ADOPTED ON 03-25-16 – – Zelda had a difficult start in life and it is a story that makes you sad. And angry. Angry because it is so avoidable. Callous people who refuse to spay and neuter, dumping beautiful puppies like trash because they don’t want to deal with them. Zelda is one of those. Discarded at 6 weeks old with another pup, Bitsy, they were left to starve AND freeze, as the temperatures were dropping into the teens. Struggling against odds, little Zelda and Bitsy were finally rescued on a stormy 17 degree night, starving, freezing, and wet from sleet. They most likely would not have made it through the night.

After a long recovery Zelda is now a beautiful 18 month old Shepard mix with a gentle demeanor and a laid back personality. She prefers to sit and watch the action of the other foster dogs but will join in and play occasionally. Zelda enjoys walks and does well in the car and has great manners in the house. She loves people but small children sometimes make her nervous.  She is most comfortable with calm-natured people—can anyone blame her? Zelda would thrive if she were the only dog in the family because she loves attention, but would do fine with another canine companion. She would love to be the center of attention in her forever home. Will you help give Zelda what she most desires and deserves? Open your heart and home and welcome Zelda into her new forever home.

This dog cannot be adopted to Massachusetts residents due to new laws regarding rescue dogs being prohibited from adoption. Please contact Patricia Cabral at: 617-626-1786 or Mike Cahill at: 617-626-1794 for questions regarding what dogs you are allowed to adopt.

 This dog cannot be adopted to Massachusetts residents due to new laws regarding
rescue dogs being prohibited from adoption.  Please contact Patricia Cabral at:
617-626-1786 or Mike Cahill at: 617-626-1794 for questions regarding what dogs you
are allowed to adopt.

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The following is basic helpful information and does not reflect the personality of dog mixes.

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ABOUT THE BREED
German Shepherds are fierce but friendly, and have a calm confidence that may seem kind of aloof. When in need, however, a German Shepherd is instantly ready to protect, play a game or perform a task—in some cases as a guard dog, police dog, herder or seeing eye dog. With a strong work ethic and an eager intelligence, they crave challenges.

German Shepherds have great instincts and fertile minds. Lots of activity and exercise will make them happy, but tracking, obedience and agility games—or any task-oriented activity—will make them even happier.

PERSONALITY
The German Shepherd is very protective and devoted to its family and home, maintaining a suspicious and aloof demeanor around strangers. It is normally friendly with other pets in the home. The German Shepherd is an immensely versatile dog, displaying a keen intelligence while dutifully performing its tasks.

The German Shepherd personality is aloof but not usually aggressive. He’s a reserved dog; he doesn’t make friends immediately, but once he does, he’s extremely loyal. With his family he’s easy-going and approachable, but when threatened he can be strong and protective, making him an excellent watchdog.

This highly intelligent and trainable breed thrives on having a job to do — any job. The German Shepherd can be trained to do almost anything, from alerting a deaf person to a doorbell ring to sniffing out an avalanche victim.

PET COMPATIBILITY
The German Shepherd can also live peacefully with other dogs and pets, as long as he was taught to do so from puppyhood. Introducing an adult German Shepherd to a household with other pets can be more difficult if the dog isn’t used to getting along with other dogs.

CHILDREN
If he’s well trained and has had plenty of exposure to kids, especially as a puppy, a German Shepherd is a great companion for children. In fact, some say he’s a cross between a babysitter and a cop, both gentle with, and protective of, the children in his family.

This is a big dog, though, capable of mistakenly bumping a toddler or small child. True to his reserved nature, he’s not tail-wagging friendly with kids he doesn’t know, but he’s generally trustworthy.

TEMPERAMENT
This dog breed is known for its intelligence (currently ranked #3) and the ability to retain training is legendary. The desire to learn and work gives them the trait to be purposeful in what they do. Very loyal, the bond is very tight between it and their owner, usually just 1 individual. Other characteristics of this breed are its courage, alertness, territorial, and athleticism

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IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT PACK LEADERS
It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack, therefore, the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success you must be the pack leader:

• When we humans live with dogs,we become their pack
• The entire pack cooperates under asingle leader
• Lines are clearly defined andrules are set
• Dogs communicateshis displeasure with growling and eventually biting
• Humans MUST be higherup in the order than the dog.
• The humans must be the onesmaking the decisions, not the dogs.

HOUSETRAINING
Schedule Feeding Time – Find your dog’s schedule so that you can work with that

• Feed your dog on a regular schedule time, always within a half hour of the time

Schedule Water – Help your dog bee successful

• Keep a schedule for water, however, you should design a schedule that fits you
• Remove the water dish after the first feeding in the morning
• After the night feeding, leave water dish for two hours, then take it up
• Before your last walk for the night, put the water dish down about an hour before
• Then walk your dog 45 minutes after he has had water. There will might be days where that might be an exception for water.

 Schedule Walking Time – Find your dog’s schedule, then gently move it to your schedule.

• Start by taking the dog out every two hours for two days, if he goes every two hours,
• Then take him out every three hours, for two days,
• Until you reach the time frame you need – every six hours—eight hours etc

One accident in the house, there is a urine smell that the dog detects and his instinct to continue mark where he smells urine. This is how wild dogs let other dogs know that this territory is taken and for dogs not in the pack to go elsewhere. If your dog has an accident in the house, spray the area with 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water, brush with a soft brush, put a towel on top to absorb the liquid, then take it outside where you want him to go, take it out of the bag and put it on the ground, praise your dog when he goes outside.

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WHAT  THE ADOPTION FEE PAYS FOR 

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DISCLAIMER: THE BREED POSTED ON OUR DOGS’ BIOGRAPHIES ARE OUR BEST GUESS BASED ON SEVERAL YEARS OF DOG RESCUE. ADOPTERS WHO NEED TO KNOW THE EXACT BREED OF A PARTICULAR DOG MUST HAVE THE DOG TESTED AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE.

Application instructions: click the link below to apply for adoption of this dog.

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Every day for Ebony is like watching a child open a present, see her videos below. Please share with others that might be looking for a miniature shepherd.

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German Shepherd Quick Facts

• Height:22-26 inches
• Weight:70-90 pounds
• Lifespan:13-15 years
• Color(s):

• Solid Black
• Tan/Gold With A Black Saddle
• Black Nose,
• Grey Lighter Or Brown Markings
• Sables
• Whites

Best Suited For

• Families With Children
• Active Singles
• Guard Duty
• Rural/Farm Areas

Trademark Traits

• Handsome and well-built
• Intelligent
• Obedient
• Faithful
• Protective
• Devoted
• Loyal

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• Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs
• Always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
• Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
• Children need to be taught how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children.
• No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child because often-young children don’t understand that a cute little dog, or any dog, might not want “love and kisses.”
• Never let young children pick up a puppy or small dog. Instead, make them sit on the floor with the dog in their lap. Pay attention to the dog’s body language, and put him safely in his crate if he appears to be unhappy or uncomfortable with the child’s attention.
• Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs.
• Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
• Be prepared dogs will protect themselves
• Most important, it is your responsibility to make sure that your children and the dog are supervised at all times and safe. You cannot leave it up to the dog, the dog is an animal and will behave like an animal. They rely on us to guide and protect them, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• THIS IS YOUR JOB, NOT THE DOG

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1. Introducing Your Dog to a New Home
2. Cesar’s House Rules
3. How do I stop a dog from jumping?

Click the expand button in the lower right corner of each video to view full-screen. See Cesar Millan’s tips on dog behavior.

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Sponsored Dogs – They Need Your Help!

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