Adopt

My name is Erika!

Posted over 4 weeks ago | Updated over 3 weeks ago

My basic info

Breed
Doberman Pinscher
Color
Black - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Female
Pet ID
21926426-D250080

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Purebred
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My health

Checkmark in teal circle Shots current

My story

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

New to DRM, stay tuned for more info!!

Erika, 3 year old girly is brains and beauty in one loving package. This young lady had a pretty rough start to life when we got her. She was surrendered to the shelter by her owners to evade charges and this sweet girl all the cards stacked against her and was on the euthanasia list because of the condition she was in, being hit by a car as a stray and sustained some serious injuries, a mouthful of broken teeth from being left in a crate, and also Heartworm positive. But this hasn't gotten her down mentally or physically. Despite a broken tibia and foot she remains energetic and full of life. Erika is strong and is a fighter. It's this strength and tenacity that makes her so endearing and special. Her pretty face  and expression wins over everyone she meets and has earned her the title of the Vet's  "favorite dog" at the clinic. Erika was found to be heartworm positive upon being transferred into our care and is currently being treated. In typical Erika fashion, she is taking it like a champ. As a very stoic and strong dog, nothing gets her down. 

 
Erika loves snuggles and gives the best kisses. She is high driven and requires multiple outlets to burn off her energy. Unfortunately she is currently on crate rest as she is undergoing heartworm treatment, so her activity has been limited. She has been taking slow leash walks in the park and has started some low impact activities like scent work training, which she has taken quickly to. She loves puzzle toys, treat balls and frozen kongs. She would love nothing better than to zoom around freely in a fenced in backyard, but that's saved for the day she graduates from heartworm treatment. All this being said, Erika would do best in a family who is willing to work with her  by continuing to fulfil both her mental and physical needs. Erika is a houdini and will need a family who has a yard with a 6 foot physical fence. She is crate trained, but easily breaks out and damages both kennels and ExPens. If she wasn't on strict crate rest  this would not be an issue going forward. 
 
Erika has some simple medical needs to make her life as healthy and comfortable as possible. As a result of her accident she has early onset arthritis in her left rear stifle that will require lifelong joint supplements, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and will more than likely have to be on pain medications for arthritis earlier than normal. She has a limp in her left hind leg. She has received her final Immiticide injection for heartworms and has been kept on heartworm preventative, which she will require year round for her lifetime. Erika will be available for adoption when she finishes her treatment.  
 
She is a total foodie! She has an internal clock which allows her to know exactly when feeding time is and she jumps and dances until she is fed. Her most endearing behavior is when she sits next to us on the couch and faces her back to us so she can "trust fall" into our laps. She loves snuggles. She will spoon your side and quickly fall asleep deep enough to snore away! She loves to be petted and have her butt scratched. If you hit the right spot she will wiggle as you scratch her butt. In typical Doberman fashion, she expresses her words with her feet and is the queen of the Doberman lean. She loves to be with her people, but is also completely independent. 
 
She has some typical Doberman behaviors. She is destructive if her mental and physical needs aren't met. As stated above her family would need to be willing to do all the things with her. She loves playing with her older foster brother, but is a bit sassy with her foster sisters. She is also a reactive dog and will redirect on dogs in her proximity. Erika requires a home who understands breed temperament. She would do best in an only dog household, but would also be ok in an experienced home with an older confident male. No cats or small animals for this sweetheart. With all the enthusiasm she has on walks, she requires a slip or martingale collar to keep her safe. 
 
Long story short, Erika is a super dog who needs a super home. Will it be you? Please consider adopting this sweetheart. 

This fabulous foster is a Doberman Rescue Minnesota foster dog.

Please read all adoption steps and policies carefully on our website. http://dobermanrescueminnesota.com/adoption-steps/

Qualified adopters are within the approved adoption area, and Adopter will be requested to visit this foster dog at the foster family home. Our foster families are generally located within a 250 mile radius of Minneapolis, MN.

All DRM dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, health checked, microchipped, 4DX tested, and on monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. 

January 20, 2026, 9:34 pm
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
21926426-D250080
Contact
Address
PO Box 3638, Minneapolis, MN 55428

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

http://www.dobermanrescueminnesota.com/Adoptionprocess.php

FEES TO ADOPT-All dobermans are fully vetted, altered and micro-chipped in our program.
Under 1 year: $400.00
1 to 8 years: $350.00
Over 8 years: $150.00
The adoption process requires a home visit by a DRM volunteer prior to meeting any of our Dobermans. All adoptions require a signed contract by the adopter-if adopter can not care for the adopted doberman any time in its life it must be returned to Doberman Rescue Minnesota.

- All Dobermans must live indoors as family members. Under no circumstances will we place our Dobermans into a home where they will be forced to live outside, or to serve as "guard" dogs.

- All adoptive homes must be within a reasonable distance from the Twin Cities metro area for home visits and follow up care.

