15 Adoptable Dogs that Would Make a Great Christmas Present

By San Antonio Current Staff

The Animal Defense League of Texas, a no-kill shelter located 11300 Nacogdoches Road, has several dogs that are currently looking for a forever home. Check out the dogs that are currently available and just try saying no to adopting one of these cuties. It's basically impossible. All photos are courtesy of the Animal Defense League of Texas.

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Twirl
"I have an attention-grabbing coat, which is a good thing since I love attention. I’m part shepherd, which accounts for the black saddle marking on my back, but I’m part something else, so most of the rest of me is brindle, making for an unusual combination. I do an adorable sit-shake combination, which means I paw at you while I’m sitting. If you give the down command, I’ll lie down and roll over, demanding a belly rub while scratching my back with the grass. I get along with cats, though I’m not so sure about dogs. I have a slight problem with a ligament in my back leg – the dog equivalent of the ACL – but I just have to take pills and it doesn’t bother me. I’d love for you to come play with me and maybe we could link up as a family."

Taco
"I’m listed here as a Lab/terrier mix, but what I really am is a purebred attention hound. My sole goal in life is to get attention anywhere I can find it, and I usually succeed. Of course, being a big dog, I like to mix that with a lot of exercise and play. If we’re out in the grass and you start to pet me, I’m likely to plop down, roll over and beg for a belly rub. What a great life it is to have your human rubbing your belly while the sun shines down on you! Would you please be my human?"

Adam
"Want to see a balancing act that will brighten your day? Then visit me! I’ll be sure to entertain you and make you laugh! I’ll stand up on my two back hind legs so that I can get attention from everyone around me. It usually works well! People can’t resist my balancing act and I have this cute curled tail that’s very similar to a pig’s tail. It gives me character. I love to be held and sit in everyone’s lap. I also might rollover on my back and request belly rubs. I love belly rubs! I will bring so much joy to my forever home. Please visit me to see my antics in action."

Ava
"I’m such a happy girl that you would never think I had been through tough times in my life. Besides the fact that I don’t have a true forever home yet, I also had a battle with cancer. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to the help of the ADL hospital staff, I am now a cancer survivor! Now I can playfully romp around and be my energetic happy self. I’m very friendly, and I give out hugs instantly to new people that I meet. Sometimes I forget how strong my paws can be, so it’s best that I’m not around small children. I could go home with children 12+ or children very familiar with dogs. I’m selective with who my dog friends are, so I will need to meet my future dog siblings before I move in with them. I’m a big girl with a big heart filled with lots of love to give. Overall, I’d make a loyal companion to a loving person and I hope that person can be you."

Bastian
"Look at how handsome I am! I’m a young guy, and I think there’s still puppy in me with how energetic I am. I can’t help but feel so much joy when I’m out for a walk. So if you take me for a walk, be ready to hold on tight! I’m sure that I can eventually learn to be more calm on the leash. Right now, I’m just so happy to be out of my kennel and it shows. I will fit in great with an active family and will bring so much joy to a home. If you’re looking for an outgoing furry friend, then please visit me!"

Benedict
"You can’t tell from the part of me that shows in this photo, but I have the spotted-patch markings of an Australian cattle dog. You also can’t tell from the part of me that shows that I have the markings of a dog that loves water – meaning the bottom part of my body has a lot of mud on it! I do clean up well though, and my playful, loving nature makes up for the mud – at least I hope it does. If I had to choose between getting muddy and going home with you, I would give up the mud in a flash!"

Blue
"I’m blue when I can’t run and play and get lots of attention from people. Actually, I’m Blue all the time, but I’m the happiest, bounciest, most energetic dog you’ll ever meet. I just wiggle all over when I see you, I’m so happy. The vets here found a slight problem with one of my knees, but it doesn’t need any care, and keeping me lean and active – just the way I like to be – is the best way to prevent it from getting worse. It obviously doesn’t bother me, and it sure doesn’t slow me down! Please take me home and let me be your Energizer Doggy."

Christy
"Do I look worried? I am, but just a little bit. I’m pretty friendly, but I’m also a bit uncertain, so you might hear a little rumble in my throat if I see something unfamiliar while I’m gently wagging my tail at you. You have to be on your guard when you’re a stray, and it takes a while to decide everything is OK. I’ve been told I have interesting markings – not just black and tan, but black and tan with speckles! I hear there’s another dog here with similar markings, but I don’t think she’s related. Anyway, I’d love to start my new life as soon as possible, so please hurry."

Danny
"I’m a bit timid right now – not really shy, just kind of scared because I’m in a new situation. I’m happy to be taken out of my kennel and friendly to new people, but new things tend to upset me. I’m not usually like this, and the kennel workers know I like dogs, cats and kids, so I know once I get settled in my forever home I’ll be a happy, playful dog like I used to be. I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you what a great dog I really am."

Donnie
"A lot of people are looking for a social and active pup but I’m the opposite. That doesn’t mean I’m not a sweetie and that I can’t learn to trust. I’m just shy and need time to warm up to people. It’s rough being this way but I’m hopeful that someone with a special heart and a lot of patience comes into my life soon. I need someone who will guide me and help me realize that everything will be okay. Do you think you can be that special someone for me?"