Adopt a Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat)

Henry was saved from one of the high kill shelters we work with in Texas, where dogs generally get just 3 days to be saved before they are killed. Henry is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heartworm tested negative and microchipped. He has an estimated date of birth of 25 February 2017 and at the time of rescue weighed 39.00 pounds. He has been listed as a Pit Bull Terrier. We have no way of knowing the true breed, it is up to you to decide what you think his breed/s is. He arrived at the rescue in Sebec on 16th December 2017.




When Henry arrived at the rescue he was quite thin and had scars and marks all over him. We are not sure if these injuries are from being used as a bait dog, a fighting dog or maybe even being thrown from a vehicle. All common traits unfortunately in Texas. Although he has clearly endured much suffering, he is one of the most loving, cuddy happy boys there is. A full chem 27, complete cbc, heartworm, tick disease and SDMA test was run and then an appointment at the vets. His blood/chem work was good, with nothing unexpected (Copies are posted on his page on the rescue website) upon examination of his rear knee, the vet determined that he has a inward luxating patella caused by trauma. His knee is twice the size of his other knee and since this injury was caused by trauma, is not a straight forward case. The issue being since there is trauma, the surgery for the luxating patella might have zero impact and so will put Henry through a surgery that has a very painful 3 month recovery period. Then if surgery is done and is successful, there is no guarantee it will be long lasting due to the other injuries. It was decided after great discussion and observation of Henry that since he is still young and his body still has another 6-12 months of growth, it best to not do any surgeries. He has been prescribed Rimadyl and is being monitored to see if it makes a difference as he had been slightly limping. His injury does not slow him down, he loves to play and wrestle and other than him limping occasionally and of course his scars, you would never know anything was wrong.




The family that takes on this handsome boy will need to understand that Henry's injury is not straight forward and with or without the surgery he will definitely develop arthiritis and so as he gets older will definitely need supplements for his joints and arthiritis to help alleviate pain. Surgery could possibly be an option, but would depend on how he develops and how he does over the upcoming months. This would need to be discussed with your vet upon observations of his activity and an examination. Being in a financial position to have surgery  if needed is a must for his adopting family. Everyone that has met Henry has fell in love with him, he has a very infectious personality and would really be worth anything that is needed as he would give back so much more in his love and affection.




Henry didn't go in the kennels due to his condition but came into the house with my dogs and some other rescue's. He settled in immediately and picked up using the dog door and never had an accident or marked in the house.




He gets on great with other dogs of all ages and sizes and lives amongst dogs ranging from 4 pound chi puppies to 120 pound German Shepherds. He loves to chase and wrestle and will play at all levels and can be rough with the big dogs and then so gentle with the small dogs allowing them to climb on him or chew on his ear with no concern at all. We do not have cats at the rescue so cannot comment how he will be around them.




Henry has not had any kind of formal training but he is very smart and responsive and is very well mannered, he walks ok on the leash, but as with all rescue dogs the more leash walking he gets, the better he will become.




Henry has not shown any kind of aggression ever, with humans or other dogs. When people come round to the house he is very welcoming and receptive and is happy for people to love on him and him to give them kisses. He has been around small children around 7 years old was wonderful, he just wants to roll on the floor and play or get cuddles and be able to share all the love that he has.




Henry is a young, high energy boy who will need a daily opportunity to get out and expel that high energy, so a family that enjoys a an active lifestyle would be needed. He is also going to need mental stimulation so games, exercise and challenges  Someone who understand that he will need training and guidance and learns that humans are in charge so boundaries are set. He is going to enjoy an outdoors kind of family who can give him the lifestyle that he needs. Going on road trips, to new places, hikes and adventures and letting him explore the sights, smells and sounds the world has to offer will be to his and your benefit.




He is going to need a family that understands the importance of basic and advanced training. We advise that families work on their own basic training so that boundaries and expectations can be set and personalities and body language learnt in the process, which will help form a much stronger bond. Being a pit-bull it is extremely important that the family take training and manners extremely seriously as there are people who just want the breed killed off and will use anything as an excuse to report an aggressive dog.




?We do not recommend dog parks for several weeks, if not months, it is so very important for families and dogs to form a strong bond and get to know each other before exposing them to the potential dangers of dog parks. Although all GaDaH dogs are very well socialized with other dogs, lots of other dogs have not had the benefit of this socialization and do not always know how to play and act with other dogs. You also do not know the control the other families have over their dogs and you should always have a good recall for your adopted dog before going to dog parks.




Henry will make a great family addition to an experienced family who understands that he might need time to adapt and he might be nervous and unsure initially but know that he has huge potential once allowed to decompress and feel safe and loved. He is fun, active and very loving and deserves a good family and home to call his own. He deserves a family that helps him forget his horrible life before he was saved and are intent on making lots of fun, loving memories together.




Henry is available for adoption from Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $550.




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




Henry is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine. We post in various states along the east coast and Canada where we have had lots of successful adoptions to enable more exposure for these beautiful saved souls. Families will need to be prepared to travel to the rescue to meet and take home their new best friend. Sebec is located just outside the towns of Dover-Foxcroft and Milo (approx 8 miles) and approx 45 miles from Bangor. There are also lots of hotels, motels, pet friendly accommodations  and wonderful camp-sites for the more adventurous families and what a great way to get to know your new best friend. If there are options to arrange transport, we will work with you to make it happen.