Doberman Rescue Unlimited

Doberman Rescue and Adoption for New England and Eastern New York
Hot Line (603)887-1200

DRU usually has between 40 and 50 Dobermans for adoption. Some are listed here. Please fill out an application to help us find the right dog for you.
AMADEUS is a 2 year old, fawn and rust, natural and docked male who was found as a stray in Massachusetts. He arrived nervous and cautious of us and spooked at quick movements. If scared, he remained fearful long past what one would expect. Amadeus was loud and protective of his space and his bark is scary. He's wary of strangers but will warm up with tasty treats. But once Amadeus trusts, he loves his people. He has a big personality…smiles when playing or caught doing something naughty. Sometimes he plays hard to get by rolling on his back and batting at one's hands. He loves belly rubs, his stuffed monkey and is great when getting his nails trimmed. His crate is his comfort zone where he can be heard moaning in his sleep. Amadeus is a very affectionate, clean boy who loves squeaky balls and tug of war. Although he does still have trust issues, Amadeus is much more social than when he first came in. An active person with a not-so-active home would be a great owner. Amadeus loves doing Agility and his success at it stabilizes and calms him and puts him in the right frame of mind. He has many canine friends and might be okay with a confident cat.
MATTIE is a 1 year old, black and rust female with natural ears and a tail who ended up in a bad situation and was rescued by some people who weren't expecting to have a high energy puppy in their home. She was a wild one! Our trainer saw the potential for this pup to go down the right path…or the wrong path without intervention. Lucky Mattie went home with him and learned obedience, socialization with other dogs, manners, relaxation, etc. and grew into a first class companion. She is super affectionate, friendly, obedient, busy, sensitive and social. Mattie is an incredibly smart dog who likes to work and loves to run. This dog could excel in any of the canine sport disciplines. Now back at DRU, she quickly taught her caretaker to bring her a treat stick, marrow bone or other goodie by banging on her water bucket until delivery is made just before bed time. Mattie is ready to start something special with her new owner.
ZSA ZSA I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
BREWSTER is a 1 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who was found as a stray. He was a fresh young man with no manners who flunked his temperament test at a shelter because he bit the rubber Assess-A-Hand when it went into the dog bowl to take away his food while he was eating. Is the behavior appropriate? No. Is the behavior understandable from an adult guarding breed with no relationship in place with the handler? Yes. Our trainers are working with Brewster using techniques to lay a foundation of trust and to help him feel safe with us. Although training has helped Brewster tremendously, we don't consider him a starter dog. Brewster is affectionate, energetic, goofy and fun. He is also pushy with people who let him get away with it. A home with clear and consistent rules and an active owner who wants to continue training would be ideal. Brewster should not live with children or cats, but he might be a great companion for the right female dog.
CHARLIE is a 2 year old, red and rust, natural and docked male who was found as a very underweight stray in Maine just before Christmas. On his first day here he spun in his kennel run like a dog who had been confined there for a long time. He was anxious and unwilling to have his feet touched or body manipulated and his wide-eyed stare was heartbreaking. We're happy to report that Charlie is a very different dog today. He is joyful when playing with other dogs and delights in running up behind his opponent to butt bite and then scoot off, enjoying the chase. Charlie seems disinterested in our cats and moves on to a more interesting adventure. He has puppy-like behavior and can still be mouthy. His obedience continues to improve and he can relax and settle in his room. Charlie will need to continue training and have a routine in place to succeed in his new home. It will be time well spent to help Charlie be a happy, well-adjusted companion.
HERCULES is a 3 year old, fawn and rust, cropped and docked male whose owner became ill and couldn't care for him. After spending some time with Hercules, we were surprised to discover that he is deaf. One of our trainers took Hercules home as a foster dog and has done a lot of work with him. His obedience is excellent. Although he is generally friendly with other dogs, Hercules doesn't like rough physical play, and he chases cats. Whoever adopts Herc needs to understand it will take time for him to become comfortable about being handled. It's like this… I'm a Doberman, I'm deaf, I don't know you and I don't trust you. But once he does, he will be devoted to his person. He will become territorial and protective of the one he trusts and that needs to be properly channeled. Hercules will likely prefer the attention of his owner almost exclusively. An ideal home would be with a strong minded, consistent owner who understands what Hercules needs to succeed and will put him in good situations. That person will be rewarded with a go-anywhere, do-anything dog.
