Foster Update Dec 16, 2009

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I have had Meeka in foster care since mid September 2009. Meeka is a gorgeous pure bred German Shepherd who has the most beautiful eyes you have ever seen.  Meeka is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations.  She is also house trained but will need to have a housetraining refresher when she is placed in a new home as with all new dogs; they must be shown where it’s O.K. to go and a little time to adapt to the schedule of the new family.

Meeka simply adores people and has only shown love to her family and people she has met.  She will do anything you teach her and is extremely intelligent and alert.  Meeka would excel in obedience, agility, tracking and basically anything you want to teach her.  She is the ultimate companion dog that will adore you forever. 

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Meeka currently lives with a 7 year old male Border Collie, a 10 year old female GSD, and a 3 year old GSD mix, Barney, who is also a MOGS dog.  Meeka is the alpha female.  This creates problems at times when there are items around that Meeka wants.  If Meeka feels threatened, she will protect her food and toys.  Because of this, I recommend that Meeka should be placed as an only dog. 

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Meeka is very uncomfortable meeting new dogs.  She gets in defensive mode as soon as she sees them.  I wonder if she may have been attacked at one point in her life.  If I bring a new dog into the home and give her some time (a day or so) to get to know the dog she does accept the dog.  Also, I have noticed keeping her attention with food when a new dogs passes makes her less stressed about it.  I am hoping that with frequent outings her fears will become less.  However, it is difficult to get out and about this time of year. 

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I would recommend a 6’ fence for Meeka.  Meeka has never tried to escape my 6’ fence but I fear that if there is a dog antagonizing her from the other side of the fence she may jump a 4’ fence.  I have a few naughty little dogs on the other side of my fence.  They bark at Meeka when they are out.  At times, Meeka does give in and bark at them from the fence but as soon as I tell her to stop she does and runs up to me right away.  Meeka is mainly interested in coming back inside with her person than carrying on with those little dogs.

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There have been times when I have pet her when she isn’t expecting it.  She gets startled and yelps even though I have not hurt her, I have only pet her.  She immediately falls to the ground in submission.  This also makes me wonder if she was abused before she came to rescue.  Because of this, I would recommend a family who has children over the age of 12.  My daughter is 14 years old and Meeka is wonderful with her.  She sleeps in my daughter’s bed every night.

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Meeka is a great dog. She’s at that perfect age for someone who doesn’t want the puppy years, but is still looking for a dog with a lot of active family years to give. She is a classically beautiful black and tan shepherd – but she’s so gorgeous let’s call her gold & ebony! She has the sweetest golden eyes. Meeka will give her person 115% of herself, she is extremely obedient, loyal and devoted – she really wants her own person to love her. She is playful and sweet as can be. She settles very well and can separate play time from quiet time. Her house manners have been excellent.

Meeka does have a strong prey instinct and should not live with cats or dogs under 30 lbs. – and should always be supervised around them. She likes other big dogs, but does have an alpha personality and can be bossy about sharing toys and such – she should be fed separately. Meeka would need a home where she can be top dog, or would make a good only dog. She has not shown these alpha traits towards me at all and I have no trouble controlling her, but she does not get along great with her foster sister when it comes to ‘possessions’ (toys, treats, attention etc), though she is pictured with Cady in the second shot and can get along if closely monitored.

 

Your donations are greatly appreciated.

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