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
More about Candy
Good with Dogs, Good with Adults, Does Good in the Car, Requires a yard, Cratetrained, Likes to play with toys, Playful, Affectionate, Eager To Please, Intelligent, Even-tempered, Gentle, Goofy
We are 100% volunteer, please read adoption requirements BEFORE reaching out to us.
Home Visit: A volunteer will schedule a home visit to assess the environment and discuss your expectations. All household members, including children, must be present.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
Veterinary Reference Check: Provide contact information for your current veterinarian. All existing pets must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, and on heartworm preventative.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
Meeting Dogs: Once approved, you'll have the opportunity to meet adoptable dogs in their foster homes. If you have a resident dog, consult with the foster about bringing them along.
Adoption Finalization: If a suitable match is found, you'll sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. Due to COVID-19 precautions, same-day adoptions are currently permitted.
Key Adoption Policies
Age Requirement: Adopters must be at least 21 years old and reside in the home where the dog will live.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
WE do NOT ship our dogs ever!!!
Children: Adult dogs are not placed in homes with children under 6 years old. Puppies may be considered for such homes if a fenced yard is present.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
Living Arrangements: Dogs must live indoors and not be left unattended outdoors.
Training Commitment: Adopters should be prepared to continue training and socialization. Formal obedience classes are encouraged.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
Health Considerations: Dobermans are prone to certain health issues. Adopters should be financially prepared for potential veterinary expenses and consider pet insurance.
Return Policy: If you're unable to keep your adopted dog, UDR requires the dog be returned to them, except in cases involving aggression or biting.(uniteddobermanrescue.org)
We follow the Doberman Pinscher Club of America's Code of Ethics. For more information visit the DPCA at www.dpca.org
Other Pictures of Candy (click to see larger version):
