ROCKY’s pictures don’t come close to showing how incredibly cute and sweet he is – he’s one of those dogs who don’t photograph well!  In person he grabs your heart the minute you meet him!  He’s cute as a button ... those adorable floppy ears ... that hopeful look in his eye ... and a certain innocence and sweetness about him that seems to just radiate out.  Everyone who sees him ooh's and aah's over him - and he loves it, can't wait to greet everyone and get loved on! 

It's very possible Rocky is a purebred floppy-eared German Shepherd, but we have listed him as a GSD-Belgian Malinois mix because we can't be completely certain.  Whatever the case, he seems to have a wonderfully loving temperamtent -- and that's what counts!!

Rocky is still only very much a puppy - he's 12 months old at most and maybe younger - and he's clearly trying to figure out what the heck has happened to his life!  He's confused!   He doesn't understand why he isn't in a house, running and playing like a puppy should, or maybe like he used to.  

Somehow Rocky ended up in a high kill pound in southern Missouri.  That area is known as the Puppy Mill Capital of the U.S. and thousands of dogs are dumped, shot and abandoned every day.  Poor Rocky didn’t stand a chance.  He was slated to die. 

But his luck changed when we found out he was there.  We grabbed him and got him out of there fast!  Now he’s safe and looking for that one very special family to share the rest of his life with  We see evidence that he’s afraid of being abandoned – for instance, he's reluctant to go out the door in front of you as if afraid you'll disappear on him.   He desperately wants a family he can love, protect, cuddle up with, play with … who will never desert him or dump him … who will make a commitment to him and keep it … who will love him and take care of him for the rest of his life. 

Rocky is so eager to just be with you and please you!  He craves your company and would undoubtedly be a lap dog if allowed.  But we believe he will be a sweet and wonderful family dog.  He just needs to know he’s safe and loved!!!  It’s heartbreaking to think of what he must have been through but we intend to find him the best forever family any dog ever had.   

Due to a lack of people willing to be fosters, Rocky is in boarding so unfortunately we haven't seen him in a home environment.  However, he is adapting okay and seems to get along with everyone.  Our volunteers and the kennel staff all say he’s a real sweetheart!  We don't expect any issues aside from typical puppy issues of manners, training and toning down his general rambunctiousness. 

He just SO wants out of there and into a home.  He desperately needs a foster or forever family!

Rocky needs a family who will love him for the rest of his life, and provide a safe, secure environment where he can love and be loved without fear of losing it all.  He also needs the training and leadership that any GSD puppy needs!   

DOGS:   we believe so, has not yet been tested dog to dog
CATS:   unknown.  Would have to be tested
KIDS:     unknown.  Would have to be tested
IDEAL HOME:   a loving family who will reassure this youngster that he will never be left again.  And then train him in all the things a young shepherd needs to know!

If you're looking for a heartbreakingly sweet, cute-as-a-button youngster
who will be your shadow dog and loyal for life,
ROCKY is your boy!

ROCKY's ADOPTION FEE:   $250
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.

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING ROCKY?
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