- Adopters MUST be at least 21 years of age and independent (i.e. not living at home with parents, etc.).

-Adopters must own the property where the adopted dog will reside. We find it is difficult for renters and landlords to find home owners insurance, which means suitable renting units for dobermans are not available. Far to often we get dobermans surrendered from people who rent.

- It is our policy not to place male Dobermans in homes with resident male dogs. Male Dobermans, in general, have rather pronounced dominance issues with other male dogs and the successful integration of a male Doberman into a family with other male dogs is relatively rare. There are, more often than not, problems occurring with such placements so we have simply made a policy not to risk this kind of placement. Please Google this behavior in male Dobermans.

- It is our policy not to adopt rescue Dobermans out to homes with existing intact dogs (male or female).

- We will not place our rescue dogs in homes with children under 6 years old. We set these limitations, not because of aggression issues with our dogs, but because Dobermans are generally large, active dogs and can easily knock down or run over a small child, causing a serious fall. Any injury to a small child may cost the dogs life and we can not risk this for our dobermans.

- All Doberman Rescue dogs are placed under a contract which we strictly enforce. It requires, among other things, that the owner keep the dog up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm prevention, medical care, yearly veterinary exams and completion of an obedience course with the new doberman. We also require that if the new owners should not, for ANY reason, be able to keep and care for the Doberman, the dog MUST be returned, by the owner, to Doberman Rescue Minnesota. NO EXCEPTIONS.

- Fencing is preferred or secure containment. We require adopters to have a secure, safe area in which the dog can have adequate room to exercise in a safe environment. Under no circumstances will we place dogs in environments where they will be kept tied (no cables or runners) or in small pens or kennels out doors.

- There is an adoption fee for most Dobermans. $150-$400. Occasionally, we may have a senior or special needs dog whose fee will be reduced. The adoption fee is used to partially offset the substantial costs incurred in the rescue and medical treatment of the Dobermans. All dogs are spayed or neutered, have been vaccinated against rabies, distemper and parvovirus, have been tested for heartworm (and treated if testing positive), are on monthly heartworm preventative, have been dewormed if intestinal worms are present, are microchipped for identification (microchip registration remains in the name of Doberman Rescue Minnesota after adoption to insure the long-term safety of the dog), and each has been evaluated for temperament while living in a private home with a family. We require our adopters to enroll in an obedience class with their new Doberman. This is helpful in building confidence for both dog and owner. It is not the same to "train" your dogs yourself versus taking them to a formal class. Dobermans need socialization, structure and way to stay active and out of trouble. Obedience, agility, or a form of structured training is highly desired for every Doberman through out the dobes entire life. These are working dogs that do need a job and an owner that will be committed to offering activity to them on a daily basis.


- By filling out and submitting an application to DRM, you are not committed to an adoption. The application ONLY serves to help our staff best match the right dog with the right home.

Step 1: Decide if the Doberman Pinscher breed is right for you. The best way to make this decision is by doing your research !! There is a lot of information out there. A really reliable resource is the Doberman Pinscher Club of America website. They have wonderful resources that can give you insight on the Doberman.

Step 2: Do you have the time and energy. There are many great things about Dobes; they love to be with their owners, and they love to play. One quick way to make a Dobe emotionally depressed is by leaving them alone too long. Doberman Pinschers are ultimate companion dog that like to stay busy and near its pack !! See Breed Info.

Step 3: Are you willing to take the time to train. Regardless of the age of the Dobe you adopt it's a good idea to attend obedience classes. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and to teach him/her what your expectations are.

Step 4: Complete our online application. Your application will be reviewed and you'll be contacted to set up an in home interview.

Step 5: Take a few days to decide on which dog will be appropriate for your home. Please be patient as all volunteers have a full schedule with work and family. These steps are taken to make sure all of our foster dogs will be going to a safe and loving home and the family is confident about the decisions they make when choosing a dog.

All dobermans in our program are up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered.
Minimum suggested adoption donations are as follows:

Under 1 year: $400.00
1 to 8 years: $350.00
Over 8 years: $150.00

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Watch our web site for upcoming adoption events!
http://www.dobermanrescueminnesota.com/events.php

More about this rescue

Doberman Rescue Minnesota (DRM) is an all volunteer, nonprofit 501C, charitable organization, incorporated by the state of Minnesota and founded by the members of the Greater Twin Cities Doberman Pinschers Club and the Doberman Pinschers Club of America.

We are dedicated to finding the best possible home for all Dobermans that come into our adoption program. Be assured that the decisions and recommendations regarding surrendering or adopting a Doberman are based primarily on what is in the best interest of the dog and are guided by many years of experience with this special breed. We care as much about the quality of life for all Dobermans in our program as we do our own dogs.

Dobermans in our program are never kenneled and live in private homes with foster families who evaluate the doberman for temperament and behavior traits so we can make recommendations on the best type of home for our dogs.

Other pets at this rescue