My name is Raven.  I’m a beautiful, affectionate, 6 month old, 35 pound black German Shepherd.  I was dropped off at a shelter, malnourished and scared. I spent my first few hours in foster care frozen and unwilling to eat. It was clear from the moment my foster parents met me that I had been through a lot. However, my sweet and curious nature slowly started to show. At first, I refused to sleep, fighting to keep my eyes open and jumping at the slightest noise. If I ate at all, I would carry it away to enjoy alone or I had to be hand-fed. With patience, love, and a few naps together on the couch, I realized my foster family only wanted me to grow. I am now a beloved family member, running with the neighbor's dog, sleeping close to my foster parents, and even playing with my canine and feline siblings. I only play tag with the cats when they’re willing, but sometimes I play a little rough. I have never hurt another, but I can be a bull in a china shop when it’s time to run. I am intelligent and eager to learn but structure and attention are required. I am good with both women and men. I enjoy playing with my next door neighbor’s little girl who is 4 so I’m good with children. I enjoy having room to run but I listen very well so a fenced in yard may not be necessary once I’ve learned my boundaries. I’d do really well with a canine sibling to show me the ropes. I have a medium to moderately high energy level. I enjoy having lots of toys from stuffed animals with squeakers in them to ropes and balls. I like hanging out in my foster mom’s home office while she works. I have free roam of the house as long as someone is there but I do well in a crate for short periods of time when my foster mom has to go to the doctor. I really enjoy sleeping in the bed with my humans. I’m a good snuggle bud and like to be close to my people. I love rides on the Kawasaki mule but I get a little spooked around lawn mowers and tractors. I’m good with car rides but I mostly take that time to relax and catch up on my sleep.

From Raven's foster mom: Raven has made amazing progress in her training, she catches on to basic commands quickly and is always eager to please. She is also incredibly loyal and protective; she has become a source of comfort and companionship to us and her canine brothers.Despite her hardships, Raven has a resilient spirit and a heart full of love to give. She is searching for her forever home which she will roam and guard within the limits set for her. With her loving and affectionate nature, Raven will bring joy and happiness to any family lucky
enough to have her. 
If you are interested in making Raven a part of your family, please contact your adoption coordinator. If you do not yet have an adoption coordinator, please complete an adoption application at www.freedomgermanshepherdrescue.org. Raven is being fostered in Lexington, NC.