Katie

My story

Meet Katie! A lively five-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier currently living in Mount Dora, FL, whose heart is as big as her playful spirit and whose black-and-white coat gleams like polished marble in the sunshine. Katie is a 55-pound bundle of affection, adventure, and loyalty, always ready for the next fun activity. Whether it's chasing a frisbee, running alongside a bike, or engaging in a tug-of-war championship in the backyard, Katie dives into life with contagious enthusiasm! She’s also a world-class cuddler—after a good play session, she’s all about snuggling up on the couch for hours, soaking in the love and giving it right back. Trained at a professional facility that specializes in working dogs, Katie knows her commands—sit, stay, lay down, come, place, drop it, and leave it—with impressive focus. Her "heel" could still use a little polish when excitement strikes, but she’s eager to learn and thrives with positive reinforcement and structure. Bones and tough rubber toys are her favorites, and she treats every new adventure with curiosity and joy. Katie adores children and has been nothing but gentle and loving with her young human companions, ages 7 and 18 months. However, she’s not a fan of other dogs. A past traumatic encounter left her reactive, so she needs a home where she can be the one and only animal. She can tolerate dogs from a distance of about 15 feet, but up close, she becomes uncomfortable. She’s never bitten another animal or person, and her caregivers have worked hard to support her with love, training, and patience. While Katie is crate-trained and house-trained, she does best when she has daily activity and isn’t left out unsupervised for long—she’s been known to chew if she gets bored. She’s healthy, microchipped, spayed, and current on all vaccinations. If you're looking for a fiercely loyal, playful companion who will stick by your side through all of life’s adventures—and give the best doggie side-eye until you pull into McDonald’s for her favorite ice cream treat—Katie might just be your girl! Could your heart and home be the next great adventure for Katie? Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to meet this amazing pup!

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Katie, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.