Bernie

My story

Age/Birthdate:04/02/2024* Location:Downers Grove,IL * Fully Vetted: Yes Any Special Medical or Special Needs:No Temperament with: Dogs:Great Cats:unsure Children list specific ages: All ages Strangers:Great Training Needs: Crate Trained:Yes Potty Trained:Yes Hi, I’m Bernie! 🐾 I’m a 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix, about 40 pounds of pure joy and goofiness! People say I’m the derpiest good boy around — probably because of my floppy ears and the big smile I wear when I’m happy (which is basically always). I just love life, especially when toys, naps, and doggy friends are involved! I get along great with all kinds of dogs — big, small, hyper, chill — I love them all! I’m potty trained, crate trained, and I ride really well in the car. I’m also working on my basic commands like “sit” and doing a pretty good job, if I say so myself. Loud noises or new places might make me a little nervous at first, but once I know I’m safe, my sweet and playful self comes right out. I don’t guard my food, toys, or water, and I’d totally thrive in a home with other pups or even doggy daycare. I am still learning what counts as a toy (apparently slippers don’t qualify… oops!), but I’m getting the hang of it fast when there are plenty of fun chewies around. I’m ready for my forever person — someone who loves dogs, laughs at my silliness, and will give me the love and patience I need to keep growing into the best boy ever. Think we could be best friends? This dog is currently located in Chicago's southwest suburbs and can be seen by appointment once an adoption application is completed and approved by the rescue. Please note that we cannot hold dogs for any reason. If the dog or puppy is not yet fully vetted, we can only consider applications from adopters within an hour's drive or 40 miles of Lemont, IL, due to required vet visits at our partner veterinarians. For fully vetted dogs or puppies, we welcome applications from out-of-state or beyond the 40-mile radius. Please only apply if you are ready to meet and welcome a new companion into your home within five days of approval. Breed and Age Information: Unless the puppy was born in our care, we cannot guarantee the breed or age. Breed and age estimates are based on veterinary advice, shelter records, physical appearance, and information provided by previous owners. The adoption fee includes: Spay/neuter (performed at one of our partner veterinarians as scheduled by the rescue) Microchip Rabies vaccine DHPP vaccine Bordetella vaccine 4DX test (Heartworm, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, Lyme Disease) General wellness care, including deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention Your adoption fee also helps support medical care for other rescue animals, including heartworm treatments, surgeries, and emergency care. Spay/Neuter Policy: We spay/neuter dogs at 16 weeks or older, at the discretion of the rescue and in consultation with our partner veterinarians. While some veterinarians recommend delaying the procedure based on a breeds projected size, as a rescue, our primary goal is to prevent unwanted litters. Spaying and neutering also provide significant health benefits, including cancer prevention and reducing behavioral issues. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association support pediatric spay/neuter for cats and dogs as early as 16 weeks. We carefully assess each case to determine the best timing for the procedure. Interested in Adopting? Submit an adoption application at www.rubywhiskers.org/adopt

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Bernie, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.