JD is a 3 year old, red and rust natural and docked male who came to DRU from another shelter with no history. He is a small boy who is timid and shy with new people. Once he gets to know someone, he loosens up and his personality shines through with play bows and excited wiggling. JD pays little attention to our cats. He runs in the multiple dog playgroup but can get scrappy with pushy dogs. Our staff has done lots of obedience training with him to keep him safe and prepare him to be adopted. JD could be a flight risk and would need a fenced yard or a leash at all times. Environmental distractions such as a car passing can upset his applecart, but he recovers with the help of familiar obedience commands. JD isn't the dog for everyone, but there has got to be a niche out there somewhere for him where he can feel safe with his own person.
JET is a 5 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male whose owners lost their home and were living in a motel. Jet had many unaddressed health issues when he came to the DRU shelter. At 133 lbs. he was a behemoth and had all the signs of hypothyroidism. His coat was sparse to non-existent in some places, his skin was thickened and bleeding from chronic itching and his ears were infected. Jet's demeanor was flat and he barely moved unless asked to go out and then he would lumber and limp along. Our veterinarian performed her magic and, in less time than we expected, Jet's transformation was miraculous. He sparkled up and became interested in his surroundings. Jet got up to greet everyone who came to visit him and started playing with other dogs. As he felt better, Jet joined the Doberman playgroup. He picks up his leash when he wants to go out and walks around the neighborhood carrying his favorite water bottle. Jet has lived with a small dog, birds and a cat. He is a wonderful dog with loads of personality.
ROCKY is a 3 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who came in emaciated needing treatment for heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, an ear infection and a urinary tract infection. Poor boy has finally been given a clean bill of health and can start exercising again without restriction. Rocky has been a wild man during his post heartworm treatment confinement and has energy to burn! He's mad for toys and craves human contact and attention. Rocky could win the "loudest bark" and the "highest jump" contests. He likes pizza crusts.
SKYE is a 3 year old, fawn and rust, natural and docked female who was surrendered by her owner to a shelter in Vermont. She had given birth to a litter of puppies and developed mastitis when they were four weeks old. Most of the puppies died and Skye got the boot. She was spooky and unsure of herself on arrival at DRU. Obedience training and handling has helped Skye stabilize but she will likely remain fearful of some new things. She has lived with cats, and although she has little tolerance for other dogs, Skye has become manageable on leash around them. Once Skye trusts someone, she is a cupcake, but will be cautious of strangers on leash and protective, especially once she settles into a home of her own. All Skye needs is an owner whose focus is making sure she only gets into situations where she will succeed.
TANK is a 5 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked male whose owner lost his home. He is Yoda's father. He's a beautiful dog who is full of energy and loves to run, despite a deformity of his left femur due to being hit by a car in 2010. Surgery was done but failed to correct the problem…possibly due to poor technique or secondary to aftercare. No treatment was in his best interest and he takes a joint supplement for support. Tank loves water…he's a swimmer, a chaser of water streaming from the end of a hose and even an enjoyer of baths. He is friendly and social with people, but has a strong prey drive with other dogs and cats. Tank needs to be the only animal in his new home.
