More Information:

IZAAK (ZAK) is an extra large, high-energy love of a boy!  He's still a puppy at just about 1 year old, and you just can't help but fall in love with this guy the first time you meet him!  He's one of those charming dogs who just radiates fun and love.  He's such a HAPPY dog!  Love is in his soul.  Besides, he falls in love with everyone he meets and can't figure out why anyone wouldn't do the same in return!

As a puppy he still has all those crazy puppy behaviors:  he loves to chew on stuff (shoes are a particular delicacy) and he wants to play, play, play!  He adores people, adores other dogs, adores life!  He's also very smart and is incredibly trainable.  He's a cuddler and just wants to be wherever you are.  This boy gets under your skin fast and just takes hold of your heart.  He would LOVE to have a doggie buddy to play with.  If not, you'll need to find a friend with a dog and make frequent doggie play dates!  This guy is mr. social!

What makes that all the more incredible is what he's' been through.  He was a confiscated for cruelty by a high kill pound -- and the pictures of his leg show you why.  We've never seen a foot / bone turned in such an odd direction!  He was likely beaten with something like a pipe or 2x4 board.  Yet even with that he is just full of kisses, hugs and "let's go, where're we going?? huh? huh?".   He doesn't let it dampen his joy for a moment.  Just look at those smiles, even with a protective collar on after surgery.  Amazing.

When we discovered him at the pound, we immediately committed to take him into our program and get him the care he needed.   Some $1,500 later, we are still in need of help paying off his hospital and vet bills! 

Several different vets originally gave very different opinions of what could be done for Zac.  One well known vet said to do nothing, the leg had healed and he would be fine.  It soon became clear that was not true - his upper leg swelled up like a balloon, and he was tripping over his foot and dragging the top of it on the ground.  We then took him to MU Vet Hospital in Columbia MO, where the experts said it was correctable at least to a large degree.  They indicated Zac will probably always have a limp of at least some kind simply due to the nature of the injury.  

They operated on his leg, everything went well, and he then required TOTAL crate rest for a minimum of 8 weeks (until Oct. 3). He is allowed outside to potty 3 times a day and absolutely nothing more.  We are also performing significant physical therapy (PT) on his leg up to 5 times a day.   The PT involves a very gradual loosening of the muscles and tendons, which had all tightened drastically as Zac accommodated his broken bones and the odd angle they healed.  The PT is gradually 'convincing' them to return to a more normal state so he can put that paw flat and use it.

This is all being done by one of our wonderful volunteer couples, one of whom is a retired nurse.  They are showering the Zac-man with love and providing him with exactly what he needs.  They strictly enforce his recovery regimen so that he can regain maximum use of his leg!  They've increased the physical therapy to include his shoulder and upper leg areas that were so swollen, and we've already seen excellent results.  Their devotion to this boy is amazing and we are very grateful to them!

As a result of their outstanding care, the Zac-man is now able to put that paw flat on the ground and use it in a much more normal manner.  If he walks slowly he will do it.  If he tries to run, he still has problems using it normally.  This is all part of his rehab and he will need to continue with this rehab. 

Zac goes back to MU Vet Hospital for a checkup on October 3.  We'll have a better idea then as to the exact nature and extent of what he needs in the way of continuing rehab.  One thing is certain:  the toughest part is over.  By then he will be able to go outside for up to 15 minutes each time, 3 times a day!  Zac will probably always have at least a slight limp in that leg, but it won't stop him for a second - and he will still have his leg!

ZAK has learned basic obedience, but like any young German Shepherd he still needs training and good leadership.  He's so darn sweet-natured that the only training he needs is in basic obedience and a little "restraint" on his enthusiasm!  He is a mischevious puppy and WILL get into things and chew things.  He's crate trained, house trained, and rides very well in the car.  And he loves going places with his family! 

DOGS:   yes, all sizes
CATS:    yes, but will have to be taught not to chase them when they move/run
KIDS:    yes, all ages, only supervision required will be to ensure he doesn't knock a small child over during play because he's so rambunctious and energetic
IDEAL HOME:   a VERY active family who wants a dog that will follow them around and be their constant companion.  Hiking, running, playing, etc. all needed.  DAILY EXTENSIVE EXERCISE NEEDED (NOT just a walk).  Would adore having a doggie buddy to run around with.  Needs a fenced yard that will allow him to be active and play.  Also needs a family who isn't afraid of some initial rehab / PT that likely involves some restrictions on his play and activity for a period of time while his recovery is completed.

If you're looking for a loving, loveable, charming, heck-of-a-guy imp of a dog,
and you're willing to deal with both puppy behaviors and some physical therapy,
ZAC will bring you the most incredible joy you're ever known!

IZAAK'S ADOPTION FEE:  $350
This fee covers only part of what we spend on vetting and boarding the dogs we save, and has not changed in 7 years despite dramatic hikes in vet and boarding prices.  Our average cost per dog is now over $450.   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 and microchip.  In many cases it also includes surgery, bloodwork, X-rays, and treatment and medications for conditions such as thyroid, ear infections, eye problems, skin conditions and many others.

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE MORE, WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT IN THIS CASE.  Zach's surgery and treatment has so far cost over $1,500 and may go higher.

YOUR GENEROSITY WILL ENABLE US TO HELP THE NEXT IZAAC WHO IS IN TROUBLE!

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING IZAAK?
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