SHENZI - ADOPTION PENDING - GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG / MIXED (MEDIUM COAT) DOG FOR ADOPTION

Description

Dog Breed: German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (medium coat). Hi friends! My name is Shenzi, and I’m a 3-year-old, approximately 55-pound ball of love with a permanently squishy face and a heart big enough for everyone I meet. My foster mom says I’m so sweet that angels must have come down and smushed my face—and it just stayed that way. I can neither confirm nor deny this, but I am told it adds to my charm. It’s not entirely clear what my life looked like before rescue, but whatever happened, it didn’t leave a mark on my heart. I have genuinely never met a stranger—human or dog. I don’t need a warm-up period; I simply show up ready to love. Humans? Best friends. Dogs? Potential best friends. Vet staff? Also, best friends. Everyone is part of Team Shenzi. My favorite things include playing ball, zoomies, toys, snacks, veggies, flowers, cuddling, and following my humans wherever they go. I’m incredibly food motivated and already know commands like sit, stay, lay down, and leave it. Training with me is actually pretty fun because I’m eager to learn and always willing to work for kibble. A yard with a 4 foot fence would be adequate because I love to play but do not try to escape. I’m also a very curious girl. My foster family suspects I may have some loss of smell, though it has never been formally diagnosed. Because of that, I sometimes like to learn about the world with my mouth and investigate things up close. I already know "leave it" and continue to improve every day, but I’ll need a family that can help me keep building good habits and making smart choices. I’ve been fortunate enough to have two wonderful foster homes through Freedom German Shepherd Rescue—one that pulled me from the shelter and cared for me through my medical treatments, and another that has helped me grow into the dog I was always meant to be. In both homes, I found favorite furry siblings to follow around, play with, and shower with affection. I absolutely love having dog friends, and while my enthusiasm can sometimes be a little bigger than my manners, I respond well to slow introduction and clear boundaries. I do best with dogs who either match my playful energy, confidently set boundaries, or have humans who make sure everyone gets the space they need. Once I settle in, I just want to be part of the group. I haven’t been cat tested, but my foster mom thinks I would likely do well with a dog-savvy cat or confident kitten—especially one that doesn’t mind a little extra attention. As for the practical stuff, Freedom German Shepherd Rescue has provided me with amazing veterinary care. I was diagnosed with entropion and underwent corrective surgery on both eyes. I’ve been cleared by my veterinarian and am doing great. Because my eyes were irritated for a long time before treatment, I’ll likely always need a little extra eye care. I get regular eye boogers, but a quick wipe with a warm towel and saline drops usually keeps me comfortable. The best part? I already know the routine. As soon as my foster mom grabs a towel, I happily sit down and wait for my little spa treatment before heading back to more important business. Speaking of veterinarians, I recently went in for what was supposed to be a quick visit. Three hours later, I completed my personal parade route through the clinic, making sure to revisit every staff member, technician, and boarding employee I had previously charmed. At this point, I’m pretty sure I believe the veterinary clinic exists solely for my fan club. I am potty trained, though it may take me a few days to learn a new routine in a new home. I’m continuing to improve with crate training and I settle much more easily when I know my people are nearby. Because I’m still young at heart and enthusiastic about life, I’ll thrive with a family that will continue my training and help me keep learning. If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky, goofy, squishy-faced love bug who will keep you laughing, follow you from room to room, and love you with her whole heart, I might just be your girl. If you would like to meet me, please contact your adoption coordinator. If you do not yet have an adoption coordinator, please complete an application at .freedomgermanshepherdrescue. I am currently being fostered in Wake Forest, NC.

• Physical Attributes

  Ear Type:	Erect
  Coat Length:	Medium
  Altered	Yes

• Behavioral Characteristics

  OK with Kids:	Yes
  OK with Dogs:	Yes
  Energy Level:	Moderate
  Activity Level:	Moderately Active
  Exercise Needs:	Moderate
  Fence Required:	3 foot
  Obedience Training:	Has Basic Training
  Owner Experience Required:	Species
  Other:	Yard Required Crate Trained Housetrained Likes to Play with Toys Likes to Be in Your Lap

• Personality

  Personality Characteristics

  Playful Affectionate Eager to Please Intelligent Even-Tempered Gentle Goofy

• Additional Information

  Was the Dog Found

  No