BALTO is a magnificent large German Shepherd boy who impresses everyone he meets.  He's currently in a foster home with 5 other dogs and thriving, but he really wants his very own forever home and family!

BACKGROUND
Balto was surrendered to a shelter by owners who said they couldn't care for him any longer.  While it's clear he was well cared for physically, he apparently also was not exposed much to new people, places, or experiences. 

PERSONALITY
He's a doll!  A big, gorgeous doll.  He's a pretty gentle guy, and is most comfortable with other dogs.  He loves his humans and will be your shadow, but due to his prior lack of exposure is a little bit hesitant when meeting new humans.  He's not aggressive but reluctant, and we believe he'll emerge from that to be a friendly guy once his family invests some time in consistently exosing him to all kinds of new people and experiences.  In all other ways he's a typical GSD -- loves his pack, loves his humans, loves his food, loves life.  He has a good energy level but isn't bounce-off-the-walls energetic.   He has good house manners and is house-trained.

OTHER ANIMALS
He not only loves other dogs, but he must have at least one dog buddy in his new family.  His highest comfort level is with other dogs, and he proved that when he went to his foster home, was almost immediately great with his 5 foster siblings. and fit right into the pack.  While he will play, he really just likes to hang out with the other dogs so for him it's more about companionship than lots of crazy play.  Cats are questionable, though he may be trainable (would have to be tested further). 

PEOPLE / KIDS
Balto loves people and just needs a little time to get used to you.  He apparently was not used to meeting new people in his former home, and so meeting new people is still a little new to him.  He will hang back a little but after a short time he's fine.  It appears that he'll get over this initial hesitation with a new family who will socialize him with new people and new experiences.  During that time, he should be approached gently and slowly, to reassure him that no one will hurt him.  We haven't seen him around small kids and that would have to be tested, but we think he would do fine once he knows them.

HEALTH 
Overall he's in good health and ready to go home -- neutered, up to date on shots, and on monthly heartworm preventives.  He does have bilateral hip dysplasia and has some meds to manage the condition.  Eventually he may be a candidate for surgery, and we will share his x-rays with his adopter's vet.

NEW FAMILY  
A fairly active family with at least one other dog.  At least one of those other dogs must be a larger dog.  A family who will expose him to lots of other people and experiences, to help him understand that people will not harm him. 

SUMMARY
Balto is a stunning, big, young GSD boy who's an absolute love.  He MUST have at least one other larger dog to live with, and preferably more than one.  He's a pack dog and is most comfortable being part of a pack.  His only 'issue' (if you can call it that) is that he's somewhat hesitant when meeting new people, but that will be overcome with some time spent introducing him to new people, places, and experiences.  Overall he's a gentle guy who grabs everyone's hearts, and only one very lucky family will get to be his humans!
 
 
 

BALTO's ADOPTION FEE:   $350
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 BALTO?
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.