Baxter is an AKC English Cream Golden Retriever, originally purchased from a breeder in PA. He was surrendered to GaDaH because his owners situation changed and could no longer give him the care, attention, training and dedication that he needs.. He is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heart-worm and tick-disease tested; Negative and micro-chipped. His date of birth is 9 November 2016 and currently weighs around 60 pounds.

It is important to note that Baxter is a high energy, intelligent, working breed dog and you really need to be experienced with this breed, or at least have the time, dedication and energy to be able to give him what he needs out of life.

​Baxter is currently a strong, very active boy who really needs a family that has a lot of time to work with him. He will also need a physically strong person who can handle him until he has been trained and has some of this energy released. He pulls very hard on the leash and could easily pull someone over. Baxter does know the sit command but he is generally to over excited to concentrate, when he is away from the rescue had a good long run/play to burn him out somewhat and had time to decompress he will be a lot easier to handle, there is a lot going on here at the rescue and he is feeding from all the energy.

​Baxter is great with humans of all ages, although currently around small children he will need to be watched as he is very excitable and could easily accidently knock them over. He is a big softy and total love bug and loves to get attention and that is also something that he craves at the moment, again once with a family and settled a lot of these little issues will not be a problem, but he is strong willed and will always need an active alpha family to keep him in check.

​Baxter is great with other dogs, although he does have some dominance signs in him, this could be as he has only just been neutered and will hopefully stop, but he does have slight alpha tendencies, I do not feel that they are strong where he would challenge another strong alpha dog. He is not house-trained and he did initially mark everywhere. However, since he has been at the rescue he has learnt to use the dog door and only makes the odd mess in his kennel. I do believe his need to mark will subside over the next few months since he has now been neutered. He is very smart and I do believe when he is on a routine and goes on walks and trips out house training him will not be a problem at all.​  We do not have cats at the rescue so cannot comment on how he would behave around them.

Baxter is going to need a family that is used to high energy, smart dogs, preferably someone who is familiar with the Retriever breed. Someone who understands that he will need training and guidance and learns that humans are in charge so that he doesn't get too much of a handful. A very active family who can give him the lifestyle that he needs. Playing ball in the back-yard is not enough for this boy he is going to need a lot of physical and mental exercise. Going on road trips, to new places, hikes and adventures and letting her explore the sights, smells and sounds the world has to offer will be to his and your benefit.

It is important that his family understands the importance of basic and advanced training. We advise that families work on their own basic training so that boundaries and expectations can be set and personalities and body language learnt in the process, which will help form a much stronger bond.

Baxter will make a great family addition to an experienced family. He is fun, active and very loving and deserves a good family and home to call his own. 

Baxter is available for adoption from Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $550.

This fee is not negotiable and is used to cover the rescue costs of pulling, vetting, health certificate, transport from Texas to Maine, monthly preventatives, supplements, food and anything else that is needed.

If you feel that you have the heart and home to give this precious soul a wonderful life, please go to our website, under the APPLICATION tab, complete, then submit the APPLICATION. Our process takes around 2-4 days, and ensuring your references are aware that we will be calling, could speed up the process. Once you have been approved, we discuss any questions in regards to the dog you are wanting to adopt, then you complete and submit the contract, make payment and then we can work out the pick up / transport arrangements.

Please do NOT submit an application if you are not looking to take home a new best friend within the next few weeks.

http://www.giveadogahome-sanantonio.org

Baxter is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine. We post in various states along the east coast and Canada where we have had lots of successful adoptions to enable more exposure for these beautiful saved souls. Families will need to be prepared to travel to the rescue to meet and take home their new best friend. Sebec is located just outside the towns of Dover-Foxcroft and Milo (approx 8 miles) and approx 45 miles from Bangor. There are also lots of hotels, motels, pet friendly accommodations  and wonderful camp-sites for the more adventurous families and what a great way to get to know your new best friend. If there are options to arrange transport, we will work with you to make it happen.