Large Dogs for Adoption in Jacksonville, NC: 13 Big Dogs Looking for a Home

What it feels like to have a home of his very own. Nemo is an incredibly intelligent, affectionate, active boy who bonds deeply with his people. Once you're his person, you're HIS person, and he will absolutely adore you. He's also got a few quirks, and we want to be completely transparent about what his perfect home looks like. Children 15 and older: Nemo does best with people who understand boundaries and can respect his personal space. No small animals: While Nemo does well with other dogs, smaller animals aren't a good fit for him. Dog friendly: With proper introductions, Nemo enjoys other dogs! He has a particularly funny fascination with black, fluffy dogs. Apparently, our handsome boy has a type! A quieter household: Nemo would thrive in a home with a predictable routine, a little peace and quiet, and people he can build a strong relationship with. An active family: Hiking, running, exploring, and outdoor adventures? Nemo would LOVE that! He's a smart, energetic boy who enjoys having things to do. Supervised outdoor time: Nemo is quite the talented fence climber! Although his recall has improved tremendously, he still needs supervision and secure handling outdoors. Continued respect for his boundaries: Nemo has made wonderful progress with meeting new people and navigating public environments. He just needs strangers to approach appropriately and give him a chance to feel comfortable. AND THE BEST PART? NEMO COMES WITH LIFETIME TRAINING SUPPORT! We're not simply handing Nemo over with a list of commands and wishing everyone good luck. His new family will receive: Lifetime refresher training sessions Help from his trainer during his transition into his new home Guidance on maintaining his obedience and continuing his progress Support to help Nemo and his new family build a wonderful relationship We have invested six weeks into helping Nemo succeed, and we're committed to making sure that success continues long after graduation. Now, here's the part that breaks our hearts. Nemo does not do well in a traditional boarding environment. He struggles emotionally, becomes withdrawn, and simply isn't the same happy, affectionate dog we see when he's able to spend time with people and participate in everyday life. We've watched him blossom throughout his training. We've seen his personality shine, his confidence grow, and his ability to navigate the world improve. The thought of him finishing all this hard work only to return to a kennel is absolutely devastating. Nemo deserves to graduate into a HOME, not back into boarding. He doesn't need a perfect family. He needs the right family. Someone patient. Someone active. Someone who appreciates a dog with a big personality, a huge heart, and a few little quirks. Someone who understands that rescue dogs aren't always perfect, but they are absolutely worth the effort. And if you're not quite ready to adopt? FOSTERING NEMO WOULD BE JUST AS INCREDIBLE! Giving him somewhere comfortable to land while we search for his forever family would mean the world to us and, more importantly, to Nemo. NEMO'S NEXT CHAPTER IS WAITING! Charlotte, NC Foster or forever home needed Graduating from his six-week training program soon Lifetime training support included Apply at https://stabrescue.com Please, please share our sweet boy. We've done everything

Lucas has hip dysplasia and will get X-rays to assess his needs

Both are working toward a healthy weight of 100 pounds each

:Columbus, GA area (90 miles south of Atlanta) – to the right adopter

To inquire about adopting, please contact me at

alliekjohnson@gmail.com

Adoption Fee: $300.00 Spay/Neuter Fee: $175.00

I am a tall guy and I might even have a little Great Dane in me or I could be a tall lab mix. I am a 2 year old, 76 lb puppy. I love dogs and need at least one other dog in my life to thrive. I get along with dogs of all sizes and ages although seniors are annoyed by my abounding joy. Paradoxically, I am very calm and chill for such a young pup. I seem to do well with cats that don't run away. I love taking a dip in the doggie pool and splashing in the rain and puddles, but I don’t really care for baths. How funny is that? I am good on a leash. I am not fond of getting in cars and my foster mom is working on that. I am not very food driven, but I am eating a salmon food diet to make my coat shiny. My foster mom defines me as A KEEPER which means she’d keep me if she could. So, I got a personal reference from a dog trainer—Sam, my foster mom is a dog trainer. She’s telling you how awesome I am because I got someone to fall in love with me already. Meet me and you can fall in love with me too. Call Jill at (910) 620-3783 for more info.

