San Andreas, CA…Meet Ritas (A059679), a gentle and resilient German Shepherd mix with a heart ready to bloom in a loving home.

Found stray on Calaveritas Road and brought to Calaveras County Animal Services, Ritas arrived shy, shut down, and covered in stickers — a clear sign she’d been on her own for too long. With patient care and daily kindness from staff and volunteers, this beautiful girl has rediscovered her confidence. Once she realizes she’s safe, Ritas warms quickly and leans in for affection, happily rolling over for belly rubs and brushing.

Ritas has been friendly with most dogs she’s met. When another dog is polite, she responds with curiosity and calm interest. If a dog is pushy or rude, she’ll stand up for herself with a bark, but without escalating into aggression — just a simple, “Hey, respect my space.” With continued guidance and positive experiences, she should continue building healthy dog-to-dog social skills.

She loves being groomed, handled gently, and included in whatever her people are doing. Her volunteers describe her as a dog who wants to trust and connect deeply, and who will likely form a strong bond once she settles into a home. She’s also become quite the ball player, enthusiastically chasing and (mostly) bringing it back. When excited, she may jump up for hugs or attention, so a home able to support continued manners training will serve her well.

To meet Ritas, contact: Calaveras County Animal Services, (209) 754-6509 or animal@calaverascounty.gov
Please use Ritas’s intake number (A059679) when making inquiries.

All dogs available for adoption at the Calaveras Animal Shelter are up to date on their routine vaccinations and will be microchipped. All unaltered dogs must be spayed or neutered before they can go home with you.

Animal Services now has a Fee Flexibility Program!

The shelter is currently over 80% capacity, so adoption fees are reduced: just $40 for dogs and $30 for cats. Cats who arrive at the shelter already altered can be adopted for only $10. With the 55-5-5 Program, adopters age 55+ can adopt a pet over 5 years old for just $5.

Holiday Pet Pantry Drive: Calaveras County Animal Services is accepting pet food and new pet toy donations through Dec. 31. Drop items at the shelter during business hours to help local families and bring joy to shelter pets.

Calaveras County Animal Services, 901 Jeff Tuttle Road, San Andreas, (209) 754-6509
Shelter and Office Business Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM

This announcement is courtesy of the Friends of Calaveras Animal Services (FOCAS) and The Pine Tree.
Photo Credit Ed Ransom