About Dakota - 40 lbs!

Dakota is a very sweet and loving, completely non-aggressive and submissive Shepherd Boxer mix whose owner died of cancer. She is a GREAT size, weighing only 40 lbs. She has GORGEOUS soulful eyes, and is a very pretty dog all around. The husband, stating that he could not care for Dakota (who he claimed was actually his 'wife's dog') decided to take Dakota to the pound; i.e., the Devore Shelter, which is a high kill shelter. This rescuer circumvented this process from happening 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 in to the rescue (and I do have all of her medical records). When Dakota first came to the rescue, which is my home in this case, it was clear she felt completely lost. She missed her owner and did not know why the husband was turning her out. She was an indoor dog and was obviously very attached to the wife. The reason I say that Dakota would have withered in the shelter, (as most people who have or have had shepherds know) is that this breed is highly intelligent, and also very sensitive. Dakota is a dog that will get her feelings hurt easily; apart from that, she has been no problem whatsoever, and is adjusting, day by day, to the routine of the rescue and to her current changed life. She is a smart dog that can grasp the situation around her. For example, she never knew the dog door in her old home but she figured it out immediately just by observing. I tried to sleep Dakota in a crate, (which is typical rescue protocol) but she refused. And, she does not need to be slept in a crate anyway. Dakota is a completely laid-back, non-destructive and potty-trained dog. She will hold it until you let her out or now, as she now has a doggie door in this home, has figured that method out. She sleeps on one of the pet beds. 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, and add a bit of wet to fill her out a bit. Dakota really loves her ball. When I bring her ball out, that is the only time that I have ever heard a bark come out of her. 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 bed throughout the house. She gets along with all other dogs, large and small, and makes no waves at all. She does not generate any negative reactions from any other dog. Though she is peaceful in the pack, she is not needy of other dogs on the flip side; she can take them or leave them. She mostly wants her person and to be near. 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 tends to never happen when it is all said and done (I am sorry, but I am speaking from my vast rescue experience here). But then 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. Dakota is the age of 8. Her birthday is April 2010. She has FANTASTIC teeth and does not need a dental cleaning. She has no lumps or bumps and appears to be in good health. Dakota is a gentle, easy-going, sweet, loving, affectionate, and sensitive soul. 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. If you are interested in discussing Dakota, please contact Angel's Heart Dog Rescue at: [email protected].

Orange County
Yorba Linda, California