Available Dobermans: Zara

Because we are all volunteers, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus only considers approved applicants to meet our orphans in our foster homes. Please read our eligibility requirements and apply on our website: www.ildoberescue.com/adopt. After an application is submitted, additional inquiries can email dobes@ildoberescue.com.

Zara is a 3.5-year-old sweetheart who’s finally discovering what it means to be loved. Once used for breeding and then discarded, she’s now safe in foster care and learning how wonderful life as a cherished family member can be.

Zara has come such a long way — she’s learned that people can be kind, and though she may take a moment to warm up, she now loves everyone she meets, including respectful kids ages 7 and up. She’s affectionate, loyal, and will even offer her paw (“shake”) when she wants attention — which she really loves!

That said, Zara still has some quirks and will need a patient, experienced adopter who can help her continue to grow. She’s shy and sensitive, so new situations can be scary. She’s still nervous about car rides and leash walks, so a secure, tall privacy fence is a must — not only because she’s fearful, but because she has a very high prey drive and will jump a fence to chase squirrels or other animals.

Zara can get along with other dogs but prefers to be the one in charge, so she’d do best with a calm, easygoing companion or as the only dog in the home. She can be vocal and reactive toward dogs or people on the other side of a fence, so her adopter should be prepared to continue training in that area. She’s fine with dog-savvy, laid-back cats indoors but has a strong prey drive and shouldn’t be trusted around wild critters outdoors.

She’s mostly housebroken if kept on a consistent schedule and let out frequently, but nighttime is still a challenge. If crated overnight, she’ll whine, dig, and fuss; if left loose, she may still have accidents even after going outside. She’s also a bit of a nibbler — blankets, pillows, rugs, and stuffed items aren’t safe with Zara.

A quiet, suburban or rural home is ideal for Zara — one without a lot of commotion or visitors. She needs time to settle in before meeting new people, and she’ll thrive with someone who understands fearful dogs and can offer gentle structure.

Despite her rough start and ongoing quirks, Zara has a heart of gold. She’s learning to trust, to love, and to enjoy life as a family dog. With time, patience, and consistency, she’ll reward her person with endless affection and loyalty.

If you’re ready to help this beautiful girl continue her journey and blossom into the dog she was meant to be, please reach out or apply today. Zara’s next chapter is waiting — she just needs someone special to help her write it.

The biographical information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge while the animal is in our care or includes what may have been provided by a previous owner. We strive to be honest and accurate, but animals can change their personalities and behavior when they settle into a new home. IDR+ makes no guarantees based on the information we observe and provide.