Adopt

My name is Alan!

Posted 1 week ago

Cared for by Ruff Start Rescue
Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Meet the Pet

3

Sign Adoption Contract

4

Take the Pet Home

My basic info

Breed
German Shepherd Dog/Shepherd (Unknown Type)
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with Black
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
22074177

My details

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

My story

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

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.



FIELD REPORT
From: Sgt. Alan Shepherd, K9 Division
Age: 7 years (Experienced Professional, Not Retired)
Assignment: Head of Household Security & Morale

Reporting for duty.

I’m Alan. I’m seven, which means I know my job and I do it well—but I also know when it’s time to clock out and enjoy the perks.

Let’s clear something up: I don’t stick around just because I’m sentimental. I stick around because I’ve checked the situation, done a perimeter sweep, and decided, Yes, this is my responsibility now. That’s just how German Shepherds operate.

I enjoy patrols. Yard patrols. House patrols. “Let’s walk the neighborhood and make sure everything’s still where it belongs” patrols. I like knowing what’s going on and who’s involved. Once introductions are done, I’m friendly with people and pretty chill with other animals—as long as no one is being wildly obnoxious (looking at you, Boxer). Even cats are acceptable, but have you noticed? They always seem to be up to something. I'll keep a close eye on them for you.

Here’s the good part:
When the situation is under control?
When the routine makes sense?
When everyone’s behaving reasonably?

I LOVE belly rubs.
Like, really love them.

That’s when I relax. That’s when I flop over, legs in the air, and accept my well-earned praise. I’m not hovering, I’m not monitoring—I’m off duty and soaking it up.

I know my people are out there… we just haven’t synced schedules yet. No rush. I’m steady. I’m patient. I’ll keep things running smoothly in my foster home until the right assignment comes along.

If you’re looking for a classic German Shepherd guy—loyal, thoughtful, enjoys a good patrol, and fully committed to post-work belly rubs—I’m ready when you are.

End report. Belly rubs encouraged. 

Alan is from a rescue transfer If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.

To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.

If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate   to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.  



Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.
February 6, 2026, 8:19 am
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
22074177
Contact
Address
PO Box 129, Princeton, MN 55371

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

Your application simply shows that you are interested in an animal; it is not a binding contract.

2.

Meet the Pet

Your chosen animal’s foster home will reach out to you to discuss the pet you are interested in. If applicable, schedule a meet and greet!

3.

Sign Adoption Contract

An Applications team member will send the electronic adoption contract to you to be signed. They will also request adoption fee payment.

4.

Take the Pet Home

Once adoption agreement and payment are complete, you take your new pet home!

Additional adoption info

After adoption we’d love to remain a resource for you if you have questions or concerns you need help addressing with your new pet. Please reach out to us at adoptionfollowup@ruffstartrescue.org if we can be of any assistance.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based rescue, meaning no animals are available at the Princeton, MN office for public viewing or adoption. All animals in our care reside in foster homes with few special exceptions for our adoption center animals, who are housed at our partnering facilities temporarily before adoption. To meet a Ruff Starter you may be interested in adopting, please submit an adoption application on our website.

More about this rescue

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that primarily serves communities throughout the state of Minnesota, as well as states in the south with severe pet overpopulation. We rescue stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of our work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all of whom come together to save thousands of animals each year.

Since our inception, we’ve firmly believed that a home is usually a far more desirable environment than a shelter or a kennel for most companion animals in need of a forever family. As a result, we rely nearly exclusively on volunteers to provide foster homes for rescued pets until they find their adoptive homes. Please note: this means no animals are available at our facility for public viewing.

Each pet in our care is provided with routine vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, microchipped, given internal and external parasite preventatives, and tested for common bloodborne pathogens such as heartworm and feline leukemia. Advanced veterinary care is provided to any animal that requires such services before adoption.

If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering, please fill out an applicable application at our website: www.ruffstartrescue.org.

Other pets at this rescue