Zena

Available

3-7 years|German Shepherd Dog|Female|Medium|West Branch, MI

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🧠 Smart🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Good with Children🐕 Dog Friendly

Zena

Available

3-7 years|German Shepherd Dog|Female|Medium|West Branch, MI

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🧠 Smart🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Good with Children🐕 Dog Friendly

Zena is a medium-sized, bicolor German Shepherd Dog mix with a medium coat, living in West Branch, MI. She is an adult female, spayed, house trained, and up to date on all vaccinations. Zena does not have special needs.

About Zena

Zena stands out from the usual adoption story. She survived at large for at least a year, living almost entirely feral before finally being brought into the shelter after months of effort. She never displayed aggression, but for a long time, she kept her distance from everyone. Now, though, Zena has finally opened up—she’s affectionate, seeks attention, and loves people. You’d hardly guess her rough beginnings. Zena requires a very specific home. She’s a true escape artist—able to climb any fence and likely to bolt if she slips loose. Her adopter needs to be present most of the time, every day. When left alone, Zena must be secured in a special enclosure and closely supervised, especially as she adjusts to home life. She thrives with a friendly dog companion—she’s never met a dog she didn’t like, and she does well with cats, too. Zena is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative. Her adoption fee has been raised to help ensure her safety and to support the process her adoption will require. What are you waiting for? Apply today!

Adoption Fee

$165

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Rescues & Shelters

Ogemaw County Humane Society (989) 343-7387

Location Address: 1367 S. M-33 West Branch, MI 48661 Get directions

Questions about Zena

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
German Shepherd Dog mixes like Zena do best in homes with active owners who can provide plenty of companionship, structure, and supervision. Zena in particular will need a highly secure and attentive environment given her escape tendencies.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
German Shepherd Dogs are energetic and benefit from a yard to roam, though with Zena, any outside area must be escape-proof and always supervised due to her climbing skills.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
German Shepherd Dog mixes are often good with respectful children. Zena gets along well with kids and would do fine in a family setting accustomed to her needs.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
While German Shepherd mixes can sometimes suit confident first-timers, Zena's specific background and behavior mean she’s a much better fit for experienced dog owners who understand management and rehabilitation.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Zena has never met a dog she didn’t like, and German Shepherd Dogs often enjoy canine companions. She’s happiest living with another friendly dog.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Many German Shepherd mixes are fine with cats when exposed properly. Zena gets along well with cats in her current environment.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
German Shepherd Dogs are driven and may be curious about small animals, but many can coexist peacefully if introduced carefully. Zena's temperament seems adaptable provided supervision.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
German Shepherd mixes can be initially cautious but often warm up with time. Zena was once very wary, but with patience, she’s become quite social and affectionate.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
German Shepherds don’t thrive when left alone long hours. Zena, in particular, cannot be left unsupervised except in a special enclosure and should have someone home most of the day.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
German Shepherd Dog mixes benefit from consistent, thoughtful training and patience. Zena will need continued support as she adjusts to home life.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Zena is a medium-sized dog, and German Shepherd Dog mixes typically fall into the medium to large size range.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
German Shepherd Dog mixes usually live around 10 to 14 years. With care, Zena has many years ahead of her.
How much does this breed typically shed?
German Shepherd Dogs with medium coats, like Zena, shed a fair amount, especially during seasonal changes.