Shania
Impound number: WCC-D-07-25-014
About Shania
Shania has been in our care since 22 July 2025.
| Gender | female |
| Age | 7 Years (senior) Please note: this is the age at the time this dog was impounded. |
| Breed | German Shepherd Dog |
| Colour | Black and Tan |
| Cost to adopt | $75 (75% discount) Shania comes microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, flea and worm checked, and lifetime registered. |
💖 About Shania
Shania’s story is one of strength and recovery. When she first came into our care, it was clear she had been severely mistreated—she was extremely underweight, missing fur, and suffering from untreated injuries. But with time, love, and proper care, Shania has made an incredible transformation.
Now, she’s a spritely, energetic, and playful girl who’s rediscovering the joy of being a dog. Her spirit is strong, and her heart is open—ready to find a forever home where she’ll be cherished.
🏡 In the Home
Shania lives with her foster carer and another female German Shepherd (Nala, age 8), and they get along beautifully. She has also spent time with other foster dogs, both big and small. Shania spends time inside when her foster carer is home, enjoys relaxing on the verandah with Nala, and sleeps peacefully outside at night. She’s toilet trained, quiet overnight, and non-destructive. She’s curious (especially about food on the kitchen bench!) and recently helped herself to some chicken—so a bit of counter awareness training wouldn’t hurt!
🚶 Out & About
Shania has made huge improvements with her dog reactivity during walks, thanks to the consistent training her foster carer has been doing. While she was previously strong on the lead and reactive—often barking and pulling toward other dogs—she now responds much better to redirection and is learning to stay calm in stimulating environments. Shania is eager to learn and responds well to treat-based training.
Importantly, Shania shows no aggression toward Nala or the dog next door—just tail wags and friendly interest.
🐶 Ideal Home
Shania would thrive in a calm, loving home with someone who understands the needs of a senior Shepherd and is committed to continuing her training. She’d do well as an only dog or with another friendly, well-mannered companion.
Her ideal family will be patient, kind, and willing to help her continue healing—both physically and emotionally. In return, Shania will offer loyalty, affection, and the joy of watching a once-neglected dog blossom into her best self.
💌 Ready to Meet Shania?
If you’re looking for a resilient, loving companion who’s ready to leave her past behind and embrace a brighter future, Shania might be your perfect match. Come meet her and be part of her beautiful journey forward.
To view more photos and videos of this pet, please visit their PetRescue profile here.
Apply to adopt Shania
Shania came to us as a lost dog. She is now available for adoption, but if you are her owner, you can still contact us to reclaim her.
Use the button below to let us know if you're interested in adopting Shania and one of our friendly team members will get in touch with you.
Note, all adopted animals come microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, flea and worm checked, and lifetime registered.
Become a foster carer
Please visit our Foster an Animal page if you'd like to become a foster carer for Shania or one of the other animals in our care.
Common questions about adopting a pet
Start by using one of these links to browse our lists of pets available for adoption:
When you find a pet you like, click the button on its profile page to fill in a form and register your interest in adopting. You can also call us on (02) 4227 7111 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm).
We’ll then ask you a few follow-up questions to check that you’re a responsible pet owner and make sure that your chosen pet best meets your needs.
We’ll also invite you to meet your future pet in person to make sure you’re a perfect match, before finalising the adoption.
The only types of pets we offer for adoption are:
The cost to adopt will vary depending on how long the animal has been waiting for a home. Generally costs will be:
- Between $50 - $200 for a cat
- Between $75 - $300 for a dog.
Like all Council fees and charges, these costs will be reviewed each year. Any changes will be publicly exhibited for comment before they are adopted by Council.
Yes you can!
When you let us know you're interested to adopt a cat or adopt a dog, we'll contact you and arrange a meet and greet so you can say hello and decide if they’re the one for you.
Our dogs and cats are boarded at a number of regional kennelling facilities contracted by Council. These are currently located across Wollongong, Gerringong and Nowra. You can't directly visit these facilities, but we'll bring the dog or cat to a location in our area that works for you.
Being a pet owner is a big responsibility.
To adopt a pet from Council:
- You must be over 18 years old
- You don't have to live in the Illawarra, but you will need to be able to transport your pet home.
Before adopting a new pet, consider your lifestyle and living arrangements.
If you have any questions or concerns, our team is happy to talk to you about your situation. Please email us or call (02) 4227 7111 to arrange a discussion.
We recognise the serious issue of baiting within the animal rehoming industry. To help prevent this, we have an assessment process in place for potential owners.
Potential owners are vetted to make sure that they’re suitable and committed to animal well-being.
Still looking?