German Shepherd Dog and Black Mouth Cur Dogs Available for Adoption

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.

The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile and intelligent hunting dog known for its strong work ethic and loyalty. Originating in the southern United States, these medium to large sized dogs are muscular and athletic. Their distinctive feature is the black mask on their muzzle, giving them their name. Black Mouth Curs excel in various tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding, making them ideal companions for active families looking for a versatile and devoted canine.

The German Shepherd Dog, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, is a popular and highly regarded breed worldwide. This breed excels in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. German Shepherd Dogs are strong, agile, and confident with a distinctive double coat that can be straight or wavy. Their character is marked by courage, loyalty, and a strong work ethic, making them ideal companions and protectors for families and professionals alike.

Safe Haven Dog Rescue was created by volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for homeless dogs and puppies....