FOSTER ME! OR ADOPT ME!

LOCATION: Kansas
AGE: 1 year
TEMPERAMENT: Very sweet and friendly!

Update: 7.16.09

Sam is now 16 months old. How did a Belgian Malinois end up in a German shepherd dog rescue? MOGS received a report of a GSD in a high kill Kansas shelter and found that the dog was actually a Malinois when we got there. Sammie was such a great dog with a super sweet personality that we opted to take him into the MOGS program even though he's not a GSD. We couldn't just leave him there to die.

Sam has been fully vetted, including neutered, rabies, bordatella and DHLPP vaccines, microchip, heartworm tested negative and is on preventative, fecal tested negative for parasites and his hip x-rays look good.

Sam has also had his spine x-rayed and was diagnosed with Wobblers, also known as cervical vertebral instability (CVI). Wobblers is a misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck which was likely caused by improper nutrition during Sam's puppyhood, gentics, injury, or a combination of these factors.

This misalignment irritates his spinal cord and results in miscoordination and sometimes pain, especially when he's overexerted himself. Sam is not a good surgery canidate, and we've opted to treat him instead with a special diet, physical therapy and will be pursuing acupuncture therapy as well. He's made great improvements since his diagnosis and is no longer on pain medication nor showing any sign of pain or discomfort. His mobility and range of motion have increased dramatically, however he'll never be physically capable of pursuing a working career in SAR or law enforcement. He'll make a terrific pet, and would be a good candidate for therapy work though.

Sam's very social, great with people of all ages, wonderful with other dogs and currently lives with 3 cats which he also gets on with well, though his energy level might be too much for small animals and children that aren't accustomed to dogs. He's very high energy and requires lots of oral stimulation (appropriate chew toys are a must) and exercise appropriate for his condition. He's crate trained, house broken and knows basic obedience commands (sit, down, come, out/drop), but is very motivated to please and trains easily.

Sam cannot be walked on a collar or head collar due to his condition. Instead, he wears a halter, but his leash manners are coming along nicely. He also eats and drinks from elevated bowls to minimize the strain on his neck.

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SAM is a gorgeous, high energy boy who was dumped in a very high kill pound by his owner. SAM needs lots of exercise and preferably a job to do! He's a high energy boy who likes being petted and likes treats, which he takes gently.

SAM is also a smart and playful boy who gets along with other dogs and shows interest in cats but is not aggressive towards them. He has been around young children (5+ years old) and does very well with them, though his energy level can be overwhelming to younger kids.

Sam knows sit and down, especially if offered a treat, and walks well on a leash. He is working on "heel". He is also house trained and crate trained.

Sam's adoption fee is $200.

For an explanation of our fees, policies and what vetting is covered, please visit us at: www.mogsrescue.petfinder.com.

For an application, email mogsrescue@yahoo.com. Please write "SAM - application 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