Update 4/17/09: Rosie LOVES going for walks with one of her doggie pals. We believe she would do well in a home with another dog to show her the ropes (and bones, and squeaky toys...). With a canine friend beside her she walks with her head up and her tail out - it's beautiful to see her coming out of her shell.

UPDATE 2.22.09 HUGE PROGRESS! Rosie is now going for walks on a leash!! She still is scared but no longer terrified. She still tucks her tail between her legs to start with but often brings it up and out as the walk progresses. She will still walk in circles around the handler but doesn't buck like a wild bronco. She will still bolt at the first opportunity but she is making big progress.

ROSIE needs an experienced dog or German Shepherd person who understands her extreme shyness and will help her "emerge" from her nightmare in her own time and way -- at the same time keeping her 100% secure from getting loose. ARE YOU THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP ROSIE COMPLETE HER JOURNEY FROM FERAL TO LOVED AND LOVING PET?

ROSIE was found running on a very busy bridge in Kansas City and was captured by a fearless rescuer. She fought leashes like a tiger and instantly chewed through them. In fact, the rescue organization that took her in initially thought they would have to euthanize her - they thought we would reject her because of her semi-feral behavior.

Hah! When we met Rosie, she broke our hearts.

We've seen scared dogs - seriously scared dogs at Katrina, abused dogs, family pets dumped in a pound shaking non-stop with fear. But Rosie defined fear. She shook quietly and non-stop. She refused to stand up, turned her head away, and tried to bury herself in a corner (quite a feat for a 65 lb german shepherd ;-D). The sheer terror in her eyes when she accidentally made eye contact went to the depth of her soul. Humans have not been kind to her and her life to date has not been a good one.

ROSIE is in boarding in a facility where she has a large run to herself and gets outdoors several times a day. Kennel staff work with her every day and our volunteers work with her several times a week. For now it is simply a matter of patience and love and more patience - showing her every day in every way that she is safe and loved and these humans are okay. She has calmed down some but still catches herself - you can see her thinking "whoa, what am I doing having fun, I have to be on my guard!!"

Rosie is a long-term labor of love for us. It's amazing that she survived on a busy bridge. We think she deserves a great life and we intend to see she gets it. She is an absolute beauty and when she learns to stand tall and proud she will be a regal German shepherd girl.

Right now Rosie needs your prayers and your support. ROSIE NEEDS SPONSORS!! PLEASE HELP HER! If you would like to be one of Rosie's life-giving sponsors, please click on the Chip In button

FOR INFORMATION, email mogsrescue@yahoo.com. Please write "ROSIE - information please" in the subject line

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