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.
BRUDIS I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
LEON is a 2 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who was turned in for incompatibility with his owner's girlfriend. If this dog were a person he would probably be a gangster. Leon would jump up and punch in the kisser and body slam anyone not paying attention to him. We have put a lot of training time in with him and although he has responded beautifully, he must have a strong owner to continue training and maintaining respect from Leon. He should be an only dog in a home without cats. For an experienced and motivated person, Leon could be that dog of a lifetime.
ROXY is an 18 month old, black and rust, natural and docked female who came to DRU from someone who didn't want her. A new dog was arriving in the home and Roxy was out…details were fuzzy. She is a high energy dog who learns quickly but might take advantage of someone who doesn't follow through with her. Roxy plays okay with other dogs but she can be pushy if not put in her place. She's just awful with cats. Roxy loves water…especially that spraying out the end of a hose.
SHELBY I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
VEGAS I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
APOLLO is a 6 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who was given up when his owners moved. Apollo lived OUTSIDE…terrible! Well, he lives inside now and he likes it. He fluffs up his blankie just so and then plops down, enjoying the warmth from the heated floor. When he meets a new person Apollo is a bit nervous at first, but that is usually short lived. He plays well with female dogs. Cats? Not so much. Apollo will be a great companion for someone who understands when a dog needs a little warm up time.
BRAVO is a 4 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who lost his home due to his owner's financial plight. He seems to have a few basic commands under his belt, but will need further obedience training. Although Bravo is an exuberant boy, he can settle and hang out. Recently neutered, Bravo still has romantic inclinations towards the ladies, but otherwise seems disinterested in other dogs and cats. He's clean in his run and leaves his blankets intact. Bravo is a known stuffie abuser.
BROOKLYN is a 5 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who was left in a shelter without a lot of information from the prior owner. We love this dog! A fast and eager learner, Brooklyn is easy to train. He is people oriented and respectful of space. At first Brooklyn gets excited with new dogs, but all it takes is a quick smack down by a cranky female to get his head right. We think he could live with cats with some management. Brooklyn is fascinated by blankets…he builds a nest and settles down for some "suck the blankie" time. He needs a nice home.
DOC is a 3 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who was chained to a bolt anchored in the wall across the room from an English Mastiff who was in the same predicament. The two dogs were arch enemies and had to endure aggressing and antagonizing each other in these most stressful living conditions. Doc was rescued when humane law enforcement discovered the dogs while on a complaint about the way the dogs were living. The dogs' owner threatened to kill Doc so the owner's brother brought Doc to the local shelter. Doc has a white scar that goes all the way around his muzzle that is likely from his mouth being tied shut somehow for an extended period of time. What an awful life he has led! Not surprisingly, Doc has issues with other dogs, and we are working on that with him. He doesn't seem to mind our cats. And for reasons we can't quite fathom, Doc loves people. He is ready to go to a very special home.
HATTIE is a 4 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who came to DRU because her owner is a loser. Sweet, smart and sassy, she greets visitors to the shelter with an ingratiating smile. Hattie likes cats, but is too competitive to live with other dogs. We walk her in a harness because she has had some hind end issues, but she dances at the sight of a leash and pulls like an ox on a walk. Afterwards, this attention hog plops down with a Nylabone for a good, long chew. Hattie sits faster for food.
HOPE is a 1 year old, red and rust, natural and docked female who was found as a stray. She is friendly and full of beans. Hope came knowing nothing about a leash or human handling and still has a loooong way to go before she could be considered a canine good citizen. A bit hesitant at first, she enjoys playing with other dogs. So far so good with the cats but Hope will probably have a tendency to chase them if left unmanaged. This girl is a project for someone who is active and likes to train.
JAVA is a 6 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked male who didn't feel comfortable around the new baby. High-pitched sounds and fast movements make him nervous. On walks he is a bit shy, but friendly to strangers. Inside he barks and protects the house. Java is happiest receiving pats, hiking and riding in the car. He is least happy around vacuum cleaners, mops and brooms. Java loves small soccer balls, but he's not much of a retriever. Apples and carrots added to his food help him maintain a healthy 100 lb. waistline.
JOEY is a 4 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who was incompatible with the female Scottish Terrier in the home and ballistic about the barn cats. He will take his time getting to know a new owner, but once the trust is in place, the sky's the limit. Elegant Joey prances like a hackney horse and it is a beautiful sight to watch him move. Joey would do best in a quiet home where he can enjoy being the only animal.
KODY is a 3 year old, red and rust, natural and docked stray from New York. His coarse hair coat and substantial girth led us to discover he is hypothyroid. Despite this he is healthy, outgoing, friendly and compliant…except when other dogs and cats are around…doesn't like 'em. Kody has both high energy and good food drive which make him an excellent candidate for obedience training. He'll sit on you if you let him.
