I adopted Chip almost a month ago from the county animal shelter in Bonita, CA. He's an incredibly sweet, affectionate boy around 5 years old and I love him to pieces, but it's become obvious that my chronic fatigue and chronic pain issues have gotten too severe for me to take care of a dog of this size and with his need for exercise. This has been a devastating decision to make and I don't make it lightly, he's a wonderful friend and companion and it's going to be hard on both of us to be separated.
Chip has had a rough go in life and he's got some behavioral issues, but I've been training him every day with the aid of an excellent force-free trainer and he's responding well to training. He's also on some new medications that are helping him to calm down and get comfortable in his new environment. He is on gabapentin, as well, for a limp he acquired in his right front leg, the limp is mostly imperceptible now, but it should be investigated further.
Chip has some general anxiety that sometimes leads to him doing obsessive food-seeking behavior. This anxiety is also dependent on how much exercise he gets in a day, he's an active guy and really needs a chance to run around a few times a day. He'd do fantastic in the country with a ton of land to explore, or with someone who likes to run. He also has separation anxiety, but he's getting better and better about being left alone. Chip is reactive to dogs and other animals, so anyone with other pets should expect to keep them separated and do a lot of training until they are accustomed to each other. He sometimes barks at people, too. I think Chip has just not been socialized to anything before, he's a bit fearful, a bit uncertain what people will do, and he really needs patient exposure to new situations. He wants to do the right thing! If he gets continued training and a lot of love, he will get past his anxiety and really live his best life.
Dog: Primary Breed:
German Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
October 15 2020 estimate
Where did you get your pet?:
County animal shelter in Bonita, CA
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
October 15, 2025
Size (at full-grown):
Giant
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size):
100
Primary Color:
Tan (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
He loves chomping on plushy toys with squeakers, but he's still learning about toys and needs a little encouragement to play. Chip loves to run and go on long walks, and at home he's super affectionate and loves getting hugs and scratches and belly rubs, and snuggling with his person.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
sit, lay down, shake, wait, come, get up, get on your bed, and he's working on off, back up, leave it, and look at me.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
I haven't yet tested how long he can tolerate me being out because I've only had him a few weeks and we're still learning. He does have some separation anxiety, but the level of it depends on the level of his anxiety at the time. He's on new meds that are helping with this anxiety.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
He's more anxious when he hasn't had enough exercise. He is dog/animal reactive, and some people make him very nervous.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
We get up early for a walk, then breakfast and meds, then hang out at home, work on training and commands, another walk before dinner, eat dinner, work on some more training, then night time meds, relaxing, and bed time.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
He developed a limp in his front right leg that he's taking carprofen and gabapentin for. It's mostly imperceptible now, but he should have further investigation into it
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history::
He came to the shelter as a stray, so it's unknown
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
He is dog and animal reactive and sometimes barks at people, but he's never bitten anyone or any other dog.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
He's a fuzzy guy, so he'll require brushing.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
not at this time
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?:
Aggressive: Does not get along with other dogs and may show aggressive behavior.
How is your dog with cats?:
Aggressive: Does not get along with cats and may show aggressive behavior.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
He is absolutely the sweetest, most affectionate shepherd I've ever met. He's a big teddy bear and loves cuddles.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
His new people should be familiar with force-free training and dog behavior, and familiar with German shepherd dogs. They must be patient and willing to continue the training that he's already started with me. If there are any other pets in the house, you should be prepared to keep them separated indefinitely until he's been accustomed to them. He needs a lot of love and patience, and understanding that he just doesn't understand the world yet and needs introduction to a lot of new situations.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Chip was a favorite at the shelter and has many friends there that are rooting for him to find a good home. He's a wonderful companion and is such a sweet, silly guy. He has a ton of love to give.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Personal Problems
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
I adopted Chip a few weeks ago expecting to be his forever home. Unfortunately, I have disabilities which were complicated by long covid recently, and I was surprised to find my chronic fatigue is too intense for me to keep up with a dog of this size and need of exercise. I'm devastated that I can't keep him and very broken up by this decision.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Two weeks
Who is your veterinarian?:
VCA Mission Animal Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Rachel Ray Nutrish large breed beef. He was very overweight when he came to the shelter, so attention must be paid that he's not over-eating.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
City, State:
Oceanside, CA
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Service Level:
Standard Placement: Full Support + Custom Profile
