Meet Luca | Rehome With Love Pet Adoption

Luca is one of the sweetest dogs we’ve ever met. We rescued this gorgeous, loving, and loyal black German Shepherd from Riverside County Shelter on short notice, knowing he deserved a second chance. With the help of our wonderful dog behaviorist, he’s been able to decompress from the stress of shelter life, receive lots of love and care, and enjoy a nourishing diet.

Over the past year, it’s become clear that our small, crowded environment with neighboring reactive dogs isn’t the right setting for him. Luca thrives when he has room to explore, play, and relax. He’s an active dog who loves adventures, but he also enjoys long naps and peaceful downtime. If Luca had a love language, it would definitely be physical touch—he adores affection and connection.

Luca does wonderfully with our current dog—he’s gentle and sweet with her, even when she pesters him! However, he can be nervous and reactive toward unfamiliar dogs, especially on leash or when they’re behind a fence. With consistency and continued support, we believe he’ll grow more confident in the right environment.

Luca would do best with a person or family who:

Has a large, secure, and peaceful outdoor space

Has experience with dogs like Luca

Can continue the practices we’ve implemented with our behaviorist

Wants a loyal companion who loves people and thrives on affection

Luca has never shown people-reactivity while in our care—he truly loves human connection. We know he’s an incredible dog who just needs the right home and leadership to flourish.

If you feel you could be that home for Luca, please reach out—we can’t wait to connect and find this amazing boy the loving life he deserves.

Pet's Name: Luca

Dog: Primary Breed: German Shepherd Dog

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 04/14/2020

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: Riverside County Shelter

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 05/23/2023

Gender: Male

Size (at full-grown): Large

Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 85

Primary Color: Black

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Fetch, sniffing and exploration

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes

What commands does your dog know?: He knows some basics like 'come' and 'down'

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Luca used to experience anxiety when left alone, but now handles being alone well.

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Nail trimming and some parts of vet exams cause Luca anxiety.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Luca does not need a set routine

Medical History and Care:

Vaccinations up to date

Spayed or Neutered

House/Litter-Trained

Microchipped

Special Diet

Special Needs

Never Vetted

Unknown

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: No

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Luca previously struggled with separation anxiety, but with the support of our dog behaviorist, he has made wonderful progress. While he can still be nervous or reactive around some dogs, he has never bitten another dog while in our care.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : About once a month

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: Brushing and marrow bones

Personality:

Playful

Constant Companion

High Energy

Medium Energy

Low Energy

Stubborn

Timid

Needs Training

Friendly to Strangers

Good with Other Dogs

Good with Young Children

Good with Cats

Bonded Pair

Requires A Fenced Yard

Crate Trained

Purebred

How is your dog with other dogs?: Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.

How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: Luca wags his tail enthusiastically and gets excited whenever someone approaches him.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Luca needs a home with experienced, confident caregivers in a calm, loving, and supportive environment.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: If Luca’s ideal home isn’t nearby, we are willing to drive him. Please also note: we have not done a DNA test, so his exact breed is unknown.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Housing is Inadequate for Pet

If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :

Not Applicable

Yes

How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes

Who is your veterinarian?: Sunny Side Mobile Veterinary

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Luca is fed raw or lightly cooked food

Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

Yes

Maybe

City, State: Huntington Beach, CA

Zip Code: 92648

How did you hear about us?: Google Search

Service Level: Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs