Ludy is a 6.5 year old, 44 lb. spayed female in Asheville, NC
Ludy is a 6.5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) with a big heart, a loyal spirit, and a little bit of that classic Heeler sass. Weighing in at 44 pounds, she’s on the more mellow side for her breed—still playful and active, but not a nonstop whirlwind like some ACDs. She’s currently living with me in an apartment in North Asheville, NC, but I’ve come to realize that she deserves more space, freedom, and stimulation than I can give her.
I found Ludy about three years ago as a stray. She was underweight, scavenging for food behind a gas station, and showed signs of having recently given birth. No chip, no owner, no one looking for her. I can’t know her whole story, but it appeared that someone bred her and left her behind. From the moment I brought her home, she’s been nothing but sweet, protective, and affectionate.
Like most Heelers, Ludy bonds deeply with her person—she’s a true Velcro dog. She loves cuddles and physical affection, and once she’s latched on to you, she’ll want to be by your side always. When meeting new people off-leash, Ludy is joyful and social—she’ll greet you with a big hug and kisses. On-leash, however, her protective instincts kick in; she may bark or give a harmless warning nip if someone approaches her person too quickly. It’s never aggressive—just her way of saying, “Back up, this is my human.”
With other dogs, she can be 50/50. She’s gotten along beautifully with some, and played rougher with others. She’s not the kind of dog who will start trouble, but she doesn’t always vibe with everyone. She hasn’t been tested with cats or small children, so a home without them or with slow, supervised introductions would be best.
When I first brought Ludy home, she was completely untrained. Through a lot of love, patience, and consistency, she’s come a long way. She’s fully crate-trained and has good off-leash manners. Her recall isn’t perfect, but she’ll stay nearby and doesn’t run off. She’s incredibly smart and athletic—she’s an excellent frisbee catcher and loves playing fetch with a Chuck-It.
Ludy is perfectly healthy, up to date on all vaccines, and I have her full medical records ready to share. My vet recently gave her a clean bill of health and described her as a happy, healthy pup.
So why am I rehoming her?
This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I took Ludy in knowing that ACDs need stimulation, purpose, and space to thrive. Despite daily hikes, long walks, and lots of outdoor play, I can tell she’s still under-stimulated and bored during the long hours spent in my small apartment. She needs more than I can give—room to roam, maybe even a job to do, and ideally a home with land or another dog to play with.
I’ve spent the past year thinking this over, trying everything I can to make it work. I love her deeply, but I want to do what’s truly best for her.
If you think you might be a good match for Ludy, I’d love to connect—whether that’s over Zoom or in person. I’m willing to drive a good distance to get her to the right home. I’m not asking for a fee; I just want to see her land in a place where she can live her best life.
Ludy is a wonderful companion, with many great years ahead. She’ll reward her new human(s) with loyalty, endless snuggles, and that one-of-a-kind Heeler devotion.