Adopt a German Shepherd

Below are all of our dogs that are currently available for adoption. We receive many daily requests for us to accept dogs into our rescue. Our volunteers spend hours on phones talking to owners and shelters gathering information and providing resources.

Our team is assessing dogs on a regular basis to either accept them into True North GSD Rescue or help facilitate external placements. There are always dogs waiting to be tested, fostered, and placed.

If you are looking to adopt a German Shepherd that isn’t listed below, fill out an application anyway. We often have many dogs waiting to be tested that are not listed, but may be a good fit for you and your family.

Even if there isn’t a dog below that you would like to adopt, please fill out an application. You may also consider our foster or foster-to-adopt programs. 

Once a dog has been welcomed into our rescue, we often give them a week or two to settle and get comfortable. We get to know who they are and what they need. Once our fosters have a good idea of who they are, we begin the adoption process, where we match the dog with a family that is the best fit.

Available Dogs

Previous German Shepherd or similar working breed experience required!

Odin

We cannot believe we have another emaciated German Shepherd within weeks of each other, but here we are—ready to save him, because Odin deserves nothing less.

This sweet, 6-year-old boy was abandoned on a street with nothing but his bed and a small bag of food. He waited there for days, faithfully hoping his person would return. But they never did. Left behind and forgotten, Odin was eventually taken to the shelter, weak, confused, and heartbreakingly thin.

When we learned of his situation, we couldn’t look away. His ribs and bones protrude from his fragile frame, but despite the neglect he’s endured, Odin’s gentle spirit shines through. When we arrived to rescue him, he leaned into our hands, soaking up the love he so desperately needed and in return giving us kisses and wiggles.

Odin is now safe and on his way to his foster home, where he’ll begin the journey of healing. His days will now be filled with nutritious meals, medical care, a few baths and the love and attention he’s been missing for far too long. It’s a fresh start for this beautiful soul who has endured so much.

But Odin’s recovery is going to take time, patience, and resources. We need your help to give him the care he deserves—specialized food to rebuild his strength, medical treatments to restore his coat and health, and everything else he needs to heal, inside and out.

Odin didn’t deserve to be abandoned. He deserves a second chance. Your support makes rescues like Odin’s possible. Every dollar brings him closer to the life he’s always deserved—a life filled with safety, love, and dignity. Please, if you can, donate to help Odin and others like him. Thank you for standing with us and for standing with Odin.

Astro

Welcome Astro to Your New Life! Astro’s journey to a better life begins now. This gorgeous black-and-red boy was found wandering and taken to the shelter. When we were alerted to his situation, we knew we had to act fast. The rescue team set off to save him!

Astro stole our hearts the moment we first met him—we knew right away he was a special pup. And when we came to save him, he confirmed it in the most touching way. As soon as he saw us, he grabbed his stuffed animal from the back of his kennel and trotted out happily to meet his rescuers. It was as if he knew—he was safe at last.

At 4 years old, Astro is a stunning and intelligent German Shepherd with a heart full of love to give as he lights up the room with kisses. He’s ready to start his new chapter with a family who will patiently help him adjust to his new life, love him unconditionally, and share a lifetime of adventures and fun.

Ella

Ella’s story is one that tugs at the heartstrings. At just 1.5 years old, this sweet girl and her brothers were dropped off at a shelter by their previous owners. Thankfully, we were alerted and knew we had to step in to save them.

Now, Ella is safe in her foster home, beginning a new chapter. Originally adopted as a puppy, this is a big transition for her—but she’s handling it with grace. She’s already found a toy to enjoy, but this gentle soul could definitely use a few more to help her feel at home.

Ella’s personality shines through in the sweetest ways. She’s calm, affectionate, and so gentle, often nudging her foster for love and pets. She’s even great with cats, having lived with them before and currently sharing her foster home with a couple of feline friends.

