CAPONE was brought to a local shelter by Animal Control, after being found dying by the side of the road behind the stadiums. He had no collar, tags or microchip, and went unclaimed by an owner. On intake with the shelter, Capone was found to have a broken pelvis, and was in severe pain.

After waiting out his legally required 5-day stray hold, Capone was transferred immediately to MOGS, and underwent emergency surgery - his righ rear femoral head had completely broken through his acetabular plate, and lodged near his spine. Another jagged edge of his broken pelvis (broken into three pieces) jutted up and lodged against the bones in his tail. To save his leg, an orthopedic veterinarian had to conduct an FHO (Femoral Head Osteotomy) on his leg, clean multiple shards out of his pevic area, and try to re-align his pelvic plate.

Capone also came to MOGS severely underweight (only weighed 51lbs). Shortly after his arrival, he broke out in severe kennel cough symptoms, and had trouble breathing and coughing, which stressed his broken pelvis, for several days.

There is some uncertainty regarding Capone's age. He was aged as 6-8 years old by the shelter, but his orthopedic surgeon places him closer to 3 years old.

Capone will remain on Medical Hold until his pelvis and leg are cleared by the orthopedic vet.

TEMPERAMENT

Capone has been sick and in constant pain since he joined us at MOGS, so there has not been much opportunity to evaluate his temperament. He appears to trust his foster handler, and has not shown any sign of aggression towards her, despite being in such pain. However, he has been reactive to other people at times, likely due to trying to protect himself while so badly injured and sick. This behavior is gradually slowing down, and will continue to be worked on in his foster home.

Capone appears to be housebroken. He enjoys spending time in his crate, which is specifically set up to ease his pain, and keep him comfortable as his injuries heal. He tends to gulp food down very rapidly, and without chewing - this is likely due to extended starvation, and is being worked on slowly. Capone does seek affection and comfort from his foster handler, and appears to bond very hard, very quickly. He is also super-smart. At this time, he is not working on obedience commands other than learning his name, inside, outside and gentle (he has a hard mouth when taking treats).

** Further temperament / behavior information will be available as Capone's health status improves **

OTHER ANIMALS

Capone is in a foster home with other dogs his size and smaller, and in most situations manages well. He does have some resource guarding behaviors, again likely due to neglect and starvation, and they are being worked on daily. A true assessment of whether he can be in a home with other dogs will need to be re-evaluated once he is healthier.

Capone has not been cat-tested.

CHILDREN

Information pending evaluation.

MEDICAL

Capone has had an FHO performed on his right rear hip, in order to save his leg after a severely broken pelvis injury. He will need to continue joint supplements and omega oils, to support both the surgical joint, as well as the opposite leg, as arthritits can develop over time due to over-compensating for the injured side.

Capone is up-to-date on all vaccines, has a current rabies chip and is micro-chipped. He has not yet been neutered, which has to wait until his pelvis is completely healed.

Capone has no other known medical issues at this time.

If you're looking for a gorgeous, smart, trainable German Shepherd
who will love you forever,
Capone may be your ideal family member!

CAPONE'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 CAPONE?
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