CAPRICE is a classically beautiful black-and-tan German Shepherd who's had a rough life but is now recovering nicely -- gaining weight and being treated for severe skin and ear infections.  She LOVES her people and will bond with you quickly -- and is eager to be an indoor, loved pet!

BACKGROUND
Senior girl Caprice was turned into a shelter by her owners along with a 16 yr old small dog.  Both were in horrible shape -- every bone stuck out, literally starving, massive skin infections, major ear infections, hair loss.  Caprice had been previously spayed so was probably cared for at some point in her life.  Her owners said they could no longer care for the dogs, and any of us can find ourselves going through very tough times.  But sadly they waited many months too long to seek help and the result was that Caprice and her sibling suffered for months, slowly starving to death, itching and in pain.  Caprice was an outdoor dog and seldom allowed inside. 

TEMPERAMENT
She's only been with us a short time so we still have a lot of learn about her, but she was a favorite of the shelter staff and we've fallen in love with her, too.  She's gentle, has been fine with all people she's met, and looks at you with her big eyes as if not quite sure if it's all okay or not.  She loves being gently stroked and petted, and closes her eyes as if in relief.  Once she's used to being loved -- which she's already starting to do -- she's going to be a superb, trusting, loving companion!  She clearly was left outdoors for many years and doesn't quite understand all the rules of indoor living, but she's learning fast.  When corrected she actually looks like she's busy trying to understand.

She'll bond quickly to her new family -- she follows her foster mom everywhere, even around the yard, which is not unusual for dogs who have been through hell and are afraid of losing track of the person who's kind to them.  She isn't used to being hugged and doesn't like her feet messed with, but we think she'll get used to that as we work more with her and she trusts us 100%.  She seems to enjoy car rides and does pretty well with them.  Walks are a whole new world to her, heartbreakingly she looks back frequently to both make sure you're still there and to see what you want her to do.  She loves comfy dog beds, meals, treats, and all the joys of being an indoor dog. 

She does well in her crate (we've left her up to about 5 hours so far and she's crated next to another dog).  She's not yet housetrained but is already making progress. 

OTHER ANIMALS
She lived with a small dog and although we have not tested her yet with small dogs, it appears she's good with them.  She was introduced to two large dogs in her foster home with no problem and was quickly able to be loose with them.  She is a typical GSD, however, and as she's starting to feel better she has more energy and interest, so we recommend proper introductions as usual.  Cats are an unknown and yet to be tested.  We will try to do testing with animals and kids after she's recovered medically.

TRAINING
She wants to please you and is responding well to corrections.  On walks, which she apparently never had, she seems to not know quite what to do and looks to her handler for direction frequently -- she almost seems to be asking which way do we go, what am I supposed to do?   We think she'll adjust easily to the rules of her new life and be easily trained.

MEDICAL
She's recovering well from her extended starvation and neglect.  In just one week she gained several  pounds and already looks better.  She's getting twice-weekly medical baths along with medications for a massive yeast infection on her skin that's caused her to lose a lot of fur.  Her ears are being treated for major infections and are recovering.  These are all temporary conditions she's recovering well from and we don't expect any lasting issues. 

The owners reported her to be 11 yrs old, but her teeth indicate she may be more in the 8 yr range.

OVERALL
Caprice is a lovely and loving girl who was an outdoor dog for many years and is now learning how to be an indoor, loved pet.  She's gaining energy every day and likes to explore new places and smells.  She's curious about new things, which is almost everything, and it's heartwarming to watch her learn.  She already trusts her foster mom after only one week.  She shook all over during her first bath but at her second bath she already 'got it' -- understood it made her feel better and stood nicely.  We love this girl and think you will, too!



DOGS:                    Yes.  She has introduced easily to other large dogs, and we are told she lived with a small dog. 
CATS:                     Unknown.  Still to be tested
KIDS:                     Unknown.  Still to be tested
IDEAL FAMILY:      A fairly quiet home with someone working from home or retired who will complete her house-training, has a fenced yard, and is moderately active.  One that will take her out into the big, wide world and introduce her to all the things she's never seen.  Probably best in a relatively quiet home without a lot of high energy and chaotic activity.

If you're looking for a classically beautiful, mature German Shepherd
who will love you forever,
CAPRICE is your girl!

CAPRICE's ADOPTION FEE:   $250
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 CAPRICE?
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

Thank you for considering a homeless dog or cat.