In addition to her sweet nature, Ella is absolutely stunning. She’s a gorgeous black-and-red German Shepherd whose pictures don’t do her justice. Her beauty is matched only by her kind and gentle spirit.

Ella’s agility and playful spirit make her the perfect partner for adventures. She’s looking for a family that will give her the patience, love, and guidance to grow into the incredible German Shepherd she’s meant to be.

Gideon

Gideon is a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd who is as stunning on the outside as he is sweet on the inside. With his striking Black and Red coat, soulful eyes, and a confident stance that hints at his intelligence, Gideon turns heads wherever he goes.

Despite his gorgeous looks, Gideon’s personality is what truly shines. He’s a playful, curious, and affectionate boy who’s still very much a puppy at heart. Whether it’s romping around with toys, exploring the great outdoors, or learning new things, Gideon approaches life with enthusiasm and a wagging tail.

Gideon thrives with positive attention and would love a loving  family that shares his zest for life. He’s intelligent, eager to please, and always up for a fun adventure—but he also appreciates a good cuddle session after a long day.

Gideon is looking for a forever family who will embrace his playful spirit, be patient as he continues to mature, and provide him with the structure and guidance he needs to become his best self. In return, he’ll offer unconditional loyalty, plenty of laughs, and a bond like no other.

Ludo

Ludo’s journey is one of resilience and hope. At just 1.5 years old, this gorgeous black-and-red German Shepherd was dropped off at the shelter alongside his siblings. When we were alerted to their situation, we immediately sprang into action to ensure they were safe.

Ludo is truly a special boy. His soulful eyes seem to hold a story of longing and love, while his gentle demeanor, love of snuggles and confident stride make him unforgettable. This handsome pup has a playful side too—tossing his toys with joy, exploring his surroundings with curiosity, and showing off his agility. He’s not just a dog; he’s a companion ready to experience life to the fullest with his new family.

Ludo is looking for a family who will offer him patience and guidance as he continues to grow into the incredible dog he’s meant to be. He’s eager to learn, ready for adventures, and excited to create the lifelong bond he so deserves. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, snuggling at home, or simply enjoying the little moments, Ludo will be by your side every step of the way.

This intelligent, gentle, and adaptable boy is ready for his fresh start. With his toys, bones, and zest for life, he’ll settle into your home and your heart with ease. Ludo is ready for his forever family—one that will love him unconditionally and show him how amazing life can be.

Ravenna

Ravenna is an absolute beauty—a stunning 6-year-old purebred black German Shepherd from impressive working lines. With her sleek coat and intelligent gaze, she embodies both grace and strength.

This smart and sweet girl was sadly surrendered to a shelter by her previous owner, a place no dog as special as Ravenna should ever end up. Thankfully, we were able to step in and save her, giving her the second chance she so deserves.

Ravenna greeted our rescue team with an open heart and is now thriving with her foster family. She’s embracing a life filled with training, fun adventures, and hiking—experiencing for the first time what her life *should* have been all along. True to her working-line roots, Ravenna is ready to go when it’s time for activity but knows how to settle in and relax when it’s time for calm.

This incredible girl is not only intelligent and eager to please but also affectionate and loyal. She’s everything you could hope for in a companion and is ready to find her forever family who will love her endlessly.

Ravenna’s journey is just beginning, and we’re so excited to see her flourish in the loving home she’s always deserved.

Amara

[Pending Adoption]

We’re excited to introduce Amara, a beautiful 5-year-old German Shepherd who recently joined our rescue family. Amara comes to us as an owner surrender due to a life change, and it’s clear she was deeply loved and well cared for in her previous home.

This sweet girl is soft-hearted, friendly, and absolutely loves spending time with her people and exploring the world. Whether it’s going on adventures or just being by your side, Amara thrives on connection and companionship. She’s looking for a new family who can offer her the patience, love, and stability she deserves as she transitions into this new chapter.

If you’re searching for a loyal and gentle companion who enjoys exploring and relaxing equally, keep an eye out for more updates on Amara! She is ready to meet the perfect family who will cherish her just as much as she’ll cherish them.

