Zep is a chill guy in his later years of life. We rescued him over a year ago and brought him back to health, feeding him lots of food, getting him outside and getting all his medical needs addressed so he could be healthy and comfortable. Zep's parents are having to do a military move internationally and due to his limited mobility we won't be able to take him on the trip abroad. We know with the right family he will be able to live out his last years enjoying a simple life in comfort.
Zep's favorite thing to do is soak up the sun regardless of how hot it is. His best life is being outside to enjoy the grass benethe his belly and get an occassional stroll when he wants to sniff around.
Zep loves meeting new people and dogs, whether it is his sister coming over to say hi and play or the neighbors dogs coming over to sniff around and greet each other. He also loves the delivery drivers who regularly give him treats, pets and a lot of love.
Zep is a super kind hearted guy. He loves getting attention but he also enjoys his alone time napping in the sun. All around he is just a chill and simple man that likes short walks down the driveway to the nearby grass field and a long drink of water!
Pet's Name:
Zep
Dog: Primary Breed:
Boxer
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
March 2018
Age Category:
Senior
Where did you get your pet?:
We rescued Zep from Onslow County Animal Services.
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
Yes, he was rescued from the Onslow County Shelter
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
October 14, 2025
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
65
Primary Color:
Black (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Zep loves to lay in the sun. He enjoys going on short walks. His limited mobility is the only that holds him back. He like to roll around in the grass and chase balls and frisbees for a few rounds and then rushes to the water bowl to get a long drink. For the most part he like to chill, soak up the sun and take long naps particularly outside. He loves being outside in the sun.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
No
What commands does your dog know?:
He knows sit, come, no, and stop.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Zep is great at being left alone. He is often outside off a leash and will stay near the house to hang out. He doesn't have any issues inside being left alone in terms of chewing on things, however he does have accidents in the house if he hasn't been walked to use the bathroom beforehand.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
We have had Zep for over a year now and helped him get comfortable in his skin again. He is very friendly with other dogs and people. The only thing he doesn't enjoy very much is long car rides. Sometimes he gets sick if in the car too long.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Zep has a great daily routine. First thing in the morning we go on a short walk to go to the bathroom. Then he gets fed and often takes a morning nap after that. Throughout the day we will throw the ball or workout outside with him to get him back where he like to be, laying the sun. Then in the evening he gets fed and shortly after we do another bathroom walk to make sure he goes to the bathroom. The morning and evening walks are important for Zep to help him get mobile and ensure he goes to the bathroom in the grass.
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?:
When we adopted Zep he needed a lot of medical attention. He had tested positive for heart worm. We were able to treat him for this and get him back to health. He was cleared of this in his follow up appointments. The major health concern for Zep is that he lacks mobility. He had his hips x-rayed and the vet was able to let us know that his hip sockets have been completely worn so there is a lot of bone on bone interactions in his back legs. For this reason, he doesn't run or walk to far and sometimes it take him a little bit to warm up his body for movement. He still plays with our other dog and doesn't let it stop him completely from enjoying life, however it is at a much slower and moderate pace and dosage. This is something you have to be mindful of when homing him. He should not be climbing stairs regularly as this is hard for him and long walks to get him to grass/green spaces will not be good for him. He needs short distances and ease of access to maintain comfort.
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::
Zep's medical history does make it difficult for him to always control his bathroom visits. This is why it is critical to walk him and allow him to be outside often. Sometimes his movements will be irregular and he has a very hard time holding them.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
No Zep lives with our other dog, who he has always played with and never growled or been mean, even when concerning food or bones. He has also been very friendly to neighbor dogs who come by the house to say hello. He also loves the delivery drivers who are very used to him now and bring him treats with deliveries.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
We clip Zep's nails about once every two weeks. He doesn't like this process but he stays calm enough to let it happen. We also bathe him every month, he will cooperate but prefers to stay dirty.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
He does not. His teeth are pretty worn down but still work!
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Good with older kids: Does well with calm, respectful children, typically school-age and up.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Very friendly: Loves meeting and playing with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Zep is the most chill dog ever. He will lay outside in the sun, no matter how hot for hours. He may be a lizzard in a dogs body. He just loves to hang out outside. He loves smelling the breeze, watching the birds and of course just rolling around in grass. I have never met a dog that was the actual poster dog for a porch dog. That is his life.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
The big things have somewhat already been stated. For the home, no stairs or minimal stairs with a yard for him to relax in. In terms of the family, he is a lover and ready to just be sweet to whoever takes him in, I would just want them to have the time to take care of him throughout the day or have a place he can be outside during the day for him to be happiest.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Zep is super responsible and when you play fetch he will carry his ball or frisbee back home on the walk!
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Military Move
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
We will be moving internationally and we know that Zep won't be able to make the trip.
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?:
Three months
Who is your veterinarian?:
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Veterinary Services: Meaghan Velez
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
We feed him dry food Orijen.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Snead Ferry, NC
Zip Code:
28460
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs