Adopt

My name is Marshal!

Posted over 8 months ago | Updated over 4 months 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: $400

This helps Second Start Rescue with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
German Shepherd Dog
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
2 years 9 months old, Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
65 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
57

My story

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

Meet Marshall – A Diamond in the Rough 💎

Marshall is a 2-year-old Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix with a heart full of love and a mind eager to learn. This handsome guy didn’t get the best start in life—he spent most of his days tied up in a yard with little training or socialization. But that’s all changing now, and every visit with him reveals more of the amazing dog he’s becoming.

Marshall is currently catching up on all the exercise, structure, and attention this intelligent, high-drive breed craves. He’s already showing how fast he can learn and thrive with the right guidance. He needs a foster or adopter who understands working breeds and is ready to help him reach his full potential.

He’s incredibly affectionate and loves to cuddle up on the couch after a good walk or training session. Marshall travels well in the car, is mostly good on leash, and takes treats gently (with a little reminder). He's smart, treat-motivated, and eager to please—ideal traits for ongoing training.

That said, Marshall is still a work in progress:

He can be overprotective of his people and needs slow, proper introductions to strangers.
He tends to jump up on people when excited (something to work on!).
He does mark, but that’s improving with structure.
Dog and cat friendliness are still being assessed. He showed excitement around other dogs at an event (not aggression, just intensity) and calmly watches deer from a distance.
With consistency, patience, and breed-savvy leadership, Marshall will be an incredible lifelong companion. He’s already shining—and he’s just getting started.

Looking for a loyal, loving, intelligent partner? Marshall might be the perfect match. Stay tuned as we continue to get to know this amazing boy!
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
57
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