Bear is a stunning young boy who was almost killed far before his time.  Sold by a breeder to an 85 year old and her son, he was NEVER walked, NEVER trained, NEVER outside of the home.  When her son took a job that required travel, the owner could no longer handle Bear so they took poor Bear to the shelter and left to die.  

In the shelter Bear was beyond TERRIFIED and in turn became unapproachable for staff.  Sadly this happens a lot with GSD's in the shelter environment and it's hard to assess a dog who's so frightened.  But Bear is lucky because in his short life there was ONE place outside of the home that he was familiar with - his Vet's office! Fortunately, a very caring individual from that office found out what happened to Bear and rushed to the shelter to help.  When Bear saw his friend, he became a different dog!  That literaly saved his life!  MOGS was contacted and now he is safe with us.

Bear is now in an experienced foster home who's working with him on his fears and is helping him learn to trust again.  It is truly heartbreaking to see him struggle, he is so afraid that at first he constantly searched for hiding places in the home. Even after being in the foster home for a few months he still tries to hide in the small space between the bed and headboard. He also runs and hides in his kennel when feeling insecure.  He's literally scared out of his mind about ANY change!  He lived a life of total isolation up until he was dumped to die, and now he's struggling to understand the real world.   He's cautious by nature and was known to be slow to warm up to new staff at his vet's office, so introducing him to new things s.l.o.w.l.y and in a completely controlled manner is mandatory.  His confidence is very slow to build!   

Bear is so lucky to have a strong foster home full of leadership to continue his path to recovery and get him ready for the rest of his life with a loving forever family.  Any interested applicants MUST be aware that even after months in a strong foster home, Bear still needs intensive rehab! 

Listen to what his foster parents have to say below, and consider carefully before you apply for Bear.  He's a WONDERFUL dog, but he will NOT "fit in" to your home after just a month or two.  He is a "project dog" with a strong fear of change and "common" things.  We have no doubt that he will eventually be one terrific dog, but it is the work of many months and possibly years to help him arrive at that point.  Are you willing and able to give that much time, love, leadership, patience and effort?  If so, you'll be amply rewarded.  But we understand it's not for everyone!

FROM BEAR'S FOSTER PARENTS:
"Although Bear has made huge progress he's still extremely scared and unsure of the world.  When I talk with people about him they try to relate, saying they've had a dog who didn't like children so the dog would go in the other room when kids were playing.  Or perhaps they had a dog who didn't like men, and they got the dog over that behavior.  

"But Bear's fears are much, much broader than that.  He's so scared of any unusual noises, people, places or things! For example the other day we played fetch in the house (took us a long time to get him to do that!). He did well until the ball landed under a metal stool.  He tried to get the ball but his collar tags made a noise on the metal of the stool -- and it scared him enough that he wouldn't go near the stool.  

"Some days when I open the back door to go out to the yard, he'll put his ears down,  cower and run down the hallway.  For no apparent reason, he'll cower in the hall or run back to his kennel as if scared of going out in the yard.  Other days he goes with no problem and has a blast playing.  When on walks he startles so much he'll cower to the ground, then try to run away.  I'm right next to him and can't tell what startled him most of the time.  

"In the house there are only 2 places Bear feels comfortable enough to lay down -- in his kennel and in the office by my feet (the desk creates a kennel feel).  He will not lay down to relax anywhere else the house!  I've tried to get him to relax in my room by sitting on the floor, and at first he'll sit by me for affection -- but when he realizes he can't get to his kennel, he tries to get under the bed." 

"If I walk in to the room with a hat on Bear will bark at me as if I'm a stranger -- since the hat is something different.  He still hasn't bonded with his foster dad even after 6 months.  Several times a week, Bear will walk up to him and let him touch him, but mostly Bear shies away from him.

"Yes, Bear has his good days -- we cherish those, and I try to capture him having fun and making progress on camera.  But I want to make sure people realize this dog - who is beautiful and sweet - still has a LOT of fear about much of the world!!  He's trying and making s-l-o-w progress, but he has a very long way to go. I just want to make sure people who apply for him know what to expect when considering adopting Bear.".

MOGS will be monitoring Bear's progress on our facebook page - be sure to 'like' us and keep on top of the most current happenings!  https://www.facebook.com/MissouriGermanShepherdRescue

At this time we require that Bear's adopter(s) be experienced with this type of behavior and live in the Kansas City area with a fully fenced yard.  We also require that adopters have a dog for Bear to play with and learn from.  It does take quite a bit of time for Bear to trust new people and situations so introductions need to be done slowly.  We also recommend he not go to a home with small children. He gets scared when people try touch him and will become defensive if cornered or feels threatened.

Bear is beautiful and deserves the best chance at a wonderful life. Check back for updates on Bear's growth in the world!


DOGS:               Bear lived with small dogs in his original home - he did well with them but was also protective of them.  He currently lives with 2 other large dogs and plays well with them as long as he instigates the play.  Bear has never lived without a dog companion so we are requiring that adopters have a dog.
CATS:                Unknown would require testing.
KIDS:                No young children.  Ages 16 and up only.
IDEAL FAMILY:    An active, patient family that is exceptionally strong in canine leadership, understands exactly what kind of rehab is required, will continue his training, provide him strong leadership and never stop socializing him.

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