ANOTHER UPDATE (5-18-24)! I’ve changed so much, you’ll want to read this!!

I know it’s been a while and boy have I changed. Now, not only am I up to a great weight, but I’m also neutered, and my fosters know even more about me to share with you! First, they call me a “goofball” sometimes. I’m not sure what the word means, but they say it while smiling and laughing, so I think it must be a very nice word. Also, foster dad and I have been working with a WONDERFUL dog trainer. Bobby trains dogs for the Navy, and he knew from the moment he met me that I was a “trainable” dog. He understood that I suffered from “fear aggression,” which I showed very well by jumping and barking at every new person I met, including potential furever home people. But since we’ve been working together – Bobby, foster dad and Mr. Goofball (that’s me! Haha) – I’ve learned how to be a much better listener, and dad can help me understand how to behave around people. Because I’ll admit I’m still a work in progress and Bobby says I’m really a sweet, smart dog just wanting to please, he’s agreed to be at the first meet-and-greet with people in the Hampton Roads area who think they’d like to be my furever mom and dad. Isn’t that great??  

I know you probably came to the VGSR website to adopt a German shepherd, but please don’t pass me by just cuz I’m Belgian. I promise you won’t be sorry cuz I’ll make you laugh, zoomie so you laugh even more, play fetch and give you all the love I have.

Shadow 6150 will need a strong leader to continue his training since he still has residual anxiety issues but he has gotten so much better. 

12-16-2023 Update:  Though Shadow's  past is unknown he most likely experienced some trauma as he does have anxiety and fear issues, which will take time and patience, but with training and support, Shadow will continue to grow!  He is currently attending Obedience classes to address these two issues.  All in all, he is still a goofy boy who is very food motivated.  More updates will be provided as we go through his training!

In the meantime, the ideal family would be one that understands and or has experience with these types of behaviors and have older children (13+ years old .)

-------------------------------------------------------

Well, hello there! My name is Shadow, and I’m guessing you know how I got that name. Yep, all my fur is black, well, except for a small white patch on my very handsome chest and on the tips of both of my ears. Foster mom says I also have the most soulful brown eyes you’ll ever fall in love with in your entire life. Also, foster dad says I’m as quiet as a shadow.

My life story so far has been both really sad and very happy. When I was surrendered at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center in June 2023, I was 2 years old and full grown, but I weighed only 37 pounds. Talk about skinny!

By the time I met my foster mom and dad, I had gained nearly 20 pounds -- those people at the adoption center really took good care of me! Even though I’d put on some poundage, my foster mom and dad could still feel every bone in my beautiful body and my hair was still falling out in tufts. Today, you guessed it, I’m a stunning 67 pounds and my hair is magnificent and soft.

Now, a little bit about my quirky personality. First of all, I love shoes – not eating them, just relocating them. You may put your slipper in the bedroom, but you could find it in the kitchen! When I get excited, watch me zoomie! I float like a butterfly (but I don’t sting like a bee)! And even though I didn’t have a lot of food in my life when I was little, I’m not food aggressive today. I respect my foster sister’s food and treats, but … OK, so I have to admit when it’s my turn to eat, the food in my bowl will be gone in less than 60 seconds.

Although I look like a big goof and I can act like one, too, when it time to snuggle, I’ll act like a lap dog and push at your hand when you stop petting me. Of course, as soon as you look into my soft brown eyes, you’ll never want to stop petting me! =)

Will you be my furever family home? Only the Shadow knows! (Oh, and you and my foster parents know for sure.) I can’t wait to meet you.

****An UPDATE about ME!!!!! Welcome back to reading about me! I’m so excited to tell you the latest. 

My foster mom and dad have gotten me up to my fighting weight…even though I’m not a fighter but still a sweetie. I must admit that I’ve gotten pretty attached to foster mom and dad, so when we meet, you’ll have to take your cue from me about getting close too quickly. Instead, you’ll want to talk to me from a distance and wait until I warm up to you. (If you bring some treats – I’m especially partial to boiled chicken – the warming up will probably happen fast cuz I’m VERY food motivated.) 

In addition to food, I love taking walks, getting lovin’, chasing balls and running outside. Now that I’m filled out, I have beautiful hair on my legs and face that look and feel like black velvet. The hair on the rest of my body is so soft and curly.

I’m very smart and I’m eager to please. Most of all, I can’t wait to get into my furever home! Wouldn’t you love to meet me?