DECEASED  JANUARY 2020 
Adopters Holly & Dave Wedemeyer were divorced in 2019.  Dave ceded the house to her on the condition that she stay in it in order to take care of both Riggo and Girlie (also MOGS alum).  But Holly apparently had a boyfriend of long standing and moved out, sold the house, and bought a new one with him and what appears to be 3 kids (based on FB posts).  She took the dogs (Dave is disabled and couldn't take them to a new place, though he was actively looking for a place he could have them and still would be liveable for him). It appears Holly's boyfriend Tony didn't like Riggo and wanted to euthanize him for behavior Dave said was normal for Riggo (barking and getting excited at TV, etc).  Dave contacted us at the time and we sent Dave a cc of the Adoption Contract, which was signed by Holly but clearly stated that in event of family breakup the dogs went to Dave.  Dave wanted that so he could prove to the vet that he, Dave, was Riggo's real owner.  After that, we didn't hear anymore and thought Riggo was with Dave.  Then on Jan. 17 2020 we got a text from Dave saying Holly had euthanized Riggo, something about an injury, possibly from a fall on a stair.  But according to Dave, Holly isn't sharing any real info with Dave about what happened - not the nature of the injury, the vet, or anything else.  Dave is furious and said he cried for days.  Nancy broke out in tears when she got the text.  She'll try and figure out how to approach Holly in the best way to get as much info as possible about what really happened.  Holly broke the contract by not contacting us of course.  The whole situation revolves around the divorce and the boyfriend Tony-- Riggo is a special dog, and it's entirely possible the boyfriend just didn't want to deal with his strong-willed behaviors, which would account for Holly's telling Dave she wanted to euthanize Riggo.  But if that's the case, Holly is definitely NOT the dog lover she claims to be, despite having dealt with two challenging MOGS dogs in the past and stuck with it.  It sounds like Holly has changed after divorcing Dave (who is 20 yrs older than her and now disabled) and getting herself a new boyfriend (who she apparently had long before the divorce). 

This is absolutely devastating ;-(  Riggo lived 6 yrs after his owners dumped him with us, and he had a good life with and because of us.  We have to cling to that.  R.I.P., Riggo.  Love you always. Blessings.


ZOLTAN is a stunning sable German Shepherd who's ready to find his forever family!  He's a beautiful, powerful, and sometimes stubborn male working lines German Shepherd, and is considered HIGH energy.  He needs extensive daily exercise playing ball - his favorite activity of all time.  Zoltan has been in and out of several homes during his lifetime, and is hoping to find THE one who can match him in wit and energy, so he can finally have a place of his own to call home.

Temperament
Zoltan LOVES being with his family and will be wherever his people are; he's incredibly loyal and gets attached pretty quickly.  He loves to meet people, and when at home, takes cues from his humans to determine if visitors are acceptable.  Like a true German Shepherd, he's stubborn, and protective of his family, and he will react to any perceived threat (such as strangers yelling around family, etc).  He adores ear rubs, belly rubs, and warming up his human's feet (by way of laying on them!) at the end of the day.  He's also quite a talker and likes to tell his humans about things he experiences throughout his day -- reflections of objects, a bag blowing by, or even when he's enjoying some petting or a good belly rub.   

Zoltan is incredibly loving and bonds closely to his humans.  He's quite a big lovebug, and will try sneaking up into his human's lap if allowed.  Provided he gets a proper amount of exercise daily, he settles nicely and loves to sleep on his back with all 4 feet in the air while you tend to work, projects or are just relaxing.  He wants to please his humans, and responds well to strong leadership and training that's consistent.  He's currently in an experienced foster home with a strong leader and is doing well.

Other Animals
Zoltan can do well with other respectful dogs if introductions are done properly and slowly.  He doesn't care for other dogs getting in his face or trying to take his ball.  He has done very well with a number of other foster dogs who have come and gone through his foster homes (always with proper supervision, and gradual introductions).  He's not really a player with other dogs, so will do best with another dog who respects his space, and does not challenge him.  A submissive and mellow dog would be a nice match, or he would be fine as an only dog.

Children
No children under 15 years old; no exceptions.

Medical
No known medical issues.

Additional Information: Adoption Requirements
Experienced German Shepherd Owner/Leader
6' Privacy Fence
No children under 15 years old
No small dogs or cats
Commitment of daily exercise, no matter the weather or busy schedules

Some people might consider Zoltan an "old" man, but even at 8 years old, he has a lot of energy and lots of life yet to live.  A solid committment of energetic walks and daily ball play are the key for keeping this hunk physically and mentally balanced!  One lucky family who can commit to that and strong and consistent leadership will have a true GEM of a GSD!


ZOLTAN's ADOPTION FEE:   $300
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