Bonsai is a 4 year old female red Shiba Inu. View her Facebook Album.

Hi everyone! My name is Bonsai, and I’m a tiny 4-year-old, 13-pound red female Shiba Inu from the second wave of 20 Shibas rescued as part of the #60ShibasRescue! Our group was given tree-themed names, but there was an exception for me. Bonsai isn’t actually a type of tree, it’s a Japanese art of cultivating and shaping trees in containers to keep them miniature. At only 13 pounds, I think the name fits me perfectly!All 20 of us were transported together to Shiba HQ, with DC SIR volunteers making the long journey to bring us to safety. I’ve been learning every day that people can be trusted, but I need patience and respect for my boundaries. I’m especially uncomfortable with body handling from strangers. I may snap if someone I don’t trust tries to grab or handle me, so my future family needs to understand my body language. Signs like a stiff or frozen body, whale eye, or ears pulled back are my way of communicating. I can be picked up and held, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with it. My humans use consent tests and give me choices about whether I want an interaction to continue. I’m learning that when people listen to me, I can feel safer. I’ve done great with most dogs! I even have a BFF named Acacia. I actively seek her out, cuddle with her, and find comfort in having her nearby. I’m even starting to play!I’m looking for an adopter experienced with force-free training who truly understands canine body language and will allow our relationship to develop at my pace. I may be tiny, but I have a big personality and a lot to learn. With patience, respect, and trust, I’m hoping to show you just how special I am!

Location: Continental US
Dogs: Yes - no puppies, in-your-face dogs, or reactive dogs
Cats: Yes
Kids: No
Age: 4 years
Weight: 13 lbs
Intake Date: September 10, 2026

Follow Bonsai’s progress on her Facebook Album.