Meet Candy – 2-Year-Old Female Doberman | Iowa Cruelty Case Survivor

When the doors creaked open that March 2025 day in rural Washington County, Iowa, the rescuers stepped into heartbreak. The kind of silence that only tragedy leaves behind. Inside, they found 17 Dobermans already gone—their lives stolen by neglect and cruelty. And then, in the shadows, were 49 other Dobermans still alive, some barely clinging to life. Silent. Shut down. Forgotten.

And there, among them, was Candy. Just a number. #37. One of the countless mother dogs used only to breed. She was never spoken to. Never touched with love. Never known by name.
But even so—she waited for those rescuers, surviving the most unimaginable.
Candy was pulled from that nightmare and into the light. And for the very first time in her life—she was safe.

The man who imprisoned her sold her puppies to unknowing families as AKC-registered Dobermans, making a profit while Candy sat in filth, starved of food, water, touch and warmth. She was used up so people, thinking they were buying quality dogs, could have puppies. But what they never saw was the abused Dobermans, like Candy, left behind, some dying in tragic ways and no one cared, and those same people buying puppies, unknowingly supported this horrible breeders operation. 

But now, Candy is more than a number. She is discovering the world as if it’s all brand new. Because to her, it is!

She rode in the car to safety like a seasoned traveler, calm and trusting. She leaned into her first bath like she’d longed for that moment her whole life. At the vet, she was sweet and patient, letting the human hands that once hurt her now heal her. And just days ago, Candy picked up her first toy—and played. A miracle.

Candy is gentle with every animal she meets.
She is soft and kind to every human she meets.
She doesn’t carry bitterness—only hope.

After all she's endured, she still seeks love. She still gives trust. She is the very definition of grace.

Candy’s Truth:

• Survived one of the most heartbreaking cruelty cases in Doberman rescue history

• Bred repeatedly and discarded, never loved until now

• Was sold as a commodity while she suffered unseen

• Waited for rescuers to find her—and they did

• Now learning what it means to be a dog, to be safe, to belong

• Incredibly gentle with other animals and adores people

• Enjoys baths, car rides, toys, and every new kindness that life brings

Candy’s story is one of pain, yes—but more than that, it is a story of resilience, love, and the healing power of being seen. What she needs now is a family who will continue what those rescuers started: giving Candy the life she always deserved.

Apply through United Doberman Rescue and give Candy her true forever—a home filled with light, love, and the gentle promise that she will never be forgotten again.

She is no longer #37.
She is Candy.
She is loved.
And she is ready to come home. Apply today at www.uniteddobermanrescue.org

All potential adopters must fill out  the adoption application. Please read our adoption policies page in its entirety before filling out application-failure to do so may delay the adoption process. Please answer all questions on the application, failure to do so may result in your application being denied. We do not adopt on a first come first serve basis but what is the best fit for our dogs.  We do give preference to homes with fenced yards. Puppies must live in homes with fenced yards. Those with no fencing must have a plan in place for daily activity and bathroom breaks for adult dogs. With the exception of Meet and Greets, y ou will not be able to meet our adoptable animals until the adoption application is submitted online and the home visit is completed. We will not place adult rescue dogs in homes with young children under 6 years old, with the exception of puppies 6 months and under, we will adopt to families with children under 6 years old, but a fenced yard is mandatory. Our dogs must live indoors with their humans and never left outdoors alone or in a kennel or yard unattended. You must be willing to use a crate and sign up for formal obedience classes. You must be 21 and own your home. We will not adopt outside of the USA. We will not ship our dogs. We will not adopt to anyone charged or convicted of animal abuse, child abuse, any type of felony.   

  We follow the Doberman Pinscher Club of America's Code of Ethics. For more information visit the DPCA at www.dpca.org