About Zeke’s Breed:
Our best guess is that Zeke is a Sheepdog/Poodle mixed breed. Sheepdog/Poodle mixes — often called Sheepadoodles — are known for their bright intelligence, affectionate nature, and lively, playful spirit. They blend the Old English Sheepdog’s gentle, family oriented temperament with the Poodle’s sharp mind and athleticism, creating dogs who are social, people loving, and eager to be part of whatever their humans are doing. Many Sheepadoodles are happy, goofy companions who thrive on interaction, mental stimulation, and plenty of activity.

Their ideal home is one that offers structure, exercise, and consistent companionship. Because they’re energetic and highly social, Sheepadoodles flourish in households where they can enjoy daily walks, playtime, and engagement with their people. They do well with respectful children, active families, and homes that appreciate their enthusiasm and affectionate nature. With steady routines, positive reinforcement, and an environment that lets them burn energy and feel included, Sheepdog/Poodle mixes grow into wonderfully loyal, joyful companions.

What to Love about Zeke:

Zeke is a high‑energy, fun‑loving Sheepadoodle who wants to be part of absolutely everything life has to offer — hiking, walking, exploring, playing, and meeting new people. He adores humans and has been wonderful with everyone he meets, including kids. Because he’s enthusiastic and a solid, active boy, he’s best suited for a home without very small children he might accidentally knock over. Zeke plays hard, enjoys dogs close to his size, is respectful of cats, and thrives in a home that appreciates his joyful, go‑go‑go personality.

Zeke is great on a leash and would make an excellent adventure buddy for an active adopter. He’s potty trained, crate trained, and has excellent house manners — he’ll even signal when he needs to go out by waiting at the door. He’s well‑versed in obedience commands, has impressive off‑leash recall, and possesses a calm, stable temperament when he’s not in play mode. He’s alert to visitors, enjoys daily brushing, is easy to bathe, and is non‑shedding. His coat should remain long and must not be shaved. He’s also a gentleman during car rides and socializes well with other dogs!

His biggest challenge is thunderstorms. Zeke becomes very anxious, cannot remain in a secured crate, and needs an experienced, patient owner who can help him feel safe during storms. He asks that his forever family be home during thunder so he knows he’s protected. Due to past food insecurity, he shows some resource guarding around his bowl, but this is easily managed with crate feeding. Otherwise, he’s a composed companion who respects personal space, doesn’t jump on people, and responds beautifully to “space” and “place” commands and can't wait to keep learning more!

In return for the support he needs, Zeke will shower his family with affection, loyalty, and the kind of love that makes you feel truly appreciated. He’s ready for his next exciting chapter and can’t wait to find the person or family who will embrace his joyful energy and gentle heart!

Zeke’s Zippy Highlights:

High‑energy adventure buddy who loves hiking, exploring, playing, and being part of everything
Wonderful with people — great with kids, though best in homes without very small children
Plays well with medium‑to‑large dogs and is respectful of cats
Excellent on leash with strong obedience skills and impressive off‑leash recall
Potty trained and crate trained — even signals at the door when he

Our best guess is that Ellie is a German Shepherd breed. German Shepherds (GSD) are intelligent, loyal, and deeply intuitive dogs known for their strong work ethic and unwavering devotion to their families. They’re confident, highly trainable, and naturally protective, which is why they excel in roles that require focus, structure, and partnership. A well balanced German Shepherd is affectionate with their people, eager to learn, and happiest when they have a job—whether that’s formal training, daily enrichment, or simply being part of the household’s rhythm.

