Adoption information
About Shirlee
SHIRLEE 🐾
Breed: Wolfhound × Dogue de Bordeaux or other Mastiff-type mix
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 21 July 2026
Available: 15 September 2026
Vaccination: First vaccination 11 September; two more to come
Apply here: https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Meet Shirlee, one of the beautiful Coat of Many Colours Litter, comprising two boys and six girls — and a little girl who certainly knows how to stand out from the crowd.
The litter was named in tribute to the late, great Dolly Parton, drawing on her much-loved song Coat of Many Colors. Each puppy has been given a name with a Dolly connection. Shirlee is named after Shirlee Kenyon, Dolly’s character in the film Straight Talk.
And Shirlee really is one of a kind among her siblings. She is the only puppy in the litter sporting that gorgeous chocolate and tan coat, complete with those fabulous little tan eyebrows.
Personality-wise, Shirlee is a cracker. She is perky, friendly, playful and beautifully socialised, with plenty of personality and a happy confidence about her. She is an engaging little pup who enjoys people, play and being part of whatever is going on around her.
Mum is a Wolfhound mix and you can see her photo in the gallery. From the puppies’ appearance, we suspect Dad may have been a Dogue de Bordeaux or another Mastiff-type dog. Shirlee is likely to grow into a substantial dog, so prospective families should be prepared for a large adult companion.
She received her first vaccination on 11 September, with two more vaccinations still to come. Until her vaccination course is complete and her vet confirms she is parvo safe, she should not be taken into public places or onto ground where unknown dogs may have been.
Shirlee will be ready to leave for her new home from 15 September 2026.
As a large-breed puppy, she will need good-quality nutrition, kind and consistent training, continued socialisation, plenty of companionship and enough space to grow into the lovely big dog she is likely to become.
We welcome interstate applications and are very happy to help with the practicalities of getting your new puppy home. We can advise on suitable transport options, obtain quotes on your behalf and assist with making the necessary travel arrangements. Interstate adoptions are a regular part of what we do, so distance need not be a barrier to finding the right home.
Shirlee is being adopted under ARK’s Deferred Desexing Program, with desexing to take place when age appropriate in accordance with her adoption contract.
Perky, playful and full of personality, with a chocolate-and-tan coat all her own — Shirlee is a very special little girl looking for a family to grow up with. ❤️
Apply here: https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
Adoption details
Dogs:
(1) The first step is to complete the online adoption application form at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ Please answer all questions and include photos of your yard and fencing.
(2) All applications will be considered by our Adoption Team, following which a "meet and greet" will be offered to the top-ranking applicant.
(3) If the “meet and greet" is successful, the applicant may adopt the dog and take him or her home the same day.
(4) For successful interstate applicants, different arrangements may apply and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Cats:
If you are interested in one of our cats or kittens, please click on the green "Enquire about ...", button, tell us a bit about yourself and the home you can offer the cat, and one of our volunteers will be in touch.