Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Happy – Your New Running Buddy
Hi, I’m Happy. I’m an almost 3-year-young mixed breed — maybe Black Mouth Cur / German Shepherd mix — weighing about 60 lbs. I’m tall, lean, and athletic.
I was found as an underweight stray puppy in rural Tennessee. After spending 18 months at the shelter without anyone claiming me, the staff decided I deserved a better chance. So I made the trip to Chicago, and now Safe Haven is helping me find my forever family.
I’m a young guy with youthful energy. Long walks, runs, and playtime help me burn it off. If you’re looking for a running buddy, I’m your guy. I absolutely love zooming around the fenced yard at my foster home — a 5-foot fence would be ideal for me.
I’m playful and toy-savvy. Squeaky balls, nylabones, and leather toys are some of my favorites. Despite my energy, I’m a quiet and well-mannered boy in the house. I like to be near my people — I’ll relax in my dog bed while you work and snooze nearby while you watch TV in the evenings.
Because I’m strong and enthusiastic, I can forget my size when I’m excited and sometimes get a little mouthy in play. For that reason, I’d do best with older kids (10+) or teens.
I’m fully housebroken and prefer doing my business in the fenced yard. Walks are mostly for sniffing and neighborhood scouting. I walk nicely on leash, and a harness helps keep me manageable. I don’t react to dogs across the street, though an unexpected runner might earn a surprised woof.
After spending more than half my life in a shelter, home life is still somewhat new to me. I love affection and pets but am still building confidence with things like jumping on the couch or navigating stairs, which I’ve recently decided aren’t so scary after all. If you’ve helped a rescue dog gain confidence before, I think we’d make a great team.
I know sit, stay, come, leave it, and down/off. I’m smart and food motivated, so continued training will be fun and rewarding once I settle into my forever home.
I currently live with two other dogs and peacefully coexist with them. I’d really love to play, but since they’re smaller than me, they’re not quite as enthusiastic. In a new home, I’d do best with a dog my size and similar age who can match my play style — or I could happily be your one and only. Because I love chasing squirrels and bunnies, a home without cats would be best.
After so long in a shelter, I’m not a fan of crates or being confined, and I don’t love being alone for long stretches. I’d thrive in a home where someone is around most of the time, especially if you work from home.
If you have a fenced yard for fetch, enjoy long walks or runs, and want a smart, affectionate companion who will motivate you to get outside, I’m ready.
After waiting so long, I’m just looking for a loving home where I won’t be alone anymore. I promise to reward you with zoomies, loyal companionship, and lots of leaning-in-for-pets moments.
Adoption Information
Happy’s standard adoption fee is $465. We offer a $15 discount for cash or check payments, making the fee $450.
The adoption fee covers:
Spay/neuter surgery (when age appropriate) at one of our participating veterinarians
Age-appropriate core vaccinations
Fecal testing and deworming
Flea and tick preventative
Microchipping
To be considered for adoption, we require:
A fully completed application
A phone interview
A meet-and-greet with your entire household
Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting and does not guarantee approval — it simply begins the review process.
If you are interested in adopting or would like additional information, please email adopt@safehavendogsIL.org
to request an application.
Please note that the breed and size listed in each dog’s biography are our best educated guesses and are not guaranteed.
Safe Haven Dog Rescue reserves the right to refuse the adoption of any dog or puppy to any applicant for any reason.