Their ideal home is one that provides clear leadership, consistent training, and plenty of mental and physical engagement. Because they can be slow to trust strangers and have strong protective instincts, they thrive with owners who understand their breed traits and can advocate for them in new situations. A fenced yard, structured routines, and a confident, experienced handler help a German Shepherd feel secure and fulfilled. With the right guidance, they become incredibly loyal companions—devoted, steady, and deeply bonded to their family.

What to Love about Ellie:

Ellie is a young dog with a strong protective instinct, so her ideal home will be with a confident, experienced leader who understands GSD behavior and can continue her training with structure, advocacy, and consistency. Ellie is slower to trust new people and must meet them in a controlled, thoughtful way—but once she decides someone is “hers,” she loves deeply and wants to be part of every bit of fun and action happening in the home. Her bark and stance can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with the breed, but to her people, she’s affectionate, devoted, and eager to please!

Ellie is fully potty trained, crate trained, and has excellent house manners—she can even be left loose in the home without issue. She absolutely needs a fenced yard due to her protective nature and breed tendencies. She loves other dogs of all sizes and plays with a confident, dominant style, though she can be reactive when passing dogs on walks; with continued training, she’ll progress quickly. She does not do well with cats and will chase them. Ellie hasn’t met kids yet, but would be suitable for older, respectful children who won’t be knocked over by her size and energy. She has medium to high energy, enjoys learning, and is doing wonderfully with her leash training.

For the right person—someone experienced with German Shepherds, someone confident, consistent, and ready to guide her—Ellie will be an incredible partner! She bonds deeply, protects fiercely, and loves wholeheartedly. She’s ready for a home that understands her instincts, celebrates her strengths, and will help her grow into the exceptional dog she’s meant to be!

Ellie’s Elevated Highlights:

• Strong protective instinct — bonds deeply and naturally watches over her family
• Needs experienced handler — requires a confident leader familiar with GSD traits
• Slow to trust sweetheart — meets new people best in controlled, structured settings
• Loyal once bonded — affectionate, loving, and eager to be part of the action
• Potty and crate trained — excellent house manners and can be left loose when alone
• Fenced yard required — essential due to her breed instincts and protective nature
• Dog friendly player — loves dogs of all sizes and has a confident, dominant play style
• Reactive on walks — improving with training and eager to learn
• Not cat friendly — will chase cats and needs a felin

If you are interested in meeting Ethan, please call the shelter at 843-249-4948, or you can submit an application at https://humanesocietynmb.org/dog-adoption-form/

If you are interested in fostering Ethan, please submit a foster application at https://humanesocietynmb.org/be-a-foster-caregiver/

He loves to fetch and is so smart that he has learned the difference between “Catch” (grab the kong in mid-air) and “Fetch” ( run to the end of the yard and let it bounce once). He knows to “drop it” in the same place for the next toss.
He’s crate trained and loves his crate and will often go in it for naps and short rests during the day. Flynn responds to some basic commands. He’ll sit even when it’s darn hard to do so! Flynn has learned to cuddle. He does love to be touched, however, and will stand perfectly still for long periods of time if his ears and neck are getting scratched. He gets along well with all other dogs and doesn’t mind a busy house with lots of visitors and more new humans to meet. He does love his new life!! He wants to be by his humans all the time. If he’s outside, you can find him staring in the window and wondering where you are! He does well with older kids but hasn’t been tested on younger ones just yet. He greets all adult visitors in a friendly way, always eager to meet someone new to play with! Flynn gets along beautifully with his fur foster sister and can often get her in the spirit of a good game of chase! Flynn is fully house trained and now whines when he has to go outside. He has also made huge strides with his leash manners. He is quite mesmerized by cats and so a home without them is best. Flynn shows little interest in the world outside of our 4 foot fence. He knows that life is good on the inside! If you are looking for a loyal, fun and energetic best friend, Flynn just might be your man! If you are interested in adopting Flynn, please contact your adoption coordinator. If you do not yet have an adoption coordinator, please complete an adoption application at
www.freedomgermanshepherdrescue.org
. Flynn is being fostered outside of Winston-Salem, NC.