Happy Needs a Foster or Forever Family

Foster or Adopt Happy – He Needs a Place to Land This Weekend!

Happy is currently posted for adoption and is in need of either a new foster home or, even better, his forever home. His current foster generously committed to caring for him through March 1st and has done an amazing job getting to know him and helping him thrive. However, she has a prior commitment this weekend, and Happy needs a place to land.

If you can foster, Safe Haven Dog Rescue provides all the supplies you need. Foster-to-Adopt is also a wonderful way to welcome a dog into your home for a couple of weeks to see if it’s the perfect fit.

Meet Happy – Your New Running Buddy

Hi, I’m Happy. I’m an almost 3-year-young mixed breed, possibly a Black Mouth Cur / German Shepherd mix, weighing about 60 pounds. I’m tall, lean, and athletic.

I was found as an underweight stray puppy in rural Tennessee. After spending 18 months at a shelter without anyone claiming me, the staff decided I deserved a better chance. I made the trip to Chicago, and now Safe Haven is helping me find the loving home I’ve been waiting for.

I’m a young guy with youthful energy. Long walks, runs, and playtime help me burn it off. If you’re looking for a running buddy, I’m your guy. I absolutely love zooming around the fenced yard at my foster home, and a 5-foot fence would be ideal for me.

I’m playful and toy-savvy. Squeaky balls (especially the yellow one), nylabones, and leather toys are some of my favorites. Despite my energy, I’m a quiet and well-mannered boy in the house. I like to be near my people. I’ll relax in my dog bed while you work and snooze nearby while you watch TV in the evenings.

Because I’m strong and enthusiastic, I can forget my size when I’m excited and sometimes get a little mouthy in play. For that reason, I’d do best with older kids or teens.

I’m fully housebroken and prefer doing my business in a fenced yard. Walks are mostly for sniffing and neighborhood scouting. I walk nicely on leash, and a harness helps keep me manageable. I don’t react to dogs across the street, though an unexpected runner might earn a surprised woof.

After spending more than half my life in a shelter, home life is still somewhat new to me. I love affection and pets but am still building confidence with things like jumping on the couch or navigating stairs, which I’ve recently decided aren’t so scary after all. If you’ve helped a rescue dog gain confidence before, I think we’d make a great team.

I know sit, stay, come, leave it, and down/off. I’m smart and food motivated, so continued training will be fun and rewarding once I settle into my forever home.

I currently live with two other dogs and peacefully coexist with them. I’d really love to play, but since they’re smaller than me, they’re not quite as enthusiastic. In a new home, I’d do best with a dog my size and similar age who can match my play style, or I could happily be your one and only. Because I love chasing squirrels and bunnies, a home without cats would be best.

After so long in a shelter, I’m not a fan of crates or being confined, and I don’t love being alone for long stretches. I’d thrive in a home where someone is around most of the time, especially if you work from home.

If you have a fenced yard for fetch, enjoy long walks or runs, and want a smart, affectionate companion who will motivate you to get outside, I’m ready.

After waiting so long, I’m just looking for a loving home where I won’t be alone anymore. I promise to reward you with zoomies, loyal companionship, and lots of leaning-in-for-pets moments.

If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or would like additional information, please email adopt@safehavendogsil.org