Zoya

Female, 7 Years Old, Caucasian Shepherd

Size: Giant

Arrival Date: May 2026

About Zoya

Zoya came to us from a backyard breeding operation of Mioritic Shepherds that was shut down several years ago. She was returned after 6 years of being in a home at no fault of her own.

Zoya is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. She is cautious and sensitive, and many things in the world feel a little scary to her. She needs an adopter who is calm and confident, someone who can take the lead when situations feel overwhelming and help her navigate life with reassurance and patience. With the right guidance and a consistent routine, Zoya truly blossoms. Once she feels comfortable and trusts you, she becomes bouncy, playful, and wonderfully goofy in the best possible way.

Zoya is looking for a quiet home with teens or older, as sudden movements can startle and frighten her. She will need continued work on her obedience to help build her confidence and give her a sense of structure she can rely on. Grooming can be an extremely stressful experience for her, and she is always welcome to return to Dog Tales for grooming where she feels safe and does very well.

Zoya has a history of aggression with dogs and can be reactive, so this is something we are assessing carefully. That said, there is potential that she could do well with the right canine companion, and we are continuing to evaluate this. We will have a clearer picture as we get to know her better.

We also want to be fully transparent about Zoya's health. She was recently found to have very low platelet levels, and the underlying cause is still being investigated. An ultrasound has revealed some nodules on her spleen and liver, and the possibilities include an immune mediated condition, cancer, or another cause that has not yet been identified. The encouraging news is that she is responding well to steroid treatment, her bloodwork is steadily improving, and she is due for a follow up ultrasound in about a month to check on her progress.

Zoya has already been through so much, and she deserves someone who will champion her through whatever comes next. If you are patient, steady, and ready to open your heart to a dog who gives everything once she feels loved and safe, Zoya may be exactly who you have been looking for.