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Missouri German Shepherd Rescue
Love In Action - Restoring Hope for German Shepherds an IRS 501(c)3 non-profit organization |
German Shepherd Dog : : Female : : Adult : : Large
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Learn more about the German Shepherd Dog.
About Ella (in 6.19, '4 Fatty') | |
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Background
She's one of "The Fab 4" who were confiscated for cruelty. We initially called them the 4 Fatties, to emphasize how truly cruel it is for any of us to allow dogs to become obese (it's the #1 problem vets have to address!). Her owner allowed her to free feed, constantly refilled the bowls, and gave all the dogs large portions of meat every day. They were all medically termed 'morbidly obese', and when we checked them for obesity-related problems we found their health was at high risk. Ella weighed almost 105 lbs! She now weighs a trim and sexy 75 lbs and is feeling great. But she had to lose 45% of her body mass to get well. She and the rest of the family also had ear infections, and serious pressure sores on ankles and elbows from laying on hard surfaces far too much. They were 90% oudoor dogs, going indoors only occasionally.
Temperament
She's a pretty easy-going girl. She met and immediately got along with her young and playful GSD foster sister. She met and had no problem with cats. She gets along with all humans and has shown no reactivity or aggression of any kind, even at the vet's office during the poking and prodding of her frequent visits when she first came to MOGS. She also loves to play with her foster sibling and take walks. She's pretty good about sticking close to her foster family, and MAY be able to be boundary trained in an unfenced environment.
Other Animals
She gets along with all the other dogs she's met to date. She was fine with other dogs at the vet's office, and fine with other dogs she met at the boarding kennel. She also immediately got along with her foster GSD sister when they met. Ella lived with 3 other GSDs all her life (mom, dad, brother) and is used to being part of a pack. Sweetly, when we first got the Fab 4 her brother was sick and Ella seemed to guard him and be his protector. Small dogs: she's been with larger dogs while in MOGS. We haven't seen her around small dogs and would have to test that. Cats: she does well with cats, and lives with multiple cats in her foster home. Cows: she sits and chills while the cow pokes at her!
Medical
Amazingly, she has recovered well from her morbid obesity. She was a whopping 105lbs and 'waddled' rather than walked. Thanks to a strict, careful diet, she's now a trim and sexy 75 lbs -- and feeling sooooo much better! She developed hyperthryroidism from the obesity, but it's now under control and she'll just need to be on a small dose of medication (Soloxine) for the rest of her life. She had ear infections and, ;ike all the Fab 4, she had severe pressure sores on knees and ankles. Those have healed, but she still has two small round growths on her back ankles that are permanent from the pressure sores. The vet has evaluated these and recommends leaving them alone because they're not dangerous, not growing, and don't affect her.
Overall
Her foster home says anyone who adopts Ella is VERY lucky! She's an easy-going girl who's also stunningly beautiful and loves hanging out with her family and pack. Now that she's healthy and at a good weight, she's feeling good and ready to settle in with a family who will love and care for her for life -- and in return she'll give you every ounce of love in her body!
DOGS: Yes! Ella lived all her ife with 3 other dogs and strongly prefers having a doggie buddy
CATS: Yes! Ella is in a foster home with cats and does fine.
KIDS: Yes. Ella has not lived around very small kids and would need to be tested, but we believe she'll do fine
IDEAL FAMILY: A family of average activity level who enjoys walks and hanging-out time. Strongly prefer another dog to be her buddy. Fenced in yard preferred.
If you're looking for a gorgeous young German Shepherd
who will be easy and loving,
ELLA may be your ideal family member!
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 ELLA?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!
STOP!! READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER! Have Questions? Email us at mogsrescue@gmail.com
Thank you for considering a homeless dog or cat.
Other Pictures of Ella (in 6.19, '4 Fatty') (click to see larger version):
