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 Sandy: A Senior Shepherd with Plenty of Life and Love Left to Give
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who believes wherever you are is exactly where she belongs, meet Sandy.
Sandy is an approximately 8 to 9-year-old, 68-pound German Shepherd who proves that “senior” is just a number. She’s bright, curious, affectionate, and always ready to see what you’re doing next. Get up from your chair and Sandy is up too, tail wagging and ready for whatever adventure might be coming. Say “outside,” and you’ll see just how much enthusiasm this girl still has for life.
Sandy can be a little shy when first meeting someone new, but give her a bit of patience and she warms up beautifully. Once she decides you’re one of her people, expect a devoted shadow. She’s a classic German Shepherd who likes to keep tabs on her humans and is rarely far away. Personal space? Sandy has heard of it, but she’s not entirely convinced it’s necessary.
What makes Sandy special:
🐾 She’s great with other dogs. Sandy currently lives with three dogs in her foster home and has become a playful companion. She enjoys a little light wrestling, readily takes the hint when another dog is finished playing, and has also done very well at doggie daycare. She’s gentle with smaller dogs and could be happy either with canine companions or as your one-and-only.
🐾 She’s affectionate without being anxious. Sandy definitely wants to know where her people are, but she has shown only brief whining or barking when left alone and then settles. She has not shown destructive behavior and is now able to be left un-crated.
🐾 She has lovely house manners. Sandy is house-trained, doesn’t counter surf, doesn’t jump on people, and has shown no resource guarding. She has even happily shared food space with the other dogs in her foster home.
🐾 She knows some things already and is eager to learn more. Sandy knows sit, down, come, leave it, and crate, and she is motivated by both treats and praise. She would benefit from continued work on leash manners, but she loves outings and is enthusiastic about going anywhere with her person.
🐾 She’s comfortable with handling. Sandy tolerates normal handling and grooming. She recently handled a grooming appointment and nail trim without needing a muzzle. She has also calmly allowed children to pet her.
🐾 Cats may be possible too. During a controlled cat introduction at the veterinary office, Sandy was curious enough to sniff but otherwise repeatedly ignored the cat. As with any new animal introduction, a slow and thoughtful introduction would still be appropriate.
Sandy's ideal home:
Sandy would love a home where she can be an active part of everyday life. A house with a fenced yard is strongly preferred, because this girl absolutely loves being outside. She enjoys exploring, walking, playing with other dogs, and simply being wherever the action is. She needs moderate daily activity rather than marathon exercise, but don’t expect a couch potato just because she’s a senior.
Like a good German Shepherd, Sandy also believes neighborhood security is part of her job description. She’ll let you know when someone approaches the house or when she hears another dog barking, so apartment or condo living probably wouldn’t be her best fit.
Her future family should also know that Sandy needs a potty break about every 5 to 6 hours, including overnight. For the right adopter, that’s simply part of loving an older dog and giving her the routine she needs to thrive.
Sandy came into foster care clearly knowing what it means to be loved. Now she’s looking for the family who will give her the next chapter she deserves. She has the wisdom of a senior, the curiosity of a much younger dog, and the wonderfully loyal heart of a German Shepherd.
If you want a smart, affectionate companion who will follow you from room to room, supervise your activities, join you in the backyard, and happily remind you that life is better when you do things together, Sandy just might be your girl.
To add Sandy to your family, please contact BAARK Dog Rescue at BAARKDogRescue@gmail.com or 847-852-0895
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Quick facts:
• Age: Approximately 8–9 years
• Breed: German Shepherd
• Weight: 68 lbs
• Sex: Female
• House-trained: Yes
• Crate-trained: Yes, although she is now doing well without one
• Dogs: Yes, has lived successfully with multiple dogs and attended doggie daycare
• Small dogs: Gentle
• Cats: Promising controlled introduction; slow introduction recommended
• Children: Has interacted calmly with children, needs supervision with treat giving, especially with young children
• Activity level: Moderate, with more energy than you might expect from a senior
• Best home: House with fenced yard preferred
• Training: Knows several basic commands; continued leash work recommended
• Medical: Vaccinations and preventatives current; ear/skin issues treated and cleared; spay and microchip procedure scheduled for December 14
