NEWBERG, Ore. — Ladybug has spent 144 days at the Newberg Animal Shelter, longer than any other dog currently in residence — and shelter staff say her story is a reminder that fear and aggression aren’t the same thing.
The 6-year-old red heeler, or Australian Cattle Dog, came to the shelter from the county after being found running at large. According to shelter staff, Ladybug had been living alone in a yard after her owner passed away; family members brought her food but were unable to take her in, and she eventually got loose. She had little to no experience living indoors, staff said, which made the shift to a shelter environment especially difficult.
When she arrived, Ladybug was frightened and defensive enough that county staff needed catch poles to transport her safely. Shelter staff said that without intervention, euthanasia was a likely outcome for her…