 

Bruno

Meet Bruno, a playful and sweet 11-month-old purebred German Shepherd puppy whose heart is as big as his spirit. This intelligent boy lights up every moment with his fun-loving personality, whether he’s chasing after a ball with his foster siblings or showering you with gentle kisses. But behind his joyful exterior, Bruno is still waiting for the one thing that will complete him: a forever family to call his own.

As the last of his siblings to find a home, Bruno holds onto hope with every wag of his tail. He’s ready to bring boundless love and laughter into the lives of those who will cherish him. Our rescue is patient and dedicated to finding the perfect match, and we believe that with patience,

Bruno deserves a family who will see him for the loving companion he truly is, who will embrace his playful nature and provide the stability  and love he desires. He’s not just looking for a home; he’s searching for a heart to belong to—a family that will show him the love and patience he has always dreamed of.

 

More Paws, Stay Tuned!

We’re always welcoming new furry friends into our rescue!

While some of our latest rescue pups may not appear on the website right away, be sure to check back often.

If you’re looking to adopt, we encourage you to complete an adoption application to meet the newest pups in search of their forever homes.

Our Mission

True North is dedicated to providing rescue and assistance to German Shepherd Dogs in need who meet our placement criteria. We are committed to finding permanent, loving homes for these unique and special dogs.

Rescue is not just about taking dogs and finding homes. It is about doing the right thing, for the dog – for the human. It’s about listening to your heart and following cold trails of information. It’s about doing the right thing, always.

Support our rescue by donating today, so that we can keep helping dogs in need.

German Shepherds are the third most intelligent breed in the world.

One trait for which German Shepherd Dogs are well-known for besides their beauty, is their intelligence. According to scientists and dog experts, this breed is the third most intelligent breed of dog. This ranking was given by Stanley Coren in the book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’. The TWO Breeds that are considered more intelligent than a German Shepherd Dog are Border Collies and Poodles. According to Coren, a German Shepherd Dog will usually learn a simple task after only five repetitions. 95% of the time they will obey the first command they are given. It is this intelligence that has made them so popular as working dogs.

German Shepherds are the second most popular dog in the United States.

There are millions of dog lovers living in the United States and each dog owner has their own personal favorite breed of dog. The German Shepherd Dog is the second most popular breed of dog in the United States. The primary reason for this is this is such a diverse animal. They are popular family pets and work in a variety of capacities, such as performing dogs, guard dogs, show dogs, and dogs that serve the police or the military. As they are kept as both pets and working dogs, this accounts for the high numbers of these animals that live in the United States.

Save a Life

Adopt.

How long does it take to get a dog?

Once your application is received and approved, we like to have the home visit completed within two weeks. This is a very important part of the process and we would like to have everyone who will be living with the dog present.

Where do you get your dogs?

Many of the dogs come from shelters but sometimes they are surrendered by owners for various reasons. All of our rescue dogs are temperamentally assessed based on our placement criteria. Only dogs that meet this criteria are accepted into True North GSD Rescue.

Additionally, they will be micro chipped, have the required vaccinations and will be spay/neutered, if 2 years old, prior to being permanently placed. We will also ensure each pup is noted for any physical challenges. All will be completed prior to placing the dogs into their permanent homes to ensure the best fit for you and our rescue dogs.

How do I adopt a dog?

Please visit the application page and click ” Application Process” to review the application process. If you have additional questions, please contact us!

If I already have a dog(s), can I adopt?

Part of the home visit will be an opportunity to meet household and pet members. If you already have a dog, once you have been approved to adopt and identified a potential dog to adopt, we would require a meet and greet with the dog(s) in your home to ensure they will make good companions.

Can i adopt a puppy?

We receive an amazing amount of applications for puppies. Sometimes we receive hundreds therefore, we will review the first 50 applications to ensure we find the best permanent home.