Pet of the Week: Ellie

Ellie is an Australian cattle dog who is about 11 months old and petite for her breed at 35 pounds.

Dark-colored cattle dogs such as Ellie are also known as blue heelers, and all “Aussies” are among the most intelligent canines. Highly trainable, energetic and excellent in agility events, they keep track of their human “herd” in a home environment.

Ellie behaves well on a leash while remaining alert and interested in everything happening around her. She is healthy, spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and heartworm negative. Those white flecks in her black and tan coat are typical of her breed and are not graying.

The Newport Beach Animal Shelter is at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach. It is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call (949) 644-3745 or email aco@nbpd.org.