DECEASED, Christmas 2011.  Intestinal torsion while Beth was at parent's house over Christmas.  He was fine when they went to bed and gone when they woke up.  She did the necropsy and was surprised to find intestinal torsion as she says it usually happens in the large animals like cows and horses that is her field.  Seldom in dogs.

GENERAL's 1st hip replacement was May 17.  Surgery went very well, the vets are very pleased, and he's in his foster home for the prescribed 8 weeks of doggie bed rest (i.e., crate rest).  Please keep sending your thoughts and wishes his way -- we don't want him to blow this hip!!

Age:                 2-3 years
Location:           Kansas City
Temperament:   one of those soul-sweet dogs who amazes you!  Fantastic personality, good with dogs and cats, ADORES people, a classically beautiful GSD who gets along with everyone
 
GENERAL is first and foremost a stunningly classic black-and-tan German Shepherd.  He is breathtaking to watch as he trots around the yard with his classic show-ring gait.  He also has a spectacular temperament --   a bit shy still but quickly adjusting to humans, love and comfort.  He is one of those dogs that gets into your heart and soul almost the minute you meet him.
 
Yet General has had a terrible time in life. He was one of the few survivors of a massive puppy mill bust (1,200 dogs) in the midwest last December.  Many of the dogs were sick and had to be euthanized.  General was one of the fortunate few who survived.  He is now very healthy and starting to learn just how good life can be. He is taking readily to love and petting and belly/ear scratches and treats.  He loves the freedom to trot around the yard.  He enjoys meeting the other dogs.  The world has opened up for General, who has gone from a concrete floor in a wire pen to the big wide world of a home and foster family. 

Unfortunately, General has one problem:  he NEEDS BOTH HIPS REPLACED.  He was originally taken in by a humane society who soon noticed he had hip problems.  X-rays revealed that he needs both hips replaced, and the Humane Society was going to euthanize him due to the cost.  They called MOGS in the vague hope that somehow we could help with the massive cost of this surgery.  
 
After much agonizing and soul-searching about the expense -- about how wise it is to use a huge amount of scarce rescue resources for one dog -- we knew we had to help him.  We simply could not let General be euthanized after he had survived so much.  He's a fighter who survived the horror of a puppy mill, illness, disease -- and we could not let him leave this world without knowing the love of a family and his own home.  
 
So ... we took a very deep breath and are praying we can raise the money for General's double hip replacement.  His surgeries will be done by the University of Missouri Vet Hospital (a teaching hospital).
 
IF YOU CAN HELP,
PLEASE KNOW THAT EVEN $5 IS A HUGE HELP AND MUCH APPRECIATED!

COST:  approx. $2,100 per hip (new method) with rescue discount  
TOTAL NEEDED:  $4,200
SURGERY DATES:   first hip May 16, 2nd hip approx. 12 weeks later
SURGERY LOCATION:  University of Missouri Vet Hospital in Columbia, MO
 
While it hurts us to think of General's past life (living on hard concrete in a small wire run and bred to death), we're positively giddy to know that the next 10 years of his life are going to be fantastic!!!  Our stomachs are in knots about the vet bills, but we pray that all the animal lovers and German Shepherd lovers among us will pitch in a few dollars to get him on his way.   
 
General is slowly seeing that humans can be nice, that love is a good thing, and that fluffy comforters make life good.  HE IS WORTH THE EXPENSE OF THIS SURGERY.
 
His first hip replacement surgery will be May 16.  

The second hip replacement will be scheduled as we see how his recovery is going, approximately 12 weeks later.  

And through it all, he has a spectacular temperament!  WOW

General’s adoption fee is $300.00.

This fee covers a portion of the vet and boarding expenses for the dogs we save.  It includes the dog's spay/neuter, heartworm test, heartworm treatment if needed, rabies, distemper/parvo and bordatella vaccinations, deworming and microchip.

Interested in adopting General?  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