This delightful, handsome young Doberboy came to us through the courtesy of Rescue Angels after he had wandered up to a house, apparently having been dumped. (I’ll never understand it.) Here’s how his most recent caregivers describe it: “We found a Doberman in our woods. He took off the first day but reappeared the next. He was emaciated and pretty weak, but seemed friendly. We took him in as we tried to find his owner. We found out later that he may have been abandoned on our street. We took him to a shelter, but they didn‘t have room, and the Humane Society doesn‘t take strays. We added him to multiple lost pet sites. We thought we could foster him longer until he found his forever home, but I am recovering from back-to-back, different cancers, and we all seem to be allergic to him.” How thankful we are that they found DRT and he is with us now!
At less than 50 lbs. upon arrival, he was woefully underweight. But he’s literally gaining every day and is well on his way to arriving at his optimal weight. Also, his coat is pretty rough from being outside (bleached and dry), but with good food and nourishment, it is improving.
As you can see from his pictures, he’s well-formed, benefits from well-cropped ears and tail, and is overall one of those I think of as a “calendar” Doberman. He’s intelligent, interested, responsive, and playful - a gem of a dog who is simply in need of a proper, loving home. He’s young yet and will benefit from some proper finishing as he matures into adulthood, but he has all the necessary ingredients to be a cherished companion for many years to come.
Observations from our volunteers:
“This guy is definitely a "diamond-in-the-ruff.” He was a little shy at first meeting, but once he knew me he responded very well and stayed close by as he explored. He‘s still young and full of potential. He‘s very handsome, knows how to sit, tries hard not to jump, and gives lots of kisses. With a little work, time, and patience; he could be really special.”
“He is a little shy at first, but he warms up quickly. He has a soft personality. He really enjoyed playing with the soft squeaky toys.”
"Xander is a such a beautiful guy....especially when you see the sun shine on his mahogany coat. He is well mannered with good energy (not too high strung). I met him shortly after his arrival at DRT so he was a little bit shy as he was getting used to his new accommodations. It just took sitting down and giving him a minute to collect himself. He wants love and attention and you can tell he will give it back in spades. He loves a walk and his excitement made it clear that he definitely recognizes a proper leash when he sees one. He is another one that seems to really observe his human buddies so he can be in lock step. I can‘t wait to see how he blossoms as I have a really good feeling about this guy!"
“I had a lovely first meeting with Xander. As I walked up to the gate he jumped straight up in the air as if he was on a pogo stick, with a look of joy on his face because he was getting a visitor. When I went in, he took a few steps back to register whether I was a friend, but he didn’t run away. He watched as I sat down and it took only a tiny amount of encouragement to get him to come up for a treat and petting. Boy, does he enjoy a neck rub! When I got up and moved around the enclosure/field he would follow a few feet away, watching me. I only had to give a little encouragement to indicate that yes, I would like for him to join me, and he would come right up for more petting. The thing that impressed me most was how gently he would take treats from my hand, because this dog was initially starving to death and still has prominent ribs, though that is certainly changing. You would think he would grab at food. But no, he’s a gentleman. Physically, he’s on the smaller side, with a beautiful dark red coat and good looking face. And he was responsive to the leash when I led him back to the building. There’s just nothing about him to not like.”
“Xander is a handsome, sweet, affectionate, dark-rust-colored Dobie. Initially, he may be a bit shy, but he quickly warms up when you pay attention to him, pet him, and show affection. Once he gets to know you, he seeks your attention and becomes a cuddly companion, always by your side. He walks well on a leash (though he may be a bit out front), but he doesn’t pull.”
“Initially, this boy was a little hesitant to come around me. A few treats helped, and some gentle conversation seemed to loosen him up. Eventually he brought a small blue ball around and would chase after it when I threw it in the corral. Later in the day there was quite a change in this fellow when he got to visit with another Dobe, Rowena, and several people. He really came out of that initial shell and started having a great time!”
My sense is that you’re not going to do any better in choosing a Dober for your family than this young fellow. If he seems like a fit for you, follow the sequence - apply, acceptance, appointment, arrive, acquaint, away - I wouldn’t be slow. You’ll be slaying vampires with him soon enough, if you do.
