Andy, our previous feature dog, has just found a wonderful home with Nancy and Jim in Stockton, NJ.

Honeywell

This sweet boy is Honeywell! He is a gorgeous German Shepherd mix. I believe the genes that are involved in that "mix" are what give him his unique ginger-colored coat and face. Honeywell was found abandoned in a building in the Bronx, skinny at only 44 pounds and completely terrified. Animal Control was called and he was picked up and taken to the Manhattan shelter. He was so scared, he would sit in the back of his cage cowering and trembling. Sadly, the shelter is not the place to be for a fearful dog, and frankly dogs scared like Honeywell are more often than not, ignored and chosen to be euthanized sooner than others. Somehow he got lucky though. A kind hearted volunteer showed him some compassion, and coaxed him out of his cage, in order to take him for a walk. Although initially Honeywell was timid and withdrawn outside, the volunteer gently reassured him with a kind and confident voice. Honeywell responded, and visibly started to relax. By the end of their short time together he had begun to sniff and investigate his surroundings, and actually showed some playful behavior! He even came up and leaned into her for some petting and affection. Upon returning to his cage, there was fresh bedding laid in the corner and Honeywell promptly curled up it, although he kept his eye contact…as if gently pleading for the continued comfort of the familiar interaction and companionship the volunteer had given. Sadly, she had to leave him, and move on to the next dog waiting. A few days later, Honeywell’s time was up, and he was put on the list to be euthanized the next morning. That’s when I got an email from the shelter, with Honeywell’s information and the notes that the volunteer had made about her interaction with him. I knew I was his last chance, and I also knew that based on the notes the volunteer made, Honeywell just needed time and the right person in order to thrive. I couldn’t let him down. I made the call and rescued him. I had him transported to a boarding kennel that I use in PA. He has been sitting there waiting so patiently for me to find him a home. Honeywell simply needs someone to love him. Someone with patience and a gentle nature that will allow him to build back up his confidence and trust. With some reassurance and time, he is going to blossom in front of your eyes. Never has Honeywell showed any aggression as a result of his fear. He wants to trust. As a German Shepherd, he wants to please and devote himself to his “person”, but he needs to establish trust first. When he does, he is going to give his heart fully. Honeywell did very well on his behavior evaluation. He has no food or toy guarding issues (frankly, we don’t think he’s ever had the privilege of a toy, so may have to learn how to play with them.) Since being at the boarding kennel and receiving regular meals, Honeywell has gained 15 pounds and is at a healthy weight of 60 pounds. He is tall, and has a beautiful full coat and stature (just check out his pictures to see that), although he could use a good brushing, and some TLC. With some regular exercise he would also build up some muscle mass, which will have him looking even more handsome than he already is. Honeywell is still a young dog, estimated by the vets at the perfect age of 3 years old. Over the puppy stage, but young enough to have the energy level to go hiking, or playing in the back yard, and with a long life ahead of him. I feel the best fitting home for Honeywell would be an adult only home, or one with older kids…we think he would be overwhelmed with the energy levels of little kids. Honeywell tested out ok with other dogs, but he’s on guard with them, unsure of their intentions. We think he would do best either as an only dog, OR with a calm well balanced older dog. If you are a lover of the German Shepherd breed, and feel that you can give Honeywell the home and security that he craves, please fill out one of our online applications, making it out to my attention (Katya.) Honeywell has been neutered, vaccinated for rabies, distemper and bordetella. He is microchipped and heartworm negative.