Happy

Hi, I’m Happy — and I really live up to my name.<br/><br/>I’m an almost 3-year-young mixed breed, possibly a Black Mouth Cur / German Shepherd mix, weighing about 60 lbs. I’m tall, lean, athletic… and truly the full package. Everyone who meets me says the same thing — I’m an amazing dog, and honestly, it’s a mystery why I haven’t been scooped up yet.<br/><br/>My story started in rural Tennessee, where I was found as an underweight stray puppy. I spent 18 long months at a shelter with no one coming for me. The staff knew I deserved more, so I made my way to Chicago, where Safe Haven is helping me finally find the forever family I’ve been waiting for.<br/><br/>I’m a young guy with great energy and an even better personality. I love long walks, runs, and playtime — I’d make an incredible running partner. At my foster home, I live for zooming around the fenced yard, so a 5-foot fence would be ideal for me.<br/><br/>I’m playful and love my toys — squeaky balls, nylabones, and leather toys are some of my favorites. But I’m not just about action — I’ve got a calm, easygoing side too. I’m quiet and well-mannered in the house, happy to relax in my dog bed while you work or snooze nearby while you watch TV. I like being close to my people, and I’m especially in tune with your emotions — if you’re having a tough day, I’ll be right there to comfort you. Those soulful light brown eyes? They’re always looking out for you.<br/><br/>I’m smart and eager to learn. I already know sit, stay, come, leave it, and down/off, and since I’m food motivated, training with me is fun and rewarding.<br/><br/>I currently live with two other dogs and do just fine, though I’d really love a playmate closer to my size and energy level — or I’d be just as happy being your one and only. I do have a strong prey drive (squirrels and bunnies are very exciting!), so a cat-free home would be best.<br/><br/>Because I’m strong and enthusiastic, I can sometimes forget my size when I’m excited. I’m fully housebroken and prefer a fenced yard for doing my business. I walk nicely on leash, and a harness helps keep me at my best.<br/><br/>After spending so much time in a shelter, I don’t love crates or being confined, and I don’t love being alone for long stretches. I’d thrive in a home where someone is around most of the time — especially if you work from home.<br/><br/>What I don’t understand is why I’m still waiting. I’m the kind of dog people say they’re looking for — loyal, smart, affectionate, active but able to relax, and deeply connected to my humans. I’m not just a good dog… I’m a really special one.<br/><br/>If you have a fenced yard, enjoy getting outside, and want a devoted companion who will bring joy, energy, and unconditional love into your life — I’m ready.<br/><br/>I’ve waited a long time. I just need someone to finally choose me.<br/><br/>Adoption Information<br/><br/>Happy’s standard adoption fee is $465. We offer a $15 discount for cash or check payments, making the fee $450.<br/><br/>The adoption fee covers:<br/><br/>Spay/neuter surgery (when age appropriate) at one of our participating veterinarians<br/><br/>Age-appropriate core vaccinations<br/><br/>Fecal testing and deworming<br/><br/>Flea and tick preventative<br/><br/>Microchipping<br/><br/>To be considered for adoption, we require:<br/><br/>A fully completed application<br/><br/>A phone interview<br/><br/>A meet-and-greet with your entire household<br/><br/>Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting and does not guarantee approval — it simply begins the review process.<br/><br/>If you are interested in adopting or would like additional information, please email adopt@safehavendogsIL.org<br/> to request an application.<br/><br/>Please note that the breed and size listed in each dog’s biography are our best educated guesses and are not guaranteed.<br/><br/>Safe Haven Dog Rescue reserves the right to refuse the adoption of any dog or puppy to any applicant for any reason.

Hi, I’m Happy — and I really live up to my name.

I’m an almost 3-year-young mixed breed, possibly a Black Mouth Cur / German Shepherd mix, weighing about 60 lbs. I’m tall, lean, athletic… and truly the full package. Everyone who meets me says the same thing — I’m an amazing dog, and honestly, it’s a mystery why I haven’t been scooped up yet.

My story started in rural Tennessee, where I was found as an underweight stray puppy. I spent 18 long months at a shelter with no one coming for me. The staff knew I deserved more, so I made my way to Chicago, where Safe Haven is helping me finally find the forever family I’ve been waiting for.

I’m a young guy with great energy and an even better personality. I love long walks, runs, and playtime — I’d make an incredible running partner. At my foster home, I live for zooming around the fenced yard, so a 5-foot fence would be ideal for me.

I’m playful and love my toys — squeaky balls, nylabones, and leather toys are some of my favorites. But I’m not jus

Hi, I’m Happy — and I really live up to my name.

I’m an almost 3-year-young mixed breed, possibly a Black Mouth Cur / German Shepherd mix, weighing about 60 lbs. I’m tall, lean, athletic… and truly the full package. Everyone who meets me says the same thing — I’m an amazing dog, and honestly, it’s a mystery why I haven’t been scooped up yet.

My story started in rural Tennessee, where I was found as an underweight stray puppy. I spent 18 long months at a shelter with no one coming for me. The staff knew I deserved more, so I made my way to Chicago, where Safe Haven is helping me finally find the forever family I’ve been waiting for.

I’m a young guy with great energy and an even better personality. I love long walks, runs, and playtime — I’d make an incredible running partner. At my foster home, I live for zooming around the fenced yard, so a 5-foot fence would be ideal for me.

I’m playful and love my toys — squeaky balls, nylabones, and leather toys are some of my favorites. But I’m not just about action — I’ve got a calm, easygoing side too. I’m quiet and well-mannered in the house, happy to relax in my dog bed while you work or snooze nearby while you watch TV. I like being close to my people, and I’m especially in tune with your emotions — if you’re having a tough day, I’ll be right there to comfort you. Those soulful light brown eyes? They’re always looking out for you.

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