Beyoncé is a sweet German Shepherd / Hound Mix looking for someone to ‘put a collar on her.’

Having just returned from a training program called “Unconditional Love,” this beautiful girl is one of the most easy-going, fun-loving dogs currently sheltered at Alaqua Animal Refuge. Take her home and you’ll have a loyal friend for life.

Here’s a log of her eventful life, in her own words:

2014 has been a very big year for me. I am a German Shepherd/Hound Mix and just a youngster of about three years old. I have kept a diary since January so that I could share it one day:

January 15, 2014:

I was lost, alone and ready to deliver my puppies. I was so hungry and freezing. I have been taken to the county shelter. These people are very kind and they have given me food and a warm bed to deliver my puppies. The delivery went well, and all of my puppies are doing just fine. I know this is not the place to raise my family, but I am thankful for the shelter.

January 28:

I am a good mother, and my puppies have all survived. The shelter is warm, but it is loud and frightening. The noise is constant, but the people try very hard to provide for my family and me. I have been praying constantly for safer shelter for us. Today, they told me I’m going to a very special place called Alaqua Animal Refuge. The volunteer arrived to provide us transportation. They told me that I was never going to have to be concerned for my babies or myself. They said I am going to a place made especially for love, shelter, and second chances.

February 20:

I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful this place called Alaqua is! They greeted us with loving arms, and placed my babies and me in a warm and safe area. The staff and volunteers are so thoughtful, and the commitment they have is reflected in the care we receive.

March 22:

The pups are growing up so fast, and are eating on their own. A few days ago, the doctor took me to a special operating room where she spayed me and reassured me that I would never be burdened with an unwanted pregnancy again. They also spayed and neutered all my puppies. It comforts me to know that they will not suffer the hardships I had. We are all bouncing back from our surgeries. At Alaqua, they take a lot of time to socialize the pups, so they will make excellent pets. They also spend a lot of time with me.

April 3:

My puppies are all going to loving homes. The humans at Alaqua take extra care to make sure the homes are the best. They reassure me and tell me the stories of my puppies, all of them living happily ever after now. Now, I am able to spend time meeting new humans and other dogs. We all play in the playground together and I play well with others. All of my pups will soon be gone, but no one is interested in adopting me. I admit that makes me kind of sad.

May 3:

I have just returned from the most amazing experience. Alaqua thought I could benefit from a program for dogs called “Unconditional Love.” I was taken to the county jail and received training from the handlers and trainers who are supervised by Alaqua. It was a great eight weeks, and I learned so much! I now know how to sit, stay, come, lie down, and many other commands. I have a confession to make. I sometimes get distracted by birds and farm critters. (Hey, I have a lot of hound in me!). Although, I was described as a strong-willed, mild-mannered, a super sweet girl, and a good citizen, I’m just not an excellent citizen. I follow all of my commands, but if a bird catches my attention I lose my mind!

June 30:

Even though I love it here and the people are so very kind, I’m still looking for my human family that will take me home forever. I get along so well with the other dogs in the play yard, and the volunteers tell me I am a good girl. I walk like a dream on the leash, and they tell me I am a low maintenance kind of girl, unlike my famous namesake, Beyoncé, who is what some call “high maintenance.” I still have faith and I know that my family is out there somewhere.

July 15:

I am so anxious to be the “Pet of the Week”! I just know, once my story gets out, someone will want me as their very own companion. I will promise to love and protect them. When I meet them, I will be singing in my heart – “If they love me, they will put a collar on me,” kinda like the song the other Beyoncé sings! I’ve come so far and I know if I keep saying my prayers, someone will love me… I just know it!

To adopt Beyoncé or any other animal at Alaqua, call 850-880-6399 or visit alaquaanimalrefuge.org.