Shawshank About 3 years old 43 lbs. Possibly a Heeler mix Let’s get one thing out of the way: Shawshank is not a turnkey dog. He’s more like that house listing that says “tons of potential!” and “good bones!” while conveniently glossing over the fact that there’s going to be a little work involved. And Shawshank has very good bones. Shawshank’s story gained attention when volunteers feeding dogs in homeless encampments in Perris, California found him locked in a cage in temperatures over 100 degrees without reliable access to food or water. For weeks, they brought him what he needed to survive while working on a plan to get him out. Then we saw the video. He was begging for attention. Begging to be touched. Begging to get out of that cage. We went to meet him, discovered an incredibly sweet dog underneath all that neglect, and knew he was coming with us. And, of course, we had to name him Shawshank. He’d been wrongfully imprisoned, and we busted him out. With his prison days officially behind him, Shawshank began his comeback. He got a bath, proper nutrition, vaccines, a neuter—and his first introduction to the very confusing concept of being a house dog. And, well... Shawshank is basically a very affectionate caveman trying to live in a house. Leash manners? Never heard of them. House manners? Under construction. Potty training? In progress. Personal space? Seems unnecessary when he could simply be touching you at all times. But looking handsome while giving kisses? NAILED IT. Oh, and he's crate trained. See! We told you he had potential! For everything this boy still needs to learn, the most important thing about him required absolutely no teaching: Shawshank LOVES people. He is incredibly sweet, affectionate, goofy, and happiest when he can be close to his humans. After everything people have failed to give him, his capacity to love them anyway might be the most remarkable thing about him. He can do well with other dogs with slow, appropriate introductions, although his social skills can currently best be described as enthusiastic and somewhat pushy. We think he’ll do best without cats or young children—not because he’s shown aggression, but because right now he’s essentially a 43-pound wrecking ball with big feelings. What Shawshank needs most is an experienced, patient person willing to give him structure, consistency, and time. He’s still learning how to relax in a home, how to walk politely on a leash, where to potty, and—perhaps most importantly—that food, water, comfort, and love are no longer scarce resources. We’re committed to helping him get there. If Shawshank is adopted before completing his training program, his adoption will include six sessions with our training partner (must be local for this offer to apply). We’d also prefer a home local to Murrieta, California, so we can continue supporting him along the way. Shawshank isn't the easiest dog we've ever rescued. But easy dogs aren't the only ones worth saving. He’s a fixer-upper with very good bones. And we have a feeling the finished product is going to be pretty spectacular.