RAIN is a beautiful 1 year old black and tan female who's a great medium-sized girl.  She was left at a local public shelter by her owners after they failed to socialize her during her puppyhood and, as a result, Rain grew to full size exhibiting inappropriate behaviors (mouthing, protectiveness). 

But now Rain is in the best of hands - one of our excellent foster homes - and is practicing good puppy manners, learning what is and isn't acceptable, and understanding more each day about how to interact with all of the new people she's getting the chance to meet.  She has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to socializing, but she's WELL on her way!

TEMPERAMENT:   Rain is a high energy girl who loves to play, especially when her foster mom breaks out balls and frisbees.  She also likes playing in water and being brushed. Rain can be a somewhat shy girl, and prefers to be introduced to new people and animals slowly. Once you are part of her world, however, she is affectionate and wants to please. She is super smart, and already working on learning basic obedience commands. Rain has great recall when playing fetch, and is starting to drop the ball more consistently when asked. She also kennels on command, and waits to eat until released.

Rain requires a strong leader who can and will continue to provide structure and boundaries while she continues to grow and gain confidence in all situations.  She is still somewhat leery of strangers, thougth doing better every day.  She has some mild resource and barrier guarding responses that will likely require attention during the transition into a forever home.

ENERGY:  Rain is only a year old and has typical puppy GSD energy:  high!  She loves to play and needs daily exericse/stimulation, but she also settles nicely in the house.  Her foster family is going to introduce her to frisbee competition and see how she likes it. 

PEOPLE:  Rain loves her people! She adores hanging out with them, loving on them, and trusts them fully.  Due to her upbringing (unsocialized), at first she was afraid of and aggressive to strangers.  But with strong leadership and consistency from her foster family, she now goes to adoption events and does very well around almost everyone.  She simply requires respectful and gradual introductions because she's still somewhat uncomfortable around strangers at first.  For that reason, for the time being she does need to be closely supervised when she meets new people or when they come into "her" house.  She's progressing by leaps and bounds, and her new family just needs to continue her current training, be strong leaders, and supervise her around strangers until her education is finished and she's learned to completely trust humans.  

OTHER ANIMALS:  Rain is in a foster home with 3 other dog buddies (all large females) and does fine with them.  She sometimes doesn't want to share toys, and she does show some alpha tendencies at times but is responding to correction. She would do well either as an only pet, or living with another medium or large dog who is non-dominant.  She has a mild small prey drive, and should not be in a home with cats or other small pets.

CHILDREN:    Not recommended at this time.

MEDICAL:   Overall Rain is a healthy and happy girl.  She does have a minor gait irregularity, most likely due to lack of muscle development, and it's correcting with continued exercise. 
 
OVERALL:  Rain is a beautiful youngster who sadly spent her puppyhood with an owner who failed to socialize or train her, then got rid of her as soon as she grew to full adult size and her behaviors were no longer "cute".  As a result, in her first year of life she did the best she could to figure out what she was supposed to do -- and did what's natural to a GSD:  protect her people.  We're now socializing her and educating her on boundaries / rules / appropriate behavior.  She's super smart, is very trainable, and has come a very long way in a few short months.  She's responding very well and her new family will need to continue / complete her education.  She's house-trained and crate-trained, and now has good house manners thanks to her foster family.  When her schooling is copmlete, she's going to be both a stunning and wonderful lifetime companion and best friend! 
 
 

RAIN'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.

 
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING RAIN?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!

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