More Information:

ELSA is STUNNER!  Wow. She's a coated blanket-back German Shepherd ... walk down the street with her and you'll hear people gasp right out loud.  Her coat is utterly amazing - her saddle appears black at first but actually has a gorgeous deep red hue that gleams in the sunlight.   

Yet she's already endured extreme neglect.  We got her when she wasn't even a year old -- she was signed over to high kill pound by her owner so he wouldn't get a ticket for neglect and cruelty.  The officers saw how badly the owner was neglecting Elsa and knew she wouldn't survive long (thrown out in a backyard, chainedm ignored, left without water in the hot summer).  Her ears were eaten down by flies and her coat was a matted mess.  She laid in her kennel in the pound when we first saw her, a mass of dirt, mud all over her body and head.  It was infinitely sad to see this gorgeous, sweet girl laying there in total despair, with painful mats all over body and ears eaten by flies.  

Elsa has been in our program for some months now, mainly because she is a dog who needs a special home with an outstanding canine leader.  The reason:  Elsa adores people but is extremely dominant with other animals - and is dog aggressive with most dogs.  

DOG AGGRESSION:  She is in foster care with a large male GSD, and they normally get along very well (had one fight).  When on leash around other dogs or near strange dogs, Elsa is very aggressive.  She once attacked a visiting large dog who was in the backyard. We believe that Elsa can be trained out of this, but Elsa is definitely a "project dog" and not for the faint of heart.  The foster mom broke her ankle and was unable to work with her for a number of months.  We believe that part of this is also that Elsa is still a full-of-herself puppy.  She is EXTREMELY head strong and thinks she's the top dog.   She is very pushy and would cause issues in a home with another dominant dog, especially a female.  Elsa is NOT good with strange dogs  and will approach them with aggression and high-intensity. 

Elsa requires an exceptionally strong canine leader
who is experienced, patient, and willing to work with her 
to change her behavior around other dogs.   

NO SMALL DOGS OR CATS.   Elsa is NOT small animal safe.  This may also be trainable, but she has a very high-drive focus on anything under about 35 lbs.  She once met some horses and although cautious at first she ended up licking some muzzles, so we think she would be good in that environment, though her herding instinct is likely to show up when she wants to play.  

BOTTOM LINE:  Elsa is a pushy, alpha female with very high drive.  She loves people but has dog aggression, though she currently lives with a large male GSD.  She needs:
1.  a very active home that will give her a LOT of exercise for many years
2.  a exceptionally strong canine leader who will not tolerate bad behavior and will train her and work with her dog aggression, a slow process that requires time, patience and perserverance

PEOPLE AND KIDS:  Elsa has been great with all people she has met thus far, though she was very upset with her foster mom’s crutch after she broke her foot.  Elsa was fantastic around some small children who wanted to roll their lit-up, singing firetruck right over her tail – didn’t even phase her – and she relishes attention from people of all ages – just soaks up the love and affection.  We recommend OLDER CHILDREN. 

IMPORTANT:  Elsa does not suffer weakness well.  If a person is timid or afraid of her, Elsa will try to bully that person.  SHE MUST HAVE AN OWNER WHO IS CONFIDENT AND WILL TRAIN HER TO BE RESPECTFUL OF ALL PEOPLE, even timid ones.  She must be trained out of her pushy ways.

Elsa  needs a family that has the stremgth, experience, patience and commitment
to teach her ‘the civilized way’ 
how to be well behaved with other dogs and stop her pushy behaviors.
Elsa will require committed work but the reward will be priceless.

ELSA’s ADOPTION FEE: $300.00.
This fee covers only part 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 ELSA? 
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