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Adopt Mafalda

Mixed Breed · Female · Senior · 9 years

Mafalda is a kind and gentle dog of around 35kg and 7 years old. She loves the company of other dogs, and during her time in our shelter, she has cohabitated happily with numerous dogs of both sexes and all sizes. She is particularly maternal with puppies. Mafalda has experienced abandonment and harsh treatment during her life, and can be wary of strangers at first, although she is never aggressive. Her confidence has improved considerably during her time with us and she has developed strong bonds with the people who care for her. She is extremely fond of walks and has adapted well to wearing a harness and lead. Like many dogs of this particular breed mixture (Serra de Estrela cruzada), Mafalda is an excellent guard dog with a loud bark and is ideally suited to outdoor living. We would like to see her rehomed somewhere that could support this lifestyle and that has plenty of secure (fenced) outdoor space. Prospective owners should have some experience with larger guardian breeds, be willing to work kindly and patiently with Mafalda to win her trust, and have at least one other dog that will behave in a friendly and respectful manner with Mafalda, since canine company is an absolute necessity for her and she finds it extremely distressing to be left alone.

Size
Age
Senior · 9 years
Location
🇵🇹Portugal
Shelter
Adoption Dogs Portugal
Living with Mafalda
  • Vaccinated
  • Spayed
  • Microchipped
  • Good with dogs
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Cared for by Adoption Dogs Portugal · PortugalLearn about Mixed Breed

Listed 1 month ago

Bringing Mafalda home

What you'll need for Mafalda in week one.

Hand-picked · prices indicative

  1. 01
    Required by most shelters

    Trixie Transport Box

    Sturdy plastic carrier — what most shelters require for pickup.

    View on Amazon
    €35–45
  2. 02
    Editor's pick

    Folding Wire Crate

    First-week safe space. Shelter dogs settle faster with a crate.

    View on Amazon
    €50–80
  3. 03
    Legal · EU

    Car Seatbelt Tether

    Legally required in most EU countries for transporting dogs.

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    €8–12
  4. 04

    Adaptil Calming Spray

    Dog-specific pheromone diffuser. Worth it for the trip home.

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    €18–25
  5. 05

    Orthopaedic Dog Bed

    Worth the upgrade — rescues often have joint issues from kennels.

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    €30–60
  6. 06
    Safer than a collar

    Padded Y-Front Harness

    Escape-proof for spooky rescues. Safer than a collar in week one.

    View on Amazon
    €20–35

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About Mafalda

What life with Mafalda looks like

Mafalda is a senior mixed breed dog waiting at Adoption Dogs Portugal in Portugal.

Senior dogs settle in faster than younger ones. They want a soft bed, predictable meals, and short, sniff-heavy walks rather than runs. Many senior rescues bond deeply within weeks because they understand exactly how good a stable home is. Expect occasional vet visits for joint or dental care.

🇵🇹Adopting from Portugal

Portuguese rescues coordinate extensively with European rescue networks for cross-border placements, especially for galgos and podencos. Sterilization, vaccinations, and microchip ID are standard. Adoption fees typically cover the full vet workup.

Portugal, Portugal browse more dogs in Portugal.

Frequently asked

Adopting Mafalda, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about Mafalda?
Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. Adoption Dogs Portugal handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw Mafalda on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt Mafalda if I live in another country?
Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — Adoption Dogs Portugal will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. Plan for an extra €100–€350 in transport costs depending on distance.
Is Mafalda already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?
Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.
What happens if Mafalda isn't the right fit?
Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with Adoption Dogs Portugal early rather than rehoming privately; they know Mafalda and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.
Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?
TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (EN). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.
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Adopt Mafalda — 9yo Mixed Breed in Portugal | TailHarbor