Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Martinez, California

We are a volunteer run rescue and donate our time to these dogs. IF you are not serious about moving forward in our adoption process, please do not apply. If someone other than yourself is part of the decision making process, please make sure you have spoken with them and they are on board. We really do not want to waste anyone's time if you are not serious about adopting this dog.

Baxter, 6 months old (est DOB November 2025), neutered male, Shepherd mix, currently weighs 42 pounds so expected to be a large size when full grown. He is in a foster home in CAMAS, WA and available for meet and greets!

Meet Baxter — a big-hearted, affectionate goofball who’s equal parts playful sidekick and cuddle companion. This young boy is still learning the ropes of the world, but he approaches life with curiosity, sweetness, and an eagerness to connect with both people and other dogs.

Baxter loves having room to run and play. He especially enjoys games of chase in the yard, whether he’s following another dog around or zooming after his favorite toy while you pretend to “catch” him. His energy level is best described as moderate — he’ll happily romp and play for about 30 minutes before slowing down and settling in for some relaxation time. He can get a little rambunctious when he really needs to burn off energy, so regular playtime and daily walks will help him thrive.

He is still working on his leash manners and is pulling when out on a walk. He is very curious checking things out.

One thing Baxter clearly loves? Companionship. He has done wonderfully meeting other dogs and seems naturally social and friendly. He has played with a larger pitbull-type dog and handled it well, showing playful manners and an ability to recognize when another dog is done playing. His foster believes he may do especially well with another playful dog in the home.

When it comes to people, Baxter is an affectionate sweetheart. He enjoys leaning into his humans, resting his head on you during couch time, and soaking up pets and belly rubs. He’s the kind of dog who simply wants to be close. He’s met older children without issue and would likely enjoy a home with respectful kids, though because of his size and puppy-like enthusiasm, he may do best with children a bit older and steady on their feet.

Baxter is also showing signs of being a very thoughtful and gentle dog. During one leash-training attempt, his foster fell and accidentally dropped the leash — instead of running off, Baxter immediately came back to check on them. He’s still very inexperienced on leash and gets overstimulated by all the exciting sights and smells outside, so he’ll need a patient adopter willing to continue his training with kindness and consistency.

At home, Baxter is mostly house-trained, though he may have a small submissive pee if frightened or startled. He crates well overnight and can settle calmly for a few hours when needed, especially if he’s had exercise beforehand. He’s respectful in the home and hasn’t shown destructive behavior — even his favorite stuffed toy has survived intact because he carries and chews it so gently.

Like many dogs who may not have always known where their next meal was coming from, Baxter eats very enthusiastically and does best being fed separately from other pets. He responds well to structure and routine, and his foster believes consistency will help him continue building confidence and good manners.

There are several cats in the current home. He is curious about them and has not shown any signs of wanting to go after or chase them. He is not left alone due in part to his age and making not great choices unsupervised :) If there is a cat in the home, you would need to be prepared to make a slow integration.

One of Baxter’s funniest quirks is the way he gets off the couch — front paws down first, then the rest of him slowly slides off behind, which never fails to make people laugh.

Baxter’s ideal home is one filled with patience, love, and guidance. He’s still very much a big puppy at heart and will blossom with people committed to helping him learn, play, and feel secure. In return, he’ll reward you with loyalty, affection, and endless sweet moments curled up by your side.

If you’re looking for a loving, playful companion who wants nothing more than to be part of the family, Baxter may be your perfect match.


Please note our process starts with an application. If we think you might be a good fit, we will reach out to coordinate a phone interview. This is followed by a video call with the foster home. Virtual home visit, personal and vet reference checks are required to complete the process. Transport is included in our adoption donation.



***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. ***

Interested in applying to adopt him? Fill out an adoption application at the link below!

https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/PRP/Dog

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.