Ella

Ella is a beautiful liver-and-white spotted German Shorthaired Pointer, aged about 1½ to 2 years old, and weighing roughly 46 pounds; she is affectionate, athletic and intelligent, and is most happy when near her owner. She enjoys nuzzling her head into your lap, giving you a gentle tap with her paw and then curling up by you when you are relaxing.

Ella was first discovered wandering in Baldwin Park; she was underweight, and no one came to get her. She was then adopted from the shelter and stayed in her new home for about two months. Realizing an apartment wasn't the right environment for her energy and exercise needs, her owner contacted California GSP Rescue for assistance. Unfortunately, before we could start the re-homing process, Ella was given up to another shelter. We rescued her from there.

Although Ella is in good health, she needs a home carefully matched to her needs. She is a lively young GSP with a strong instinct to chase prey and a desire to run, use her sense of smell, and explore her surroundings. She needs about 1 to 1½ hours, and at times even more, of substantial mental and physical exercise each day, ideally in two or three separate sessions. It would be ideal if she had a securely fenced private yard in which she can run, play fetch, and investigate without meeting other animals.

Ella has been trained to use the house and to stay in her crate, though there can be no assurances. She understands the commands 'sit', 'come', and 'wait'. She is motivated by food, learns swiftly and likes working with her owner. Although she can pull when something catches her attention, she responds well to a structured routine, redirection, and confident handling.

Ella has not reacted well in the presence of other dogs; although a previous video from the shelter showed her in a play area with some dogs, later meetings, including those that took place while she was in our care, proved that she can become overstimulated and reactive. For everyone's safety and comfort, Ella must be the only dog.

The Basics

Gender: Female

Age: Approximately 1½–2 years old

Weight: Approximately 46 pounds

Color: Liver and white ticked with a back patch

House-trained: Yes

Crate-trained: Yes

Dogs: Needs to be the only dog

Cats: No cats or other small animals

Kids: An adult-only home is recommended

The Good Stuff

• Exceptionally sweet and affectionate with people

• House-trained and crate-trained

• Smart, food-motivated, and quick to learn

• Knows several basic commands

• Loves running, scenting, exploring, and playing with tennis balls

• Settles indoors and enjoys relaxing beside her person

• No reported separation anxiety

The Challenges

• Needs approximately 1½–2 hours of meaningful daily exercise

• Has a strong prey drive and can become intensely focused outdoors

• Must be the only pet

• No dog parks or off-leash interaction with unfamiliar dogs

• Needs a secure yard and an adopter comfortable providing structure

• May jump on people when excited and pull toward interesting sights or scents

What Our Volunteers Are Saying About Ella

• Sweet and eager for attention

• Loves to nuzzle and stay close to her person

• Excited and ready to go

• Smart and responsive

• Curious and enthusiastic - wants to explore

She doesn't want a home that will try to make her into a social dog or take her to busy parks; instead, she is looking for someone who will value her for who she is, that is, as a loving and energetic companion who wants her person and her own space.

A person or couple with adoption experience, a securely fenced yard, no other pets, and an active lifestyle might be a good match. If they keep up regular exercise, maintain the training, and set clear boundaries, Ella could become an extremely devoted companion.

Please fill out an adoption application if you can provide Ella with the active, structured, one-dog home she needs.