SYDNEY - nicknamed "CICI" -- is an adorable medium-sized GSD/Heeler mix girl who deserves the amazing forever home she's been dreaming about!  And it doesn't hurt that she's super cute and  has adorable black spots on her ears and tummy! 

She had a rough start in life.  She was thrown over the fence at a rural vet's office in the middle of the night, and was found curled up in a ball there the next day -- starved literally to the bone and full of bite marks on her face and head.  She was terrified of everyone and everything - all people, animals, noises, movement.  But thanks to a great foster family, she's learned that she's safe and loved and now just wants to be a cuddle-bug!  She will be a lap dog if you let her ;-)

TEMPERAMENT
At first she tried to hide at every noise and fast movement.  Today she's super loving and affectionate, and has mostly come out of her fears.  Once in a while she'll still do things like duck and back up really fast, but all you have to do is quietly call her and extend your hand and she'll come right to you for some love.  She's very responsive to your voice and wants to please you -- a really loud environment might scare her and she'll do well in a slightly quieter home.  She loves affection and people, and keeps growing every day in her understanding that she has nothing to fear and will always be loved. 

She walks very well on a leash and corrects easily.  She knows to sit for food and treats, and to sit and wait at doors.  She's house trained and has a very strong bladder!  She hates crates and tries to break out of them, though she can be crated next to a doggie buddy who’s calm in their kennel.  She’s allowed to stay free in her foster home because she’s not destructive when left free in the house.  Her foster mom travels a lot for work and Cici has been left free in the house for up to 4 days with another dog, with a dog sitter coming in several times a day.

Cici is a true cuddle bug!  She adores and craves affection,  and can often be found curled up on a dog bed by her foster mom even when the other dogs are outdoors.  If you let her, she would be a lap dog!!!

She also ADORES car rides, knows when you’re leaving and gets excited if you even look like you’re reaching for a leash.  She’s a wonderful car-rider and sits quietly in the back seat looking out the window – she loves to watch the world go by.  She’ll wait patiently in the car while you run errands and is just happy to be out and about with you.  She would love to go with you everywhere.

CHILDREN
Cici has been around kids at various events and has always done well.  Lots of constantly very loud kids might be a little too much for her and would have to be tested.  We recommend respectful kids age 12 and up.

OTHER ANIMALS
Cici wants to be around other dogs, but is not quite sure how to act towards them at times. Because she was routinely attacked by other dogs when young, she does not like other dogs in her face and can react by snapping, growling, or tussling, but she instantly stops with a quick loud voice command.  If other dogs keep a normal distance, she’s fine.  Once she gets to fully know the other dog she’s fine unless the other dog is dominant or pushy with her.  She’s lived with various foster dogs coming and going in her foster home, and with proper introductions and gradual getting-to-know-you, she’s done fine.  Dominant or alpha dogs are not recommended.   She would truly love a doggie buddy, and her ideal friend will be a mellow, go-with-the-flow, somewhat submissive dog who won’t get in her face (and will patient with her sometimes trying to herd them!).  Her new family just needs to understand that she needs gradual introductions due to being previously attacked, and how to read her body language (not hard).  Cici would also be fine as an only dog with someone who will shower her with attention.

We tested her with cats, and she seemed scared of them.  She kept trying to get away from the cat even though he wasn’t doing anything but sitting there.  

MEDICAL
She’s fully vetted, in excellent health, and ready to go home!

If you're looking for a loving, cuddly velcro dog who loves to ride and walk with you,
CICI may be your heart dog!

SYDNEY's ADOPTION FEE:   $200
This fee covers only part of what we spend to vet, board and rehab the dogs we save. On average we spend over $450 on each dog. We made a decision to keep our adoption fee at the 2005 level even though vet prices have doubled and tripled since then. We are constantly fundraising to cover the deficit. At minimum, your adoption fee includes the dog's spay/neuter, heartworm test, heartworm treatment if needed, rabies shot, distemper/parvo shot, bordatella shot, deworming, monthly heartworm and flea preventives, and microchip. In many cases it also includes surgery and various types of vet treatment for standard issues such as hot spots, ear infections and so on.

STOP!! READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER!

1. We're picky about our adopters. 
2. Are you sure you're up to having a GSD?  They're not for everyone.  They take a lot of time, effort, training.  They shed year round.  They're big.  They scare lots of people.  They "mouth" and herd.  They're usually strong-willed and stubborn.  You have to have references and a home visit.  If you're not willing or able to deal with any of this, please don't waste your time or ours applying.  
   
3. Will the dog be an inside family pet? We do not adopt to outdoor-only homes. All dogs must be indoor dogs.
4. Do you leave your dog outdoors when you're not home?   We do not adopt to homes that leave their animals outside when they're gone.  You must put your dogs indoors when you're gone.  A 3 yr old adopted MOGS dog died when the owners went to run errands, left her outdoors, the gate was somehow opened, and she was hit by a car.  Tragic and 100% preventable. Even privacy fences get broken into.  Gates are opened.  Thieves steal dogs. Never leave your dog outdoors when you're not home!!
   
5. What's your plan for unexpected events and major changes?  New baby? Divorce?  Moving?   How you will provide for your dog if your family breaks up? 
   
6. Will you make a lifetime commitment?  It's your responsibility to keep your dog safe, loved and cared for FOR LIFE.
7.  Do you understand we expect you to keep that lifetime commitment?  It's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to stick by your family member -- no matter what.
8. Are you unable or unwilling to make a lifetime commitment? Do not apply.

Have Questions? Email us at mogsrescue@gmail.com