LAYLA is a 4 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female whose owner turned her in because Layla was leaking urine and not responding to medication. She is a big female who is loyal to her person. Layla has been around visiting children. She has lived with 2 small dogs but we find her to be a grump around the dogs at the shelter. Cats, along with all woodland creatures, are things to be chased. Layla's leaking has been resolved with a combination of medications, and she is on Soloxine for hypothyroidism. A refresher obedience course would benefit Layla and her new owner in forming a bond. After food, her favorite things are chewies and stuffed fleece squeaky toys.
LEXI is a 7 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who was taken from her owner by law enforcement because she needed veterinary care and wasn't getting it. She had a long-untreated skin infection, and with her lack of coat, she looked like an elephant. Eight weeks later Lexi is comfortable and beautiful once again. She is okay with most dogs and runs like crazy in the play yard with her friend DRU Apollo. Lexi seems okay with cats. She is easy-going and knows how to entertain herself with a squeak toy or raw bone. Lexi would be a gentle and loyal companion.
LUCIO is a 4 year old, blue and rust, cropped and docked male who was found as a stray in New York City with a skinny body and a sparse hair coat. He was unsure in his new environment and it took him a while to settle in here at DRU. The sounds, sights and smells of the kennel made him an edgy stress monster. Once moved to a quieter part of the shelter, Lucio has relaxed and started to trust. He seems to not have much basic obedience, but his food motivation will help with training. Lucio is a protective, alert, on-guard sort of fellow who is not for a first time Doberman owner. He doesn't like other male dogs and female dogs find him to be obnoxious. Our cats have given him a big thumbs down.
PHOENIX is a 4 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who was left at a veterinary hospital for euthanasia. It seems Phoenix didn't like the new puppy that was brought into the home so she had to go. Fortunately, the hospital staff saw the injustice and brought her to the DRU shelter, and we were glad to have her. She is just a touch shy in the beginning, but it doesn't take Phoenix long to get all wiggly and playful with people. Given the chance, she ignores other dogs, but would do best as an only dog living in the home. Phoenix fixates on cats (not in a good way), so count cats out too. She will be a super companion for the right family.
RUBY is a 4 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who came to DRU from another shelter with the caveat she was frightened of certain men and barked at them. It took Ruby some time to let each staff member into her circle of friends, but she did it. She is a big foodie and now loves to lay across any available lap. Her obedience training is good and she is a pleasure to take for a walk. Ruby doesn't pay a lot of attention to the dogs and cats she has met here. Counting her time at the last place, Ruby has been in the shelter system for 2 years. She has paid her dues and deserves a break.
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.
SISSY is a 3 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who came in with her sister. We were told the dogs' owner kept them locked in a room because the dogs were telling him to kill people. Fortunately the owner went for help and his dogs came to DRU. Sissy was understandably scared at first but has overcome a lot of her fears. Although she still can be a bit shy around new things, Sissy loves to see a leash come out for her to take a walk. Sissy plays fetch with a tennis ball, reliably dropping the ball at one's feet every time. Cats don't seem to interest her much and she's pretty social with other dogs. From the size of Sissy's noggin, one can surmise there is a Rottweiler or two hanging on her family tree. I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
SPIKEY is a 6 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who became a freebie on Craig's List when his owners lost their home. A quick thinking DRU member contacted the people, advised them of the potential danger of giving away a free dog to strangers and offered to help get Spikey to the safety of DRU. Spikey is a good-natured dog who has lived with children. He is not so good-natured with cats. With other dogs, Spikey acts all hot and bothered, but when allowed to actually make contact, all his bluster goes out the window and he doesn't quite know what to do. If given the opportunity to "fight" or empty a food bowl, Spikey goes for the latter. He loves activity, does well in the house alone and lays down to rest when on a car ride. Spikey is a sweet dog.
ZUKO is a 3 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male whose owner left the dog with her mother who, after 2 months, felt she couldn't adequately care for him. He is an active dog with a solid temperament who loves attention. Zuko is easy to walk, good in the car and cooperative when groomed. He loves trotting on the treadmill and doing obedience training with food rewards. As is usually the case, Zuko will need some time to settle in to his new home. He will be a great, easy-going companion with an owner who will clearly establish rules for him. Zuko could live with a female dog, but no kitty cats. He smiles at people he especially likes.
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. I'm a SSNAP dog!
