Gage came to GSRA from a shelter in eastern North Carolina, where he arrived in late August 2026 with no known history. What we do know is that this handsome black and tan boy deserved far better than whatever came before. He was significantly underweight, his nails were badly overgrown, and he had painful fluid-filled swellings on both elbows with an open wound on one, likely the result of spending long periods lying on hard surfaces outdoors. He is currently on antibiotics and already looking better than the day he walked through the shelter doors.
Despite everything, Gage's spirit is unshaken. He is one of the sweetest, most gentle dogs you could hope to meet. He takes treats softly from your hand, leans his whole body into you when you pet him, and is happy to let you handle his ears, legs, and paws. He walks like a dream on leash with no pulling and stays close by your side. Shelter staff believe he is housebroken, and when given time off leash in a yard, he showed no interest in escaping. He just wanted to hang out with his people and play ball.
And Gage does love a good game of fetch. He retrieves the ball, brings it back, drops it at your feet, and waits patiently for the next throw. For a boy who has clearly been through a rough stretch, his trust in people and his joyful, easygoing nature say everything about the kind of dog he is.
During his assessment, Gage was introduced to a female dog. He greeted her politely, and both went about their business. He is more focused on people than other dogs at this time, and his calm disposition suggests he should settle nicely into most foster or adoptive homes.
Gage weighs about 57 pounds but will likely fill out to a healthier weight with proper nutrition and care. He is estimated to be around five years old, with no grey on his muzzle and clean teeth. He is not yet neutered.
