Pet of the Week: Meet Perla

Veronica Perez from Riverside County Animal Services stopped by NBC Palm Springs with a very special guest, a beautiful tan and black German Shepherd named Perla. At just over two years old and 89 pounds, Perla is as gentle as she is gorgeous, and she proved it by settling right in and soaking up all the studio attention.

Perla has been at the Riverside County Animal Control Coachella Shelter since November, which is far too long for a dog this special. She actually serves as a "helper dog" during playgroup introductions at the shelter, greeting new dogs and helping them ease into group play. She's good with other dogs, calm on a leash, and has the kind of laid-back, loving demeanor that fits just about any home.

Also available at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus are Calypso (Shelter ID A1903488) , a spirited nine-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix who loves water play and chasing balls, and Monroe (Shelter ID A1897061), a one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who is a total cuddle bug.

To meet Perla, Calypso, Monroe, or any of the many dogs and cats waiting for homes, visit the shelter or go to RCDAS.org/adopt. And if you're not ready to adopt, the Fido Program lets anyone take a shelter dog out for the day, giving them a much-needed break from kennel life.

Barkchella is happening now through April 19 at all Riverside County shelters, with fee-waived adoptions available. An all-star lineup of dogs, from big beautiful shepherds to energetic cattle dogs to sweet little ones, is ready to find their forever homes. Don't miss it.