DE SOTO, Iowa — We’re on a mission this summer to Clear the Shelters in Central Iowa. This time, the month-long pet adoption campaign takes us to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport in De Soto.

“Look cute, look cute,” said Amy Heinz to Summer, a Chocolate Lab-Pit Bull mix.

Summer is learning to sit in exchange for treats now that she’s living at the shelter.

The young dog mom was locked outside in a pen with her puppies at an abandoned home in Thayer. Summer managed to survive and keep her puppies alive until AHeinz57 came to the rescue. The shelter first learned about the dogs last month. Heinz says the caller told them Summer had been shot but seemed to be doing okay.

“We did find a bullet in her shoulder, and we did find some BBs in her,” said Heinz, “Just when I think I can’t get surprised again, I get surprised again. It’s crazy what goes on with these poor animals,” she added.

Now that her five puppies have been adopted, it’s Summer’s turn.

“She’s friendly, she likes people, she’s kind of a rough player but we’ve had her in playgroups,” said Heinz.

Summer may be an alpha dog, but she’s still a cuddly pup at heart.

“You can hug her, kiss her, she’s just a good girl,” Heinz told us as she sat with Summer on the couch.

A good girl who needs a good home of her own..

To schedule a one-on-one visit with Summer, just go to www.AHeinz57.com.  You’ll find more information about her and all the other animals available for adoption.