BACKGROUND
Onyx came to MOGS after being found lying under a bridge in the snow and ice. His rescuer rushed him to Blue Pearl Pet Hospital where he was diagnosed with three broken legs. The care team determined that Onyx’s legs were worth saving, and that he had an excellent chance to return to full activity. Onyx’s long recovery period revealed how very gentle, trusting, and appreciative he was to his foster parents and medical staff. Onyx has now been cleared/released from his medical team to return to full doggy zoomies and adventures.

PEOPLE/TRAINING/TEMPERAMENT
People…People… People… Onyx loves all people of all genders, ages and sizes! Two legs and two hands are all that he requires to be your new best friend. Onyx bonds to his special person(s) and would love to be at their side all day long. He is literally the definition of loyalty. He will snuggle with you on the couch, walk wherever you want to go and is currently learning to play fetch with a frisbee. He walks well on a leash but needs a strong leader to correct over-excitement. Onyx does recall off leash when his fosters give him the command. Onyx is very easy to correct as he NEVER wants to disappoint his humans. Nothing can keep this boy from enjoying life. His foster parents believe the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is his calling in life. He is a charmer of the ladies at every vet clinic where he has been treated, Onyx is absolutely adored by everyone he meets.

OTHER ANIMALS
Onyx currently lives with 4 resident GSD sisters and occasional other foster dogs in his foster home. Onyx is a devoted pack member once he becomes part of your family and will protect his family from other animals if he feels threatened. He has been living with two dominant females and does spectacularly with knowing his boundaries. Onyx would be comfortable being an only dog or with other dog(s) in the home. Onyx displays traits of being an only dog before being rescued by MOGS and is currently understanding how to play and share toys. Onyx does have a food/treat drive which is helping him learn his manners and tricks. With a gentle mouth, Onyx can be a little selfish when it comes to treats because he knows he’s the best boy and deserves them all. Onyx’s behavior around male dogs is currently being tested but seems to better with male dogs his own size.

Squirrel!!! I mean Cat!!! If it doesn’t bark like a big dog, Onyx does not like it very much. He has been working diligently with his fosters on the command “Leave It.” He will need a strong, experienced german shepherd adopter for this reason. His fosters have encountered a few cats and dogs on walks with Onyx, and he does well with his commands and the use of a prong collar to keep him from lunging and only focusing on what his fosters need him to do. Onyx knows the basic commands “sit, down, leave it, come” and is working on the word heel but does not often need the correction.

MEDICAL
Everyone knows healing takes time. Onyx’s bones have all healed, but he still suffers from ligament laxity in one front foot which allows the foot to drop down too much with pressure. This has not slowed him down at all; in fact he prefers to not wear the brace unless he is doing vigorous activity. He still plays and trots around the yard without his brace like a young 88 pound pup . Onyx also suffers from organisms in his nose which have been biopsied to reveal they are not harmful to him or other dogs but causes an excess of drainage and crusty nose. Medications have been unsuccessful with curing his nose, so he requires medication to keep the drainage under control. All medical paperwork will be provided to future adopter. Onyx is very tolerant and patient when he needs a little extra TLC of any kind.

In the home Onyx is happiest being right beside his fosters whether they are cooking dinner, watching television, weeding the garden and sleeping at night. Onyx is house and kennel trained and is not at all destructive. He likes to snuggle in his fosters’ chair or his kennel for a nap while his fosters are gone. He would be the perfect companion for a household seeking man’s best friend. Onyx’s love and resilience makes him live life to the fullest everyday.

ONYX'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 ONYX?
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