September 17, 2012
Nikolai is now renamed "DOC" and has a wonderful home with prior adopters Tim and Vickie Watkins.  They adopted their dog Ringo (originally our dog ) in 2008 (adopted under "Vickie Haake").  Unfortunately he was put to sleep in August 2012 due to severe back, hip and leg issues.  They were reluctant to go through this again as they only had 4 yrs with Ringo, but once Vickie met Nikolai at RenFest 2012 - where he promptly tried to crawl into her lap for affection - there was no question.  Doc went home the next day.  He has a Schnauzer sister named Waheenie who is 9 yrs old, and a chihuahua cousin named Tallulah who visits frequently.  When introduced to them, he either ignored them or actually backed away, so we suspect the puppy miller's story about Nikolai chewing through the fencing to get to the male in the next run was baloney.  We suspect that if he was indeed the one chewing through the fence, it was to escape.  He has not shown the slightest tendency at aggression to humans or other animals.  His body language is always submissive, shy, and uncertain, and no one has yet heard him bark.   HE IS A VERY SPECIAL BOY!  He now has a dedicated family who will give him the wonderful life he deserves.  PRAY FOR ALL THOSE OTHER DOGS THE PUPPY MILLER HAS WHO ARE STILL THERE LIVING IN HELL.  (Nikolai was more than 20 lbs underweight when the puppy miller dumped him, he had scars on all 4 legs from being tied somehow, and he had clearly never had a human hand touch him unless in anger.  Nick weighed under 90 lbs at intake and now weight 115 lbs).

More Information:

Nikolai is a big boy - he's skinny now but at full weight he'll be well over 90 lbs.  And he's so stunning that when you first see him, you almost gasp!  He also breaks your heart.

Because for all his good looks, his story is sad.  He was used by a backyard breeder to pump out puppies for money.  He was kept in an outdoor kennel 24/7 all his life.  He never knew a home, never knew love, never knew human kindness.  It's clear from his behavior that he never even knew a pat on the head or a scratch behind his ears.  He never got any exercise.  And when he started chewing through the chain link fencing to get out, the backyard breeder dumped him at a shelter (and the taxpayers). 

Poor Nikolai was so confused and terrified that the shelter workers said he seemed exhausted each morning - as if he'd tried hard to escape all night long.  But he eventually settled down and seemed to accept that he was safe.  We currently have him in boarding until a suitable foster spot opens up, so we are unsure how he would react to a standard crate.

It's clear that Nikolai has not had anything you would consider "normal" - he has no idea what leash walking is and will constantly cross in front of you (as if afraid you'll leave him).   He was terribly skinny and needs to put on 10-20 pounds.  He's very skittish of human beings, though he very slowly is learning that humans CAN be kind.   When we had him on the grass of the play area, it was clear he had never been on grass before.  When you call him to you, he hesitates and bows his head, then hesitantly walks to you all hunched over and low to the ground -- as if he's not sure it's ok to come.  It's heartbreaking ... he has clearly NEVER known love.   In addition, he has marks on his legs that are exact duplicates of each other, as if his legs had been tied and worn away the fur, leaving scars (see picture).  It's possible that his legs were tied to force him to use what's called the "rape stand" during forced breeding.

Nikolai is DEFINITELY a "project dog"!  He needs TONS of TLC, patience, love, and a calm environment to adjust to life in a home with kind humans.  But if you have a big heart and lots of patience and love to give, he will be truly one of the most stunning GSDs around - and will be devoted to you for a lifetime.

CHILDREN:  No children.  We haven't seen him around kids but at this point we think he'd be scared of the noise and fast motion. 

DOGS:   Nikolai was dog tested with a young, rambunctious white GSD female and did very well.  She wanted to jump on him and play, but Nikolai just clung to the shelter worker's legs and showed no reaction.  We have not yet tested him with small dogs or male dogs.

CATS:   We have not yet tested him with cats.

NIKKI's ADOPTION FEE:  $300
This fee covers only part of the vet, boarding and food expenses for the dogs we save.  At minimum it includes spay/neuter, heartworm test, heartworm treatment if needed, rabies shot, distemper/parvo shot, bordatella shot, deworming and microchip.

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING NIKOLAI?
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