TROOPER is a 3 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked male who was not being taken care of by his owners. Somehow their landlord intervened and became Trooper's advocate which ultimately led to his coming to DRU. He's an energetic boy with a good attitude and not a lot of training. Although Trooper can be mouthy and strong willed, he is very social and desperately looking to connect with someone. He appears to have delayed physical and behavioral maturity, likely from neglect and poor nutrition. Cats are a no go but most female dogs would be okay. Recently neutered, Trooper is still interested in romance but is easily told off by the ladies. I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
ZOEY is a 2 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female who was left at a humane society because her owners said she was destructive. No further details were available. Zoey definitely prefers to be with people and gets anxious when left alone. She knows some basic commands but will need continued training. We're not sure which she likes more: butt scratches or belly rubs. Zoey has a favorite stuffy hedgehog wearing a Santa cap that she has kept intact while other toys are destroyed all around her room. She had 2 mammary masses removed and promptly removed the sutures before she even got back to the shelter. Now she is wearing a T-shirt and an Elizabethan collar to prevent a repeat performance. We moved Zoey up to the front office where we could monitor her and she promptly jumped over the 4 foot wrought iron gate…head bucket and all. We are awaiting the biopsy and thyroid results and are praying for good news. Zoey likes other dogs but can be turfy about space and resources. Our cats hate her. I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
SSNAP Dogs Senior and Special Needs Advocacy Program
ADDISON is a 10 year old, red and rust, natural and docked female who was found as a stray. She came to DRU after living a short time in a home with another female dog with whom she wasn't compatible. While Addison is a love bug with her people, she is protective of her home and can be downright cranky with perceived intruders. Toys make her happy; she is especially fond of a rubber chicken that she keeps firmly clamped in her jaws. Addison gets along with the male dogs we have bunked with her. She isn't shy about making her needs known and puts up a fuss if she isn't fed or given her medication first. Her urinary incontinence is controlled with Proin and she takes Soloxine for hypothyroidism. Addison is otherwise in good health and looking for a home where she can be a princess. Addison has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
DIESEL is a 6 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked male who was found as a stray in an abandoned building. He was a big, fat boy who apparently hadn't missed many meals. Our veterinarian diagnosed him with hypothyroidism and cardiomyopathy for which he is receiving treatment. Diesel is the sweetest, funniest fellow! He loves going for walks, however when returning to his room, Diesel flops to the floor and becomes a 100 lb. dead weight sack of potatoes…very clear he wants to stay out longer. Lots of pushing and pulling and food bribes, all of which he enjoys immensely, eventually get him back to his kennel, one of the cushiest spots in the shelter. Gladiator looks on the outside, pumpkin pie on the inside…it doesn't get any better than that! Diesel has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover his medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
GABBY is a 9 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who has been disappointed by people many times in her life. First she was rescued from a puppy mill. Gabby then went to live with a woman who gave her up because she contended she couldn't get insurance on her new home because she owned a Doberman. From there Gabby went to a young couple who later broke up. The man kept Gabby until he went to jail, at which time his now girlfriend gave Gabby to someone who kept her for 2 weeks and then brought her to a shelter. From there she went to a nice home where sadly, the woman became ill and couldn't keep her. So now Gabby is at DRU. Some of her nicknames include Land shark, Live wire, Pip, Leg grabber, the Lurker, the Princess and Edwina Haskell. Once you are in her circle of friends, Gabby will smile, give paw and roll over, offering her belly for a rub. Until then she is a force to be reckoned with. Gabby takes her guarding heritage seriously. From behind a door or under a bush, she can quickly size up an opponent. There is no better alarm system available. Gabby has lived with dogs and cats. She needs a very strong leader who will keep her out of trouble. Gabby has been adopted! But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for her medical bills to make it easier to find her the home she deserves. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
JAYLA is an 11 year old, red and rust, natural and docked female who came to DRU when her owner became seriously ill. Fortunately, she was scooped up right away and went to a permanent foster home where she is the queen bee. Her daily routine includes Jayla wrestling with her housemate, a dog twice her size and a fraction of her age, followed by couch time and television. Jayla loves treats but will only eat a meal if her bowl is held for her. She sleeps in bed with her foster mummy. Jayla has many of the old lady Doberman medical issues…leaky, creaky and gassy…which are soothed with medications. Her heart doesn't work as well as it used to and a mass was seen on a chest x-ray, neither of which there is much to do about. For now, Jayla seems to feel good and enjoy her life and will be given the best until she tells us otherwise. Jayla has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
JESSIE is an 8 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female who was found as a stray. She is a delightful, needy, gentle attention hog with a sense of humor who is a pleasure to spend time with. One of her favorite games is Take-my-bone-please! Jessie is a talker and isn't shy about asking for the attention she so craves. The old girl has some arthritis in her back that is managed on NSAIDS. We walk her on a harness to eliminate stress on her neck. If the harness gets left on by mistake, Jessie will remove it…permanently, and it's off to the tack bin to find her a replacement. Jessie likes some dogs but can be a crabby old lady when she feels like it. She is a cat assassin. Jessie has wonderful manners and personal hygiene. I'm a SSNAP dog!
