BACKGROUND: This super-sweet senior joined MOGS emergently when she was forced to leave her mom's senior living campus - Emma bolted her front doorway unexpectedly, and before she could be caught, got into a scuffle with a small dog that led to some minor injuries. That was all it took, and Emma had to go.

LIfe with Emma: Life with Emma is very easy. Emma will either sleep in the bedroom kennel, on a dog bed, or on the floor but would be happiest in bed with you. If it is a very high bed, some stairs would be good. Emma just wants to be near you, the nearer the better! She loves to have attention and love.

OTHER ANIMALS: Since being with us in a foster home Emma has been an excellent guest. She has never started anything especially with our young energetic 2 year old pushy GSD foster fail who can be a pain. Emma and Luna played tug with toys and run around together until Emma is tired. With our senior 11 year old Lexi, Emma is calm and doesn't bother her. They are comfortable relaxing side by side. All 3 dogs eat openly together with no issues. Cats: Emma met nextdoor neighbor Cat named Gus. She was calm viewing Gus from outside the clear storm door so then she was able to meet Gus face to face. She was calm and wagged her tail. Not overly interested. Emma also met mother in laws active playful terrier mix and she was fine and not very interested in the dog. Emma went to a dog meeting with other dogs present, she remained calm and relaxed even when the other dogs were not and barked and lunged towards her. She remained calm and confident that we would keep her safe.

TEMPERAMENT: Very sweet, gentle, quiet and even tempered. Not grouchy at all. Easy going and willing to play with Luna. May bark if strangers come by but not excessively.

PEOPLE: Emma is calm and sweet with everyone. She went to a GSD dog club meeting and was well mannered with all people and pets. I think her preference is women as she has become very attached to me and follows me everywhere. She will happily lay quietly wherever I am, bathroom, kitchen, desk, etc. With Men, Emma is a little more hesitant & shy until she is comfortable. She is fine with teenage children, not sure about young children.

HOUSE MANNERS: Fully potty trained for outdoors.Never jumps up on you, does not rush the door, never had a potty mistake since being here, has not gotten into anything, she is just perfect. Upon arrival she was kenneled when we were not home but quickly she was given free roam due to her good manners. Be ready to have your own shadow and to pretty much never be alone even in the bathroom. Emma knows how to open sliding doors. If you close a door she will be fine waiting outside the room. Emma can be told not to be on the furniture but she would really like to be on the sofa next to you but is willing to lay nearby on a soft dog bed. She has taken to loving the circle type of bed to curl up in. Emma does not do recall well, that is something that needs to be worked on. Perhaps a basic obedience class to refresh her, I think she would enjoy that. Emma walks well on leash and will move with you though you can tell she is used to getting to choose her own direction on walks.

HEALTH: No known health conditions. Up to date on shots. Walks, runs, and does stairs well. No medications.

GROOMING: Emma has a soft fine undercoat & to coat, she should be brushed with a deshedding rake daily and OR taken to a groomer for deshedding regularly. She will sit, lay down or stand very patiently while you brush her.

MEALTIME: Emma was stressed while at the kennel so was not eating well, she is eating well now, she eats the same amount as my senior GSD, 2 cups a day of her dry food Purina True Instinct Turkey & Venison mixed with 1 tablespoon of wet PUrina one Turkey venison, then her 2 Glucosamine tablets on top covered by 1 tablespoon of wet food (We do only an evening meal and snacks during the day). This seems to work very well for her and she will eat all of her food and have a good bowel movement in the mid morning. Emma was a little overweight but has been moving towards a healthy weight with the additional exercises (we have daily stair climbing (upstairs to the bedroom and down the deck stairs for potty breaks) and play.

THUNDERSTORMS: Emma's owner provided Calm Tabs. She may or may not need them perhaps depending upon how loud the storms are and how well insulated your house is, she was fine during the thunderstorms.

EMMA'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 EMMA?
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