HAL  was bought to the boarding business I run by animal control as I have a stray hold contract with them. With no inquiries and the seven day stray hold up, HAL was transferred over to GaDaH so that we could get him fully vetted and find his perfect forever home.

HAL is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heart worm and tick disease tested negative and micro-chipped. The vet estimated him to be around 18-24 months old. HAL has been listed as a Rhodesian Ridge-back/German Shepherd Dog mix, however, there is no way for us to know what breed he is, so it is important that you decide what breed you think he is.

HAL is located in the kennel building and seemed so very happy to have a safe place and was super excited when I encouraged him to go on his elevated bed, with soft fluffy blankets. He shares a kennel with Muneca a female dog of similar size and energy as him and they get along great. When he meets other dogs he can get a bit barky, but when told no, or the other dog ignores him he is fine and happy to run and play with any dog willing to play.

HAL does use the dog door in the kennel and so there is a good chance he will be house trained, he might not know to let you know you know he needs to go out, so a few accidents should be expected initially until he has learned his new routine. If there are no accidents, then bonus.

We do not know how HAL is around cats since we don't have any at the rescue.

HAL does understand and respond to the command "sit", however, he needs to know you are serious as he is so high energy and excitable you need to get his attention with your voice so he knows you mean business. Once you have his attention and he has settled down he is truly amazing. He will sit, whilst I walk around him, his head following me as I walked round. He pulls a little on the leash, but that is again more down to excitement and he jumps right up in the car and rides well. Occasionally barking at dogs or people outside, but not constant and he does stop when told. HAL was very well behaved at the vets and had no problems having his examination or injections. He did want to meet every person and animal that came in, but again with the right tone is extremely responsive.

HAL does like to be near you and has unhooked the kennel gate to get out and even climbed the fence and squeezed out of a gap between the kennel fence and the roof. He doesn't do this to run away, it is more to be with his human, however, it is important to note that he is an extremely smart dog and will do what it takes to get out of containment if he is not happy there or wants to be with his family.

HAL is your typical "teenager" he is high energy, he is extremely smart, he will push your limits, but when he knows that there is no manipulating you and he respects you, then he is an absolutely wonderful dog. He is extremely affectionate, when sitting or lying close by he will lean into you he. In the car, if not allowed in the front, he will push his head through the gap in the seat and the window, or he will rest his head on your shoulder. He would make a great family dog, or companion to someone who wants that special buddy to take everywhere with them.

​We do not recommend dog parks for several weeks, if not months, it is so very important for families and dogs to form a strong bond and get to know each other before exposing them to the potential dangers of dog parks. Although all GaDaH dogs are very well socialized with other dogs, lots of other dogs have not had the benefit of this socialization and do not always know how to play and act with other dogs. You also do not know the control the other families have over their dogs and you should always have a good recall for your adopted dog before going to dog parks.

HAL is full of energy and so a family with an active lifestyle is a huge bonus. He rode great in the car and was happy looking out of the window. He would benefit from lots of road trips and adventures, hiking, trips to the lake, the beach and anywhere that he can burn off some of his energy and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds the world has to offer. He will need a family that understands the importance of training and we encourage all families to work on basic and advanced training as a family so that boundaries and expectations can be set and both HAL and his humans can learn each others body language and personalities and form a stronger bond and understanding of each other. He has not had a collar or leash on and so leash training will definitely need to be worked upon. A family that understands his initial caution of people and new places, that will help him develop his confidence and trust.

HAL is available for adoption from Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $400.

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

HAL  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.