LILY is a 5 year old, cropped and docked white female who came to DRU when her owner went to jail. She looks as if she has had a boatload of puppies during her lifetime. When we had Lily spayed, our veterinarian removed several small lumps from her. Unfortunately, the biopsies came back that Lily has malignant melanoma. Treatment options weren't great and our veterinarian couldn't say how things will progress or how long we can expect Lily to live. In the meantime, Lily has gone to a foster home that is truly a Disneyland for Dobermans. We are told she is slowly evolving from a quiet, flat, timid girl into a demanding Doberman who expects a daily car ride along with multiple walks. Lily does Doberman snappies when she wants something. She sleeps like a rock next to the woodstove or catches some sun beams near the slider. Life is good! Lily has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
MAYHEM is a 5 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who came to DRU after being hit by a car. Serious injuries sustained included partial hind limb paralysis, broken ribs and blood in his chest. Against all odds, Mayhem recovered, but he will never be whole again. Ongoing veterinary and tender loving home care will be needed indefinitely to keep him comfortable and happy. Despite his drunken gait, Mayhem still loves to run and enjoy gently the company of other dogs. He is a character! Mayhem has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to SSNAP to help us cover his expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
MOCHA is a 10 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who was left in a New York shelter because her owner didn't want her. She is a sweet old lady dog who is a pleasure to be around. Mocha likes cats and gets along with most dogs. She can get a little snippy with dogs when she has had enough. Currently Mocha is undergoing treatment for heartworm disease and taking liver support medication. Future testing we hope will show an improvement in her overall health. Mocha has done her time living in the basement of her owner's home. It's time for her to enjoy her senior years. I'm a SSNAP dog!
RHODA is an 8 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female who was found as a stray in Rhode Island. The old lady was in rip-roaring heat when Animal Control picked her up. Rhoda thinks she is a much younger dog and greets each day as a new adventure. Despite a wobbly hind end, she can usually be found standing on her hind legs, looking out the window or jumping up and peering over the Dutch doors at other Dobermans in adjoining rooms. Rhoda hugs, kisses and lies in the lap of anyone who admires her. At the Open House, Rhoda honed in on a platter of egg salad finger sandwiches from about twenty feet away and headed for them like a heat seeking missile. Her handler was just able to stop her in time to avoid disaster. She's a foodie! Sadly we could no longer keep Rhoda comfortable and pain-free. She is sorely missed as she was much loved. Rest well dear friend.
ROCKY 2 is a 10 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male whose owners left him at a New York shelter because they couldn't afford his veterinary expenses. His medical maladies were numerous: hypothyroidism (now under control with medication), spondylosis neck pain (much improved with supplements for inflammation and walking him on a harness), multiple lump removals (all benign!), lick granulomas (infection gone and environment enrichment has helped), severe dental disease (cleaning done and ten teeth were extracted) and a urinary tract infection (resolved with medication). Rocky 2 feels like a new dog, thanks to our veterinarians. He is such a pleasant fellow with a sweet face and loves his time soaking up attention from his many admirers. Rocky 2 can scan a room of people and choose who has the tastiest treat at that very moment. Food means a lot to him. He's a grump to other dogs, but we're still looking for someone with whom he will get along. With our cats, he is clear…he would like to do away with them. Rocky 2 deserves a sun spot in someone's home. I'm a SSNAP dog!
