Juy 22, 2020.  Time:  mid-day.    Urgent call:  a young man in mid-north Missouri had a desperate situation - a neighbor had died and her 8-year old female German Shepherd was on a short chain in her backyard.  The dog had no food,  water or shelter.  Her only shade was a big tree.   The wonderful 23-year old man went to remove this poor girl from the chain and walk her out of the yard -- when much to his surprise she started dropping puppies! Jael's hero called several people, who told him to call a rescue in Ohio, who emailed us.  We called them and 30 minutes later were on the road to get her.  We knew her pups would have no chance born into dirt, heat, starvation.

By the time we arrived 3 hours later, Jael had already given birth to 4 puppies in the dirt and heat. She had #5 on the way back to Kansas City.  Her was in labor all night long and eventually had 7 pups (and sadly, 4 unviable fetuses). This poor senior girl was exhausted and we were afraid for both her and the puppies.

Jael was coated with mud, fleas and matted fur.  She was way underweight underneath her tick fur.  She was wasting away, giving her life to help her babies survive.

But. Not. Any. More!

We gave her food and water throughout the night and next days, small handfuls of food every hour and small amounts of water frequently.  Afraid she'd never get the chance again, she tried to gulp both food and water,   After her long labor was over, we took her and the pups to our vet and were delighted to get the verdict that all were basically healthy!  We bathed Jael and she finally relaxed for the first time with her babies --full, hydrated, safe, loved. 

Her new life of safety and love had just begun.

TEMPERAMENT
Jael is an absolutely stunning sable-over-red senior female, and is estimated at about 8 years old.  She's incredibly sweet and loving to people that she trusts, but does require slow introductions to new people and novel situations. She even thinks she's a lap dog sometimes, and will try to climb up to give kisses.

Jael isn't housebroken yet, but is working on this in her foster home. She loves a soft bed, warm blankets, and her very favorite discovery... squeaky toys!  She's even started playing - chasing a ball and bring it back to her babies.  Jael is, in a word, discovering life as a loved, indoor companion!

She's super smart and learns things very fast - especially the hidden toy box full of dog toys! She's food-driven and surprisingly, has a very soft mouth when taking treats.  She doesn't know any basic commands but is working on wait, sit, free and outside.


OTHER ANIMALS
Jael has a very high small-prey drive and can NOT be around cats or other small animals, including small dogs.  She wants to dominate other dogs, even dogs her own size.  We believe that she can be trained to be non-reactive but will require a strong canine leader who's willing to take the time and make the effort to do this training.  Absent that, she would make an ideal only pet!  She is reactive to other dogs when on leash and needs training to 'mind her business'.  look ahead. and simply keep walking.


CHILDREN
Jael has done well around an older child who visits the foster home frequently, as well as around a somewhat younger special needs child who visits occasionally.  We have seen her around babies and toddlers, and she would have to be tested.


HEALTH
Jael is very healthy now - she's spayed, up to date on shots, heartworm negative, microchipped and ready for her own loving home!

If you're looking for a gorgeous older German Shepherd
who will adore you always,
JAEL may be your heart dog and best friend!

JAEL'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 JAEL?
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