More Information:

SHELLY is a stunning black and silver German Shepherd who looks like a queen!  She has a regal bearing and demeanor.  SHELLY IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST DRIVE DOGS WE HAVE HAD IN OUR PROGRAM.  She will play ball endlessly and is tough to wear out.  She is not hyper (does not bounce off the walls) but is an endurance dog ... she can go for hours playing ball, walking, running, etc.  

SHELLY WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG, AGILITY DOG or RALLY DOG.  She settles nicely after adequate exercise (i.e., lots of it!).   She is also a very affectionate dog - a lover - and loves all people.  We have not seen her around small children but believe she will do fine.  

She came from a Nebraska shelter where a very caring ACO took her in, but had problems between Shelley and other dogs.  The owner had originally dumped Shelly in the shelter because he said she "went after" a small neighbor dog.  Investigation showed that what happened was both dogs were off leash (trouble!) and things were fine until the small dog came into Shelly's yard.  Shelly lunged at her and did inflict one laceration, but stopped when the owner gave her a voice command.  The small dog was fine and did not even require vet care.  The ACO in the shelter found the same thing:  that Shelly would play with the other dogs but then start a fight.   The ACO and the owner both said the same thing: that even if Shelly started a scrape that with another dog, she would stop immediately on voice command.  

Shelly was then transferred to a very large Humane Society, where they conducted what's called a "SAFER Test", a commonly used temperament test.  Shelly passed with flying colors (all ones, the highest possible score).  She was tested with two other dogs and did superbly, no issues or aggression of any sort. 

Bsed on this history, we believe that Shelly's issue is "inappropriate escalation" - not understanding how to 'chill out' when upset or uncertain around other dogs.  We see this with some frequency in young, leaderless, highly intelligent GSDs.  We are already seeing significant improvement with the leadership she's getting in her foster home.

It's clear that Shelly's original owner did not properly socialize her with other dogs or teach her how to behave around other animals.  Rather he let her run loose and "figure it out for herself."  This incredibly smart, high drive dog was left on her own and did the best she could.  But she is currently in a foster home that brooks no nonsense and exerts strong, excellent canine leadership -- and is responding beautifully.  In just a few weeks Shelly has already been out with both their cat and small Shih Tzu.  She is still only out with them under 100% supervision, and each time she shows any curiosity about the other animals one of the foster parents immediately steps in between and emphatically tells her "MINE!!!!!"   Shelly immediately responds, stops, obediently backs away and ignores the other animals.

Based on what we're seeing in foster care, our overall assessment of Shelly is this.  She is a high drive dog from working lines who is incredibly smart -- probably too smart! -- and will train beautifully.  We therefore require that her new family provide the following:
1.  firm leadership to give her direction and brook no nonsense with other dogs
2.  a 6 ft privacy fence with a yard large enough to burn off her energy and drive
3.  owners who commit to training her thoroughly - to teach her the rules of civil interaction with other dogs, which she is already starting to learn in her foster home
4.  a job to do (SAR, Rally, Agility, etc)
5.  vigorous daily exercise for at least 2-3 hours a day, rain or shine, cold or heat.

Are you looking for an incredible, affectionate dog
with hgh drive and remarkable intelligence?
Ready to devote 2-3 hours every day, rain or shine,
training and working her?
SHELLY will reward with an incredible bond and companionship!

FEE:  $300
This fee covers only part of the vet and boarding expenses for the dogs we save.  At minimum 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 SHELLY?
 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