Adopt

My name is Solo!

Posted over 10 months ago | Updated over 2 weeks ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Interview

3

Home Check

4

Approve Application

5

Meet the Pet

6

Sign Adoption Contract

7

Take the Pet Home

Adoption fee: $300

This helps Second Start Rescue with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Mixed Breed (Medium)/German Shepherd Dog
Color
White/Black
Age
5 years 11 months old, Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
83 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
11

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Meet Solo: The Resilient Shepherd Mix Ready to Steal Your Heart

Solo, a 5-year-old male Shepherd mix, is a true survivor with a heart full of love. Rescued from the tough streets of South Texas, where he lived among over a hundred roaming dogs in harsh conditions, Solo’s journey wasn’t easy. He spent a year enduring heartbreak on “Billy’s Street,” followed by five months in boarding before finally landing in a loving foster home in Virginia. Through it all, this perfect boy has shown nothing but resilience, loyalty, and an unbreakable spirit.

Solo is the ultimate companion—mellow yet playful, affectionate, and eager to make friends with everyone he meets. Whether he’s rolling over, playing rough, or getting a little dirty, Solo knows how to have fun and bring joy to those around him. When it’s time to relax, he’s just as happy chilling at home, making him the ideal balance of energy and calm.

Why Solo is Special:
    •    Personality: Super obedient, affectionate, and adaptable, Solo thrives in any environment. He’s “multilingual,” responding well to commands in multiple languages, and knows to hush when told, “Hey, quiet.”
    •    Great with Others: Solo loves kids, dogs, and even cats, making him a fantastic family dog. Squirrels and bunnies, though? They’re his playful weakness (don’t worry, he always comes back after a chase!).
    •    Easygoing: Fully house trained, great on a leash, and no crate needed. Solo’s also a stellar car buddy, happily gazing out the window or claiming the passenger seat.
    •    Playful & Active: He loves rough-and-tumble playtime with his dog friends every other day and does well off-leash, sticking close while exploring.
    •    Leadership Preference: Solo listens especially well to male voices, likely due to a past male owner, and tends to bond quickly with men.

Solo’s journey from a perilous street to a hopeful future shows just how special he is. He’s ready to repay his forever family with endless love, loyalty, and maybe a few playful rolls in the dirt. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime companion who’s overcome incredible odds, Solo is your guy.

Ready to give this incredible boy the home he deserves? Contact us to meet Solo and see why he’s truly the love of a lifetime!
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
11
Contact
Phone
Address
PO Box 285, Great Falls, VA 22066

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

2.

Interview

Interview with the prospective adoptee, as well as a veterinary check.

3.

Home Check

4.

Approve Application

5.

Meet the Pet

6.

Sign Adoption Contract

Payment is due with signing of Adoption Contract

7.

Take the Pet Home

Additional adoption info

Adoption Fees:
Under 1 year: $450
1–4 years: $400
5–7 years: $300
7+ years: $250

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Interested in adopting a dog from Second Start Rescue? Find out more about our adoption process and link to our adoption application go to: https://www.secondstartrescue.org/adopt. Once your application has been approved, you can schedule a meet and greet with the foster.

More about this rescue

Since 2017, our dedicated team of volunteers has rescued thousands of dogs, focusing on giving second chances to the injured, abandoned, and overlooked. Building on years of experience under a different organization, Second Start Rescue is a new start that strengthens our commitment to saving lives and expanding our impact.


Second Start Rescue was co-founded by Jennifer Aufdenberg and a team of animal advocates and supporters who share a passion for animal welfare. As a co-founder of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue (SSR), Jennifer and a dedicated group of individuals helped rescue over 3,500 dogs, primarily shepherds, from high-kill shelters and difficult circumstances. This work in SSR laid the foundation for a community of supporters and volunteers dedicated to giving dogs a second chance at life.


Our mission centers on rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas, an area with one of the highest rates of animal abandonment in the country. While shepherds are our primary focus, we extend our care to any dog in critical need, prioritizing those who face the greatest challenges.


With Second Start Rescue, we’re doubling down on our efforts to address the root causes of animal homelessness. Our goals include implementing spay and neuter programs, offering community outreach and education, and providing compassionate care to every animal we rescue. Together, we aim to create lasting change for dogs, their communities, and the people who love them.

Other pets at this rescue