Damson

I'm looking for my forever home. Could you be my perfect match?

Are you right for Damson?

Damson is a beautiful 3-year-old German Shepherd looking for her forever home where she can relax and thrive. Kennel life has left her feeling quite unsettled, and she often relies on her favourite toys to help her feel safe and calm. She is naturally inquisitive but can be wary of unfamiliar surroundings at first, so she will need time to build confidence in her new environment. Although she has an independent side, Damson enjoys affection and likes to know her people are nearby, often checking in for reassurance. She forms lovely bonds with people and is instantly friendly, greeting everyone excitedly before quickly settling. Because she can become stressed and vocal when left alone, any time spent by herself should be built up gradually. Damson would love an active home in a quiet area with a secure garden where she can burn off energy and enjoy spending time with her family.

Is Damson right for you?

Damson is looking for experienced owners who understand the needs of large, active breeds and are committed to continuing her training. She has had very little socialisation with other dogs and finds close encounters overwhelming, although she is comfortable walking at a distance from them. With patient, positive training and careful management, her confidence can continue to grow. Due to this, Damson will need to be the only pet in the home. She could live with sensible secondary school-aged children who are experienced around large, excitable dogs and can respect her space when she needs it. As she is still young and can be strong on the lead, she will need owners who can confidently handle her strength while helping her learn that the world is a safe place. In return, Damson will reward her new family with loyalty, companionship and plenty of fun as she blossoms into the wonderful dog she has the potential to be.

More about german shepherd dogs

Everything you need to know about German Shepherds

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A young black and tan German Shepherd dog in front of a transparent background

Lifespan

typically 10+ years

Shedding

Medium length with heavy shedding

How our rehoming process works

  1. 1

    Create an account and fill out our application form

    In our form you can tell us all about your home, your lifestyle and the kind of dogs you’re interested in. You won’t be applying for a specific dog, but you can add favourites to give us an idea of the dogs you like. We’ll use this information to find a great match for you.

  2. 2

    Choose a rehoming centre

    We’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found...

    Show details

    We’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found you a match.

  3. 3

    We’ll review your application

    We’ll review your application against the dogs in our care at your chosen centre. If we think we have the right dog for you, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. If we don’t hear back from you, we will close your application for now, and you can reapply when you’re ready. 

  4. 4

    We’ll keep your application open for three months and keep looking for a match

    If we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by...

    Show details

    If we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by calling us on 0303 003 0000 or visiting your local rehoming centre.

  5. 5

    When we find a match, we’ll invite you to meet them

    If we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre. 

    Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you...

    Show details

    If we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre. 

    Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you the chance to build a bond before making a commitment to give them a new home. By taking some time at the beginning to make sure everyone’s comfortable, an adoption is more likely to be successful. 

    We may also arrange a home visit with you, to see how your house will be set up and check that the garden (if you have one) is secure. This may not be necessary, though, especially if you’ve adopted from us before. Where you already have dogs, we may accept a reference from your vet as an alternative.

  6. 6

    If we haven’t found the right match, we’ll continue the search together

    If we haven’t found the right dog for you within three months, we’ll let you know your application is closed. We’ll invite you to apply again so we have up-to-date information about you, and we’ll keep looking.

  7. 7

    We’ll support you to embark on a new life with your dog

    When we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away. 

    With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care...

    Show details

    When we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away. 

    With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care Card and more, we’re here to support you and your dog for as long as you need us.

Key information

Location

Basildon (Essex)Nevendon RoadWickfordEssexSS12 0FH
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Opening hours

We’re open for general browsing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–4pm. Wednesday and Friday mornings are by pre-arranged appointment only.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access
This centre provides easy wheelchair access throughout. Hearing loop: Please ask at reception.

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More useful information

Discover more about this dogs needs and how you might be able to support them should your rehoming application be successful.

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