since his arrival at the shelter in April.

Oso’s calm demeanor ‘makes you believe that he was loved and cherished by somebody and was probably a valued member of a family for most of his life,’ Bishop says. ‘Why his previous owner didn’t search for him when he strayed we’ll never know. Perhaps they did and just never found him.’

Oso is gentle and quiet, with sad eyes and good manners, according to Bishop. ‘He could lose a few pounds but in spite of that he is a very handsome boy,’ she says. But those who’ve grown close to Oso at the shelter are worried that his time may be running out -- he’s already stayed longer than most dogs, probably because of his age and size.

Australian shepherds are often described as intelligent and quick learners that excel at obedience, agility, search and rescue, and -- as their name would suggest -- herding. (It’s not known what other breed or breeds might make up Oso’s lineage.)

Meet Oso in person at the West L.A. shelter, 1361 W. Pico Blvd. (near the intersection of Pico and Sawtelle boulevards), or call (888) 452-7381 with his ID number for more information.

UPDATE: Oso has been adopted. Congratulations, Oso!

-- Lindsay Barnett