SHADOW is a stunning big male who's recovering from starvation and neglect, and having the time of his life in foster care while he waits for his forever family!

BACKGROUND
Turned into a local shelter by a member of the public.  Found in an industrial area, starving and in terrible shape.

TEMPERAMENT
Shadow doesn't care much about food but boy does his love his people!  He adores pets, scratches, attention, being with you, and sitting in your lap -- that's a lot of lap dog,LOL.  He just wants to hang out with you and know you're there.  He LOVES snuggling with you on the couch, chair, bed!  He also appears to be a true GSD with a strong personality and, because of his apparent long neglect, needs a good leader who will be aware of those times when he's uncomforable with a situation.  We suspect he led a quiet, isolated life in a backyard and isn't used to a lot of situations the rest of us consider ordinary.  He has given a growl in a few situations where he's felt overwhelmed, and needs respectful people in his life and home.  He's loving and snuggly, but he's not goofy or foolish -- he's a true GSD.

PEOPLE
LOVES people and is a cuddler -- yep, he'll cuddle in your lap and on your bed if you let him!  He adores attention and has accepted all people he's met to date, showing no signs of human reactivity. 
KIDS:  Needs an adults-only home.  He's met several small children who visit his foster home and know how to be respectful around dogs, and has done fine.  He's also met a number of kids at an event and did well overall, but at one point was overwhelmed when several kids all surrounded him at once.  He gave a quiet growl to indicate he was uncomfortable and we gently moved the kids back.  He can be around respectful children, but our educated guess is he wasn't exposed to small humans in his prior life and will not tolerate kids rushing at him or being all over him. 

HOUSE MANNERS
Good.  He's calm and has not been destructive in his foster homes.  He's fine in his kennel when you're gone, and has done well with house-training.  He's not a big foodie -- doesn't do breakfast  and tends to eat at dinner time only (probably was fed once a day at his original home).  Is also a little picky about his kibble, and we've found one he's doing well on (Costco lamb kibble).The good news is he's not likely to get into the trash or counter surf!  Based on what we've seen, we think he was a backyard dog who now appreciates the comforts of the indoor life.  Crate trained and house trained (needs a little time to complete his pottying outdoors). Low energy indoors, non-destructive, and snuggly.

OTHER DOGS/ANIMALS
He's currrently in a foster home with two high-energy female GSDs and doing well, BUT the females don't bother him or try to get in his face.  Before that he was in a temporary foster home living freely with several other dogs (male and female) and did well.  Then there was an incident in the temp foster home where after a few weeks Shadow and an intact young male GSD got into a fight.  Reports from the foster home indicated Shadow appeared to be serious about it.  We don't know what triggered it but suspect it was over a toy or other high value object.  Shadow did some damage to the younger male and the foster home said the fight was hard to break up -- so it appears Shadow won't tolerate a challenge and if a fight does start he'll dive right in.  Yet he did fine with all the other dogs in the temp foster home and is doing fine with his current GSD foster siblings.  It's as if he has a live-and-let-live attitude toward other dogs.  Our overall assessment is that he might be able to live with another dog as long as the other dog won't get in his space, is submissive, low-key and mellow.  He's really best as an only dog you'll give all your attention to!
SMALL DOGS:  would have to be tested.  Did live with a mellow 30 lb dog in his temp foster home
CATS:  Yes. Currently in a foster home with several cats and hasn't shown any interest in them.

ENERGY LEVEL
Moderate.  He's calm in the house and loves to play with the ball in the yard, but he's older and isn't crazy-energetic.  He'll be happy with walks, short play times in the yard with a ball, and curling up on the sofa with you.

HEALTH
No known health conditions.  Neutered, microchipped, up to date on shots, is on monthly preventive, and has been treated for heartworm.  Has gained weight and filled out, and his coat is now shiny and soft.

OVERALL
Shadow is a loving boy with moderate energy, who won't be bugging you constantly to play but will love to cuddle with you and be by your side.  He can live with cats and some dogs, but is probably best as an only dog.  He'd love a small to mid-sized fenced yard where he can play ball with you.  He's a true GSD and needs a leader who will understand his past neglect and help him emerge gradually into the big wide world of love and care.

If you're looking for a stunning, mature big boy
to cuddle with you and love you forever,
SHADOW may be your heart dog!

SHADOW'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 SHADOW?
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.