Dakota - 37 lbs! (Owner passed away) German Shepherd Dog & Boxer Mix Pasadena, CA

This is a courtesy listing for another rescue group. PLEASE READ ENTIRE BIO BEFORE CONTACTING RESCUE. To inquire about this dog, you do not need to press any special buttons on this website. Send a regular e-mail to Janet Cook at: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. Please provide some information about your home, family, other pets, and your dog experience. Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue is a private, foster home based rescue. There is an application process that precedes meeting a dog. I answer emails quickly. Please also check your spam folder for an email reply from the rescue, or provide a phone number whereby you may be reached. Thank you!

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Dakota is a very sweet and loving, completely non-aggressive and submissive Shepherd Boxer mix whose owner died of cancer. She is a GREAT medium size, weighing only 37 lbs. (Please note that though she only weighs 37 lbs., she is thin and slightly tall, so she still has the “feel” of a larger dog.) She is so friendly that she meets everyone kindly and gently, women, men, and I presume children as well. She has GORGEOUS soulful eyes and a pretty face. The husband, stating that he could not care for Dakota (who he claimed was actually his “wife’s dog”) took Dakota to a high kill shelter. This rescuer circumvented him from surrendering Dakota in the parking lot. I saw Dakota and knew that she would wither in the shelter. So out of kindness, I decided to take her into the rescue.

Dakota is an intelligent dog who is also very sensitive. When she first came to the rescue (which is my home in this case) it was clear she felt completely lost. She was an indoor dog and was obviously very attached to the wife (after the wife’s death, the husband threw her outside and left her there), and she did not understand why the husband was turning her out. So she has been adjusting here, day by day, and each day gets more relaxed and content with her safety and with the routine. Dakota is a dog that will get her feelings hurt if the approach is too harsh; apart from that, she is a very easy to manage dog. Dakota never knew the dog door in her old home but she figured it out immediately, here, just by observing. She was taken to the vet and rides very well in the car and was very good at the vet. She is very good with the bath, and also being brushed.

Dakota is a low-key, non-destructive and potty-trained dog. She will hold it until you let her out, or now, she can use the doggie door, as she has figured that method out. She enjoys my yard here but seems more comfortable if she knows that she is able to come back in at will. One nice thing about her is that she always goes potty in a one corner of the yard. Dakota sleeps on one of the pet beds in my bedroom. She prefers to be near people. Her grooming needs are those of any shepherd type, regular brushing to minimize shedding, and the occasional bath. She is a thin dog, but I have her on structured feeding schedule now (she was being free-fed before and got slightly too thin) and I add a bit of wet food to each meal to get her eating better.

Dakota really loves her ball. When I bring her ball out, that is the only time I hear her bark. She barks to “speak” and is excited from the game. Otherwise, she is very quiet. If she is not playing with her ball, or taking a walk, she is typically found somewhere in the house chilling on one of the many pet beds throughout the house, or trying to be petted. Even though Dakota is not a high needs dog, she would still appreciate going on errands (if it is not too hot) or taking a walk or doing some things with her person, rather than lie around all day. Dakota gets along with all other dogs, large and small, and makes no waves in the pack at all, however, she is not needy of other dogs in that she can take them or leave them. She mostly wants people and to form a bond and a relationship with her special someone.

I was concerned when I agreed to take Dakota in because even people in their 70’s want puppies, one or two-year-olds. Sometimes, they are inconsiderate of what will happen to the dog if they lose their independence or incur a health decline, choosing instead to live in the moment, and often believing that some loving family member will take in their now middle aged dog, which actually seldom happens. But there are other (older) people whose heart actually goes out to a slightly older dog, or even a senior dog. And that is what I am hoping to find for Dakota, as this rescuer is unable to keep Dakota – I have only rescued her in hopes to find her a forever home. I am hoping to find someone who connects to her rescue story.

Dakota is the age around the age of 8. She has FANTASTIC teeth and does not need a dental cleaning. She has had a vet check and blood work, and is deemed to be in good health at present. Dakota is a gentle, easy-going, sweet, loving, affectionate, and a sensitive soul. She has quiet cat like mannerisms and is not boisterous. She is looking for someone to be her new person. Dakota would make a great companion dog to any adult or older person whose heart will go out to an older dog. She can also be a quiet presence for another dog in the home. There are many pluses about having a more mature dog. There is no potty-training, ongoing behavioral training, or constant need to meet the needs of the dog, exercise and otherwise. Dakota is a low-energy dog that will be happy in a secure, consistent and supportive environment with someone that loves her and someone to love. She is still a bit lost, finding her way, but she has all of the makings of settling in to a new life with her new person.

NOTE: We only adopt dogs as primarily INDOOR dogs. Dogs can go outside to play, potty, to sun themselves at will, but should never be excluded to an outside area. You do not need to give a dog the run of the entire house.

Dakota is spayed, fully vaccinated (including rabies), Front-lined, dewormed, micro-chipped, and has also had a recent health check. There is also typically a reduced adoption fee when a dog is a bit older. If you are interested in discussing Dakota, please contact Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue at: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. The phone number to the rescue is: 626-340-9316. There is no need to phone the rescue unless you do not receive a response from your email. Please also visit my website at: http://www.angelsheartdogrescue.com and go to the Adoption Tab to read about the adoption process and fees; thank you!