Austin Pets Alive! | Big Chief
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Big Chief

APA-A-189408

Looks Like
Shepherd, German

Sex
Male

Current Weight
57 lbs

Estimated Age
6 Years
5 Months

Location
Foster

Adoption Fee
$189
Looks Like
Shepherd, German
Sex
Male
Current Weight
57 lbs
Estimated Age
6 Years
5 Months
Location
Foster
Adoption Fee
$189

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Hi I'm Big Chief and I'd love for you to read what my foster wrote about me.

When Big Chief first arrived in our home, he was absolutely terrified 💔. After spending years surviving as a stray, he believed the safest thing to do was stay hidden. He tucked himself away in a bedroom, only sneaking out when he truly had to. New people, unfamiliar noises, my husband, my son—everything felt scary to him.

But that’s not who Big Chief is anymore 🌟🐾

Over time, we’ve had the privilege of watching this gentle soul slowly begin to trust the world again. Day by day, he’s started stepping out of the shadows and into family life. Now, he joins us around the house, seeks out affection, and enjoys simply being near the people he trusts 💕. Watching his confidence grow—one brave little step at a time—has been incredibly special.

Big Chief absolutely thrives with other animals 🐶🐱. He lives beautifully with both dogs and cats and takes a lot of comfort from their presence. One of his favorite things in the world is walking alongside his canine foster brother, who has helped teach him how to relax and “just be a dog” 🌳🐕. Because of this, we truly believe he would do best in a home with another calm, friendly pet to help continue building his confidence.

This handsome boy is:
✔️ Completely house-trained 🚽
✔️ Low-energy and easygoing 💤
✔️ Wonderful with dogs and cats 🐾
✔️ Happy with a calm, predictable routine 🏡

Big Chief doesn’t need a busy or adventurous life—he just needs a safe and loving one 💛. He’s still a timid dog, but what makes him so remarkable is how hard he’s trying. Every new bit of trust, every quiet cuddle, every moment he chooses connection over fear feels deeply meaningful.

He may not be the dog who runs into your arms on the first day. But Big Chief is the kind of dog who, with patience, kindness, and love, will slowly choose you—and that bond is truly priceless ✨.

Even his appearance reflects his transformation: his once-neglected coat is growing back soft and golden, just like the warmth and safety he’s finally beginning to feel inside ☀️🐶.

Big Chief is looking for a calm home, patient humans, and ideally a furry companion to help guide him as he continues learning that the world can be kind 💕
Come meet your new best friend
Sponsor Me

Requirements

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Please plan on allowing adequate time to be matched with a dog, have relevant consultations, and complete all necessary paperwork. This can take 1-2 hours in total.

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Fill out our adoption application and meet with an adoption counselor.

18 Icon

You must be at least 18 years of age.

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You must show a picture ID with a current address. If this isn't available, we will accept a picture ID with a current utility bill.

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An APA!-conducted meet-and-greet with current household dogs is recommended for most and required for some adult dogs.

Our adoption fee varies per dog depending on age, breed, and/or medical condition(s). This fee includes:

Spay or neuter surgery (Please note that an additional $100 refundable deposit is required for all dogs who are not yet spayed or neutered.)

Heartworm test on dogs 6 months and older

Current vaccinations

Deworming treatment

Microchip

Lifetime behavior support

Accepted forms of payment include cash, debit or credit card, or money order payable to Austin Pets Alive!.

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