About ERNIE

ERNIE was saved from a shelter in Texas. He is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heart-worm and tick disease (SNAP 4DX) tested negative and micro-chipped. He has been estimated date of birth of 12 August 2015 and weighs around 36 pounds. We do not know what breed Ernie is although he does have some resemblance to the 'American Blue Lacy' dog. When Ernie first got to the rescue he was very fearful of people and it was clear that he had been abused. Within a short time he started to decompress and relax and realize that not all humans are bad. He has come out of his shell and is an extremely affectionate, loving boy. Ernie is a very sweet boy, who is non-imposing and will wait patiently for your attention to give him some love or a belly rub or treat. Ernie walks great on the leash, he rides great in the car, he is house-trained and is a gentle soul. He is good with other dogs, and likes to run and chase with his friends. He is not a dog that enjoys chasing around with lots of dogs, but prefers his few select friends. When Ernie wants some quiet time, he will go into another room or find somewhere quiet to relax and chill out. He takes treats very gently, knows some basic commands and is very well mannered. Ernie does not have an alpha personality and will be submissive to a strong alpha dog, although I do believe that with a submissive dog he would step up and take the more dominant alpha role and be very comfortable doing so. We do not have cats in the rescue so are unable to comment on how he would be around them. He doesn't show any interest in the birds or squirrels we feed on the front porch and he is great with the small dogs and puppies when we have had them in rescue. Ernie was adopted out in 2017, but sadly after 3 months had to be returned to the rescue. He did not like the 21 year son in the family and had become dominant in the family, barking and lunging whenever the son came in. This behaviour wasn't dealt with in a way that Ernie would understand it wasn't acceptable and so he felt that he was in charge of his family and home and became protective. Since being at the rescue, Ernie has not showed any sign of aggressive behaviour, other than once when he had only been back a few days and a friend came in and he started barking. I immediately told him NO and instructed him to go outside in which he did immediately. After a few minutes he pushed his head through the dog door and I then invited him back into the house where he went up to my friend and stood beside them waiting patiently to be petted. Ernie is going to need a family that is aware that he needs a strong alpha family who ensures he knows that he doesn't need to be in charge as the humans are there for that, something he has no problem understanding here at the rescue. He needs a family that understands any sign of negative behaviour needs a consequence so that he can learn what he is doing is wrong and not acceptable. Removing him from the room or location is and has been very effective. Ernie can get jumpy around sudden movements, which is no doubt from his abusive time in Texas and so it is important that his new family are always aware of this also. Ernie is truly an amazing dog, he always has a smile on his face and he is so gentle and loving, he just needs the right family environment where he can continue to learn and adapt. An active family that can take him on adventures and let him explore the world and all the sights, smells and sounds. ERNIE is available for adoption through Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $500. 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 ERNIE is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine.

Piscataquis County
Sebec, Maine 04481