Hound and Boxer Dogs Available for Adoption in Andover, Massachusetts

**Please read Shakes Hodge Podge's entire profile, which includes a link to the adoption application at the end. Thank you!**

Meet the HODGE PODGE litter! These pups are a little mix of mischief and magic. Every pup is a sweet surprise!

These adorable pups (BJ, Cinderella, Leesa, Shakes, Cowboy and Sassy) were born on 2/3/24. We think they are Hound / Boxer mixes - but your guess is as good as ours! Shakes has been in our rescue since JULY 2024, coming up on two years, that's a long time to be waiting for a forever home.

Shakes (2 yr/2 months as of Apr 2026) is a sweet, gentle, and easy-going young dog who loves the simple joys: lounging on the couch, sunbathing in the yard, getting pets, carrying toys, and enjoying enrichment snacks. He is affectionate and bonds beautifully with his people.

Shakes is a sensitive dog who is learning to build confidence. With reassurance, patience, and routine, he does extremely well. He listens, wants to please, and tries his best — he truly has a soft heart.

Strengths
• Excellent at settling and relaxing — he can self-soothe and occupy himself with a chew or enrichment toy
• Very good house and crate manners
• Responsive to training and food-motivated
• Gets along well with other dogs (with supervision around small dogs due to size)

Training Progress
Shakes is currently practicing:
• Loose leash walking: Pulls only when scared or unsure
• Building confidence around new noises and new people
• Leave it / Give: Improving with positive reinforcement
• Polite greetings: He gets excited when he really loves someone
• Crate training: Goes in well, especially when rewarded
He enjoys puzzle toys, Kongs, bones, shreddable boxes, and relaxing beside his people. He is happiest in a calm environment where he feels safe.

Ideal Home
• A patient, loving family who enjoys a mellow companion
• Someone ready to continue confidence-building through gentle, positive training
• A home where he is included in daily life and has structured calm time
Shakes is a sweet, sensitive, loyal dog with so much love to give. He’s the kind of dog who will curl up with you, look into your eyes, and make you feel like you’re his

All dogs are up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered at the time of adoption. All dogs require professional training to become the best family member they can be.

To adopt or learn more about Shakes Hodge Podge, you must fill out an adoption application. To find the application, copy and paste this URL into your browser: WWW.GDRNE.COM/ADOPTION-APPLICATION [Adoption Fee: $495] **

PLEASE READ: If a dog is listed, then s/he is currently available for adoption. Their information is correct to the best of our abilities and the information we have been given as of the day of posting. Please note, GDRNE does not guarantee the breed of any dog or puppy unless stated that we have run DNA. All breeds listed are educated estimates. Note that if the dog is listed as an "Out of town pet" there are NOT additional transport fees - it is included in our adoption fee Our dogs are rescued from various situations. It is most likely that both their parents were strays and even if not, mixes of some sort and that their grandparents were mixes as well. The dog may have some genetic material of an American Staffordshire Terrier (pit bull). The dogs are usually mixes of many breeds, making them a breed all their own - a True and adorable American MUTT. If you are interested in this dog, you must submit an application. Great Dog is not a shelter so there is no building you can visit. Our dogs live in private foster homes until adopted. To learn more about our *shelterless* rescue, adoption fees, and procedures, review the list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website at WWW.GDRNE.COM.

The boxer is a medium to large sized dog breed known for its muscular build, distinctive square head, and energetic personality. Boxers are loyal, affectionate, and good natured companions, making them an ideal family pet. They are intelligent, playful, and love to be around people, making them excellent with children. Boxers require consistent training, plenty of exercise, and socialization to thrive. With their strong work ethic and protective instincts, boxers excel in various roles, including as service dogs, therapy dogs, and in dog sports.

The hound dog breed is a diverse group known for their incredible hunting abilities and keen sense of smell. These dogs are esteemed for their athleticism, endurance, and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike. With a rich history of assisting hunters in tracking and trailing game, hounds possess a strong prey drive and a distinctive bay when on the hunt. Hounds come in various sizes and coat types, each with its unique characteristics, but they all share a remarkable intelligence and a friendly disposition.

Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group. Our group is comprised of volunteers...