Samson is a stunningly gorgeous German Shepherd who is great with kids, other dogs and people in general.  As you can see from the pictures, he ADORES kids and is going to make one very lucky family incredibly happy! 

He's also well-mannered and well-trained, which is lovely for his new family :-)  Samson won't eat meals or treats without permission, waits for you to go out the door in front of him, and has been trained to stay in the kitchen unless given permission to come outside of it.  And he knows a number of commands:  sit, down, stay, speak, sneeze, talk, shake, high five, heel, go to bed.

And while he doesn't exactly enjoy baths or nail trims, he's very tolerant and cooperative with anything you do to him as long as you tell him "sit and stay" - and talk to him gently.

Samson's story is heartbreaking.  Raised lovingly by a wonderful owner who cared deeply for him, Samson was well socialized and well trained.  But his owner's health changed and she developed sudden and severe allergies to all pets - she can't even walk in the pet store to buy food without having an allergic reaction!  So Samson was forced to live in the garage so as not to cause severe reactions that could easily send the owner to the hospital.  The owner was and is heartbroken because Samson was the light of her life and a true family member.  She trained him beautifully - she was the great canine leader all GSDs need.  We're grateful to her for investing the time and effort rquired to train Samson properly and turn him into the outstanding family dog he is today!

Because of her loving leadership she has set Samson up for success in life, even without her.  And in honor or her outstanding guardianship we intend to find Samson THE best home ever!   So Samson is now looking for an incredible forever family and home where he will once again be a beloved family member.  And we ask that his new family  be willing to keep his former owner updated on how he is and how he's doing.

Samson adores people in general.  He's a VERY social guy and regards everyone as a potential playmate!  He does NOT have a strong alpha personality, a big plus in a dog his size!  He absolutely LOVES kids, is very social, is not a barker, likes to take car rides and walks.  He isn't a jumper or a barker, but likes to sniff people's feet in greeting.  He also likes to chase squirrels but -- picture this --is afraid of chipmunks!  Samson has not been around cats and would have to be tested.   He loves to play with other dogs of any size, large and small!

Samson has two medical conditions you need to know about. One is a slight heart murmur that does not affect his health, stamina, or energy - his activity level is unrestricted and there is no action required.  The other is a condition of the pancreas called "EPI" or Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.  It simply means that his pancreas lacks the enzymes that absorb nutrients properly, and you have to add those enzymes to his food at every meal.  EPI dogs who are not given these enzymes can eat and eat, and still literally starve to death because of the "malabsorption" of nutrients.  Samson is currently on an enzyme called EPI-PRO 6X Pancreatin 6x USP, which is bought online and costs $132 for 82 days worth (almost 3 months supply).  There are literally tens of thousands of EPI dogs living happily in homes across America, and simply taking their enzymes with every meal.  However, if you are unable or unwilling to commit to the cost of his monthly enzymes (currently about $40 per month or $10 per week), Samson is not the dog for you.

Samson is one fantastic big love of a guy with a heart of gold and a personality to match.  But only one VERY lucky family will welcome him home!  Is that YOU?
 
DOGS:                   Yes, LOVES to play with large and small dogs, would LOVE a buddy!
CATS:                    unknown, would have to be tested
KIDS:                    Yes, LOVES them!
IDEAL FAMILY:      An active family with lots of people, kids and other dogs around to play with!  A family who is able and willing to provide him with the daily enzymes he needs for his panreatic condition.

 

SAMSON's ADOPTION FEE:   $300
This fee covers only part of what we spend to vet, board and rehab the dogs we save. On average we spend over $450 on each dog. We made a decision to keep our adoption fee at the 2005 level even though vet prices have doubled and tripled since then. We are constantly fundraising to cover the deficit. 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, monthly heartworm and flea preventives, and microchip. In many cases it also includes surgery and various types of vet treatment for standard issues such as hot spots, ear infections and so on.
 
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING SAMSON?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!

Good with Dogs, Good with Kids

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

Thank you for considering a homeless dog or cat.