ROCKY 3 is a 9 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who came to DRU from a New York City shelter with limited information. We were told that his family had rescued him from a bad situation 6 years ago and now had to give him up. Our veterinarian removed some benign growths and several teeth that were likely bothering him. He's in pretty good shape and quite spry for an older guy. Rocky 3 has done well playing with a gamut of dogs here. He takes correction from grumpy old lady Dobermans with minimal sass back on his part. Cats are a different story…no cats for Rocky 3…not even a cat tchotchke is safe around him. He is a pleasure to walk on a leash and has the Doberman lean down pat. Rocky 3 wants to go home! I'm a SSNAP dog!
SADIE is a 9 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked female whose owners divorced and lost their home. Unfortunately, misfortune trickled downhill to the animals. Flea and parasite infested Sadie arrived experiencing a false pregnancy and had our veterinarian concerned about pyometra. While being spayed, a mammary mass was removed and multiple extractions of rotted teeth were required. Her mammary mass was a low-grade malignant mixed mammary tumor that will need to be monitored closely for recurrence. Sadie is a 50 lb. peanut who needs to be coaxed and handfed (shame on us…) to eat. Prior to her spay, Sadie would collect "babies" and hide them underneath herself, daring any animal to approach her, and yet was kind to people. Now Sadie still is attached to a particular stuffie but not as inclined to protect it. When around other dogs or cats she tends to ignore them unless they don't respect her space. Sadie is a sweetie pie! Sadie has been adopted! But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for her medical bills to make it easier to find her the home she deserves. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
SAVANNAH is an 8 year old, blue and rust, natural and docked female who came in with her brother Sam when their owner lost their house. She gets along with most other dogs, and would rather hunt for food than for a cat. Of the two siblings, Savannah is in charge…for example when it comes to personal space around the water dish. Despite this, she seems to depend on Sam to feel secure. Savannah is a true foodie and can scout out the smallest bit of discarded particles of nourishment. She is a loving old girl. Savannah has been adopted! But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for her medical bills to make it easier to find her the home she deserves. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
STORMY is an 11 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female whose owner couldn't afford the veterinary care Stormy desperately needed. Unfortunately, her medical needs had been neglected for years by the time she came to DRU with a mammary tumor the size of a softball and a broken tooth. Once DRU's vet determined that the tumor had not spread to her organs, Stormy had surgery to remove the entire mammary chain on the right side of her body to stop the growth of multiple tumors. Our veterinarian also removed the fractured, rotted tooth and cleaned the rest of her teeth. Antibiotics were prescribed to clear up a urinary tract infection which was causing her to wet her bedding and anything else underneath her. Sadly, Stormy had once been the center of her owner's attention, even traveling cross country to compete and achieve performance titles most people only dream of reaching. When things changed in her owner's life, Stormy was relegated to the backyard or isolated in the basement or a crate. This nice old lady still has the energy of a working dog and relishes daily walks with other dogs. Some arthritis in her rear legs is helped with moderate daily exercise and supplements to keep it in check. Stormy enjoys the company of benign dogs but likes cats in all the wrong ways! She would love a home where she can once again be in the center of attention. Stormy has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover her medical expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
VEGAS is a 9 year old black and rust, cropped and docked male whose owner lost his sight and couldn't care for him any longer. Unfortunately Vegas failed in his next home where he struggled to hold his urine for the owners' 11 hour workday. He is a super people-oriented dog who loves affection and attention. Vegas is social with other dogs, but he couldn't live with a cat unless the cat was really, really fast. Vegas does have a lick granuloma that has been improving with treatment, plenty of potty breaks and an inordinate amount of fussing by his caregivers. SAdly, Vegas was recently diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. This lovely dog needs somewhere special to spend his golden years where he can lay in the sun on a comfy bed and dream about his next adventure. Vegas has has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover his expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!