Arthur is a three-year-old neutered German Shepherd Dog with a heart as big as his paws. He entered my life in March 2022 when he was just a four-month-old, 30-pound puppy rescued from a backyard breeder. Due to his lack of early socialization, Arthur arrived with a skittish temperament—nervous around strangers and easily startled by loud noises. Yet, even then, he showed an incredibly gentle and loyal nature that quickly blossomed into a deep bond between him, myself, and my cat.
Now an 85 lbs giant, Arthur has grown into a strong, energetic companion who thrives on connection and routine. He loves nothing more than spending every moment following me or my cat around, making sure you never feel alone. Arthur finds great joy in playing fetch, going on long walks, and especially traveling—we’ve taken several interstate road trips together. He adapts well to new places as long as he has his person nearby and a bit of time to acclimate.
Arthur is well-trained and responsive. He understands most basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come, back, release, and heel. He waits patiently for his food, shows no signs of food or toy guarding, and is both crate trained and fully housebroken. He’s never had any issues with destructive chewing. Though lessen, some of his early sensitivities remain. Arthur is still a bit skittish around strangers, especially children, and tends to shy away from crowded areas, unsolicited petting from strangers, or loud environments. If he perceives someone or something as threatening, he may bark and retreat, but he has he ever bitten anyone. With a calm and respectful introduction, typically within 10 to 20 minutes, he can be the most affectionate and loyal cute bomb you've ever seen.
Arthur has lived peacefully with my cat for years, although I believe a slow and thoughtful introduction is essential when meeting small animals. Without proper introductions, it’s possible he might chase, not out of malice, but from curiosity or excitement. With dogs, Arthur generally does well, but he does have some lingering trauma from a past incident in which he was attacked by an off-leash Rottweiler. Since then, he’s been wary of some medium- to large-sized dogs and may react by barking when he feels unsafe. To support his continued growth, Arthur is enrolled in a professional 3–4 week board and train program starting next week, with a focus on socialization and preparing him for the transition into a new home. I would be grateful if his future owner could attend at least one of the weekly training sessions during this period.
In terms of health, Arthur is in excellent condition. He is fully vaccinated, has been neutered, and has never experienced any serious medical issues.
The decision to rehome Arthur is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I am relocating internationally to a city that bans German Shepherds and several other large breeds, and as much as it pains me to part with him, I want Arthur to thrive in a home where he is loved and understood for the incredibly sensitive and intelligent soul that he is.
He’ll do best with someone experienced with German Shepherds or similar breeds—someone who recognizes their loyalty, emotional nuance, and need for commitment. He requires a calm, patient home where he can be given the time and care to adjust. In return, Arthur will give his whole heart. He is not just a dog; he is a steadfast companion, a quiet shadow, and an endless source of affection.
If you’re committed to adopting a devoted friend and have the time, energy, and understanding to welcome a sensitive yet loyal dog into your life, Arthur may just be the perfect fit.
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