Ava is one of those pups who puzzle the staff. The 11-month-old, Border Collie-sized Australian Shepherd, seems to have been schooled. The tri-colored pup is housebroken, leash-trained and even knows commands. Still, someone who should have treasured her let her go, or even forced her to go. The friendly girl was wandering.

Of course, Australian Shepherds are so intelligent that Ava may have almost trained herself in all those housedog skills. They’re dogs who read the expressions of someone they love and try to please. In only a few trials, they often figure it out.

In the shelter, there isn’t the time to test how quickly Ava would learn. But this pretty pup seems to have the potential to be amazing, with a kind teacher.