BANJO is a 10 year old, red and rust, cropped and docked male whose family moved and couldn't take him with them. He is big, pushy, demanding, stubborn and adorable…certainly doesn't act his age. Banjo will listen if food is involved. He loves people and always wants to say hello. Banjo is a good boy in the house and in the car. He gets along with most other dogs, but doesn't like cats. Other than taking some supplements for liver support and joint health, Banjo is a healthy, strong boy who deserves a cushy retirement home. I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
DENIM is an 8 year old, blue and rust, cropped and docked male who was found as a stray by Animal Control. A member adopted him and brought him to DRU. What a peach this guy is! Denim is polite with other dogs…but not so much with cats. He is easy-going, friendly and affectionate…has the "Dobe probe" down to a science. As is common in blue Dobermans, Denim has healthy skin, but a sparse coat. Although he'll never be a prospect for the show ring, Denim will look and feel much better with an excellent diet and a daily dose of thyroid medication. Someone will be glad they scooped up this delightful boy! I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!
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!
ROSIE and CASEY came in to DRU when their owner was hospitalized and not expected to recover. These lovely girls lived inside a machine shop and stood vigilantly watching over the property for 10 years. Both of them had severe dental disease and other unaddressed medical issues when we got them in. We are SSNAP dogs!
ROSIE is the boss who demands attention by pushing a pink squeaky ball at anyone who stops to visit with her. Rosie has been adopted! But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for her medications 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!
CASEY is sweet and will rifle through pockets or a treat pouch for goodies. Sadly, Casey lost her battle with dilated cardiomyopathy. Our deepest condolences go to her family.
SAMMY is a 15 year old, black and rust, natural and docked male who came back to DRU when his beloved owner died. Sammy struggled to adapt to life back at the shelter until he found his niche living in the Treatment Room. When he's not snoozing in his Fido Fleece bed, Sammy loves to play with a rope toy and carry around a Jolly Ball. We have found him to be a delightful walking companion, although he isn't fond of meeting other dogs along the way. While Sammy isn't above picking through trash if he gets a chance, he's good in the house and will move out of the way when one is watching television. Sammy is protective and fiercely loyal to the people he loves. He's a grumpy old man who tells it like it is. I'm a SSNAP dog!
SASHA is a 7 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked female who was turned in by a man who refused to let her be in the room with the new baby. She weighed an astounding 110 lbs. on arrival at DRU. Our veterinarian did some routine senior dog bloodwork on Sasha and discovered her liver wasn't functioning properly. An abdominal ultrasound was recommended and a liver biopsy followed. We are in the process of trying different medications and checking for improved liver function. For now, Sasha's long term prognosis is unknown. She has shed almost 40 lbs. and looks great at this healthy weight. Sasha likes to take her person's shoes to bed with her. She can be skittish with strangers but warms up in no time and turns into a cuddle bug with those she knows and trusts. However, she can be a hag around other dogs. Sasha loves to sprawl out on a super sized dog bed and take a nap with her stuffed bear close by. Sasha has been adopted! But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for her medications 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!
STARZI is a 10 year old, black and rust, natural and docked female who was returned to DRU after 9 years when her owner was killed in a car accident. She was originally found as a young stray under a porch with 5 newborn pups. Starzi is a super affectionate couch potato who is a pleasure to hang out with. Just give her a brushing and a belly rub and she is deliriously happy. Although Starzi lived in harmony with 2 male dogs in her last home, she can be a hag with other females. Starzi is a true foodie and has a tendency towards chubbiness. It is hard not to toss that old face a cookie! Starzi 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!
TAXI is an 8 year old, black and rust, cropped and docked male who hasn't had the best hand dealt to him in life. He originally came to DRU in June of 2004 when he was found tied to a tree in the woods. He was starving. His muzzle was scarred, presumably from being bound for a long period of time. Despite this, Taxi was a happy boy and soon was adopted by an older couple who loved him dearly for seven years. Sadly, the husband died and the wife was forced to move from their home in Maine to an apartment in New York City where Taxi wasn't allowed. Taxi had been diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) over a year ago and has done well on medication. He feels good and has no symptoms, but how his condition will progress is uncertain. Taxi loves, loves, loves to be patted and fussed over! Taxi has gone to a permanent foster home. Please consider a donation to SSNAP to help us cover his expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!
TEDDY is an 8 year old, red and rust, natural and docked male who came to DRU when his owner died. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our super veterinarians stabilized him with cardiac medications that he will take for the rest of his life. One day a couple came to the shelter to meet Bailey, a dog that had come from the same home as Teddy. When they saw the friendship Teddy and Bailey shared they couldn't separate the two dogs. Bailey was adopted and Teddy went home compliments of the Senior and Special Needs Advocacy Program (SSNAP). Both dogs now have a wonderful home where they keep active going to training class, running errands and walking in the neighborhood. Teddy has been adopted. But, DRU has agreed to continue to pay for his medications to make it easier to find him the home he deserves. Please consider a donation to our SSNAP program to help us cover his expenses. I'm a SSNAP dog!