Adopt a German Shepherd Dog (medium coat)

Hi there! My name is Evander and I am a 3-yr old boy GSD with a complete history of where I’ve been and a story that will help you know if I can be part of your family. I am active, fun-seeking, smart and big hearted. My nickname is Snoopy Goon, so that tells you something.

I am a pure bred GSD born in Colorado and my first dad was a Marine veteran in college who went adventuring every chance he had. He picked me out of my litter to have a buddy to share it all – he chose me because of my cute floppy ear! That’s also how I got my name – do you remember Evander Hollyfield and the ear thing? We went on hikes, running, camping, playing in the snow, swimming and lots of road trips. I even had my own backpack. We hung out with all of his friends and their dogs. Wow it was great! I got a back injury and needed surgery (more on that later) so that slowed me down for awhile. The surgery was a success, but we realized I could just not keep up with him anymore. I can take walks and run some when I’m playing, but I had to stay home all the time when he left. He is pursuing a career as a Backcountry EMT and a Wildfire Firefighter, and I just could not go with him. He was heartbroken, but now I am ready to make someone else happy!

I am trained to do many things and ready for a new relationship. I am healthy and enjoy lots of activity (although not as much as I used to). My favorite thing is long walks – the exercise is good but I really enjoy the time I spend with my leader. Could that be you? I am happiest with walk in the morning of about 1 ½ to 3 miles. A shorter walk in the evening (a mile or so) will burn up my big boy energy. I walk well on the leash and enjoy some play time or skill challenges along the way. I am real good about looking to you to see which way we are going and what you want me to do next. It is really good to have someone around during the day to play with me – if I play more during the day, I don’t need as many walks.

I need someone who is experienced with GSDs and training – remember I was raised by a Marine and am geared to go. Sometimes I get over excited and try to initiate rough playing with people and dogs. I need a strong leader to keep me in line. I am happy following orders, learning new things and doing any job I can. I also like snuggling on the couch if you will let me. Oh yeah, and I like to roam around the house and will come find you to lie near you wherever you are. I am crate trained but big boys like me like to move around.

I have lived with other dogs and am social enough to go to dog parks, but I really just want to be with you. It is best if you provide a proper introduction to other dogs – then I can be cool with everyone. I have not lived with cats – they look like squirrels to me and need to be chased. I have not been around kids much, but I like the attention and belly rubs they give me. Bigger kids would be better than little kids because I get rambunctious when play time starts. By nature a guard dog, I accept people readily after I get to know them. I stayed with several of my first dad’s friends when he was adventuring and had no issues with them or their dogs.

The surgery I told you about was at the end of 2016. I had a bone fragment in lower back/tail that was remnant from an apparent unknown injury while young. The bone fragment was pushing on nerves/spinal cord, causing pain and lameness. Symptoms appeared slowly. Only options were surgery or keeping me on heavy medications for remainder of life with limited movement. I was glad they decided to proceed with surgery because I improved and had a better quality of life. I never bounced back to the "extreme athlete" I was before the surgery. My foster family can provide more details and contact information of surgeon and physical rehabilitation folks that know my case. I was cleared and "good to go", but I just could not keep up with my first dad’s level and amount of activity.

Several months ago, I developed an iliopsis strain on both sides (hip muscles). I had a big day playing with lots of dogs and ran around too much. That slowed me down again, but with rest and meds I was myself again. That was the thing that told my first dad he needed to find a great new home for me. I don’t have hip dysplasia! After all those xrays and CT scans from surgery, all those doctors were certain that I don’t have that.

After the muscle strains, I got neutered. That calmed me down a bunch. I am NOT on any maintenance meds or doctor recommended restrictions. I am "self limiting" -- I simply cannot take long hikes, play for long periods or do more strenuous things like jog with you or run through deep snow (dang that is fun). If I do too much I will let you know so you can let me rest. I still enjoy lots of walks, playing fetch, playing with other dogs -- just not for hours and hours. Seeing the way I look and move, you would never know all that stuff happened to me.

Oh, and did I tell you I am really handsome? I get compliments all the time. It is really embarrassing.

So that’s me. I hope you will reach out and meet me. The SGSR folks are great! I am so lucky to be with them to help me find a forever home. I am SO READY to bond with new people that will love the Snoopy Goon that I am. I have so much love and fun times to give!