Gardenia von Gartz is a gorgeous 9 year old black and red German Shepherd. Per her own words, “Hi! My name is Gardenia. I was named after the city of Gardena where some good Samaritans found me on the streets. No one can understand why I am homeless, especially after they meet me and are wowed by how sweet I am! I am an older dog but I do love to go on walks and the volunteers always giggle because my bouncy ears go up and down with every step I take. When I hear them laugh, I turn back and I smile at them, because I’m smart and know they’re saying nice things about me. I am a very easy walker; I always walk next to you and you can hold my leash with one hand or three fingers (even though I’m not a teeny girl). I am also very easy-going in general and am very comfortable in new surroundings. I meet people well and say hi to them by licking their fingers -- that’s my language for ‘do you want to be friends?’ When you sit with me at the park, I will put my head in your lap, and I love to soak in the sights and sounds (and smells!) I enter the doggie playgroups calmly and, although I am nice and friendly for the most part, I really don’t like it when the young dogs are all over me. I am possibly housebroken and the volunteer who walks me says I am ‘perfect in every way.’ The kennel workers are in love with me and will not stop gushing about me. I hope all this talk gets me adopted, or at least in a foster home. If I sound like your dream dog, please come down and ask for me soon; I can’t wait to meet you.