If you are looking for a calm buddy to share everything with.  DUKE is your boy!  He will go on walks with you or sit and watch the world go by quietly by your side.  DUKE is a handsome, sweet, Black and Tan German Shepherd with a thick coat and those dreamy eyes that express his heart.  He wants nothing more than to be with his people.  He loves getting scratches, brushed, walks, playing fetch with a tennis ball and being told he is a good boy.  His tail is always wagging when he is getting any attention. 

DUKE came to MOGS from a rural Animal Control Department in Missouri's bootheel. When captured by AC, he was flea infested, severely underweight (20-25lbs under), and ducked and cringed with any movement in his direction. Once with MOGS he was on his way to becoming a happy, healthy pup, ready for a new life of love in a forever home. It was then discovered that he had a perianal fistula. He immediately began receiving treatment to correct it. He is currently managing it very well with regular activity, controlled diet and his oral medication. He is now receiving much needed medical care and groceries, and on his way back to good health!

TEMPERAMENT / BEHAVIOR / TRAINING
This boy is a true sweetheart that wants nothing more than to be loved on and loves to snuggle! His past does include some physical abuse so quick movements can make him cringe a bit, but he recovers quickly and is getting better and more confident every day.

Duke likes to eat.  He is always ready for his breakfast and dinner.  And is quite sneaky when food of any sort is around.  If he can reach it – he will.  He is improving with learning no.  But that is a work in progress for sure.  He also seems to like to eat dirt in house plants.  Again – he is learning to leave them alone.

Duke is a smart guy. He very much wants to please his people and learns quickly. He does require someone that will call him out on his stubborn side. (who knew a GSD had a stubborn side!) Duke is a submissive, very even tempered and friendly guy. He is excellently potty trained. He needs work on his recall, but is getting better every day. Duke would be happy as an only dog that got all the attention, or with another male or female that he needed to share everything with. He has not shown agression with food or toys.

Energy Level - Moderate – he will happily walk with you anywhere you want to go. He does not seem to think running is necessary – he can do it, but in short bursts. He will fetch a tennis ball as long as it's close and he will even toss it for himself to chase! He will go off to his kennel or one of his other “places” on his own for a nap. In the evening, he puts himself to bed in his kennel.
DUKE is ready and waiting if you are looking to be his forever family!

Duke is really good on a leash. He readily comes to put it on without any fuss. He has improved a lot at learning to come when called and that his name is Duke. He responds to come 100% of the time when doing something he wants to do and about 40% when he wants to do something else. He will sit when a treat is presented great.  When it is just a command without any treat a little tap on his back and he will sit.  Down is non existent for now.  Stay is not even a concept – why would he stay anywhere he can’t touch you. On his walks with his foster family, he has met chickens and cows, he is very interested and barks but listens and does not chase them. He rides great in car; tethered, crated, or loose. He usually lays down and goes to sleep. Duke enjoys being brushed and his coat is looking better for it. 

OTHER ANIMALS
He gets along great with other dogs and is more on the submissive side. He just does not want any trouble. He is playing well with his foster brother, though they are supervised at all times. Cats he was briefly interested in but did not offer to chase and eventually just walked away from them. Unsure about livestock and I think their size intimidates him.

PEOPLE
Duke has gotten along great with people with gradual introductions (he is timid at first). Did well with kids down to age 10. He loves being with people.  He wants nothing more than to be able to touch you and be touched.  He is very sweet and wags wags wags when he is a good boy.  He does not like to be left alone and has the most pitiful cry to let you know this.  He does settle down and adjust after a few minutes. 

 

DUKE'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 DUKE?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!

Good with Dogs, Good with Kids

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.