FAITH is a petite, absolutely stunning, show-quality German Shepherd who, at 4 years old, has seen more than her share of rough times.  The great news is that she’s in a loving foster home where she’s rapidly re-learning how to love and be loved, how to get along in a pack, and how to behave in a home.  In a word, Faith is going to be a breathtaking dog when she emerges from the craziness!

Faith was originally bought from a breeder by someone who then abandoned her with relatives.  The relatives were unable to continue caring for her and she was sent to a shelter.  The shelter adopted her out and for several years Faith had a happy life.  Sadly, her human developed mental problems and could no longer keep her.  Back she went to the same shelter.  She was again adopted out, but something went very wrong this time and after a short time she was again returned to the shelter.  When she came back she seemed like a different dog - scared, skinny, head hung down, refusing to make eye contact, not eating, withdrawn and submissive peeing.  She reportedly had attacked a small dog in that home, and “bullied” a larger dog.  Yet she’s scared of cats and so much else. 

That’s when Faith found her way to us and we discovered what a lover and snuggler she is - probably THE biggest cuddler we've ever known!  She's one of the most loving dogs ever.  Her foster mom reports she “just melts” when you give her attention and that she absolutely craves love as if she’s been starved of it all her life.  For that reason she almost seems more like a 1 year old dog than a 4 year old dog.  She’s incredible with people, including strangers – she warms up quickly and truly adores being petted and loved on. She'll let the vet do anything to her as long as she's being touched.  She loves a bath and grooming as long as you're touching her.  And when you're done, she gets the zoomies - goes ballistic with joy! 

Despite her rough times, she's a great dog in so many respects.  She's house trained and crate trained.  She’s learning to walk/jog on a leash, knows sit and shake, and is generally good around the house. 

She has a strong toy drive and is always carrying around a toy in her mouth.  She also has a strong prey drive for squirrels and rabbits, and needs a 6 ft privacy fence so she doesn't try to jump out and chase passing small wildlife.

It appears Faith went through some very rough waters in her prior homes, and we're in the process of building her confidence back up.  She was withdrawn and depressed - "given up" according to the shelter - but she definitely loves life now and is having a great time.  She’s also slowly learning how to be part of a real family, including other dogs. 

Faith’s main issue appears to be with other dogs, and she may be ultimately be best as an only dog.  As one of our volunteers says, she “doesn’t make a good first impression with other dogs.”  At first she’s confrontational, growling and snipping.  However, it appears that this is not aggression but rather a lack of confidence and familiarity.  She’s currently living in a foster home with 3 three other large dogs, and day by day she’s learning to get along.  Her foster mom and dad do not permit misbehavior, and are gradually working her with the other dogs one at a time.  She’s very responsive when corrected, and just the other day had several major “breakthroughs”!  She tried to initiate play with one of the other dogs!  She was more like a bull in a china shop – her attempt to initiate play was rough and over the top – but it was still an effort to play even if the other dog was  puzzled by it.  The even bigger breakthrough -- her foster mom called it a "turning point" -- was that all 4 dogs were out together, unmuzzled but carefully supervised, for the first time and all went well. 

So Faith is rebounding nicely and we're seeing this gorgeous girl emerge from the bad times.  Faith needs an active family who will take her out into the big wide world and develope her confidence.  Her ideal family will have experience with dogs who have been through a hard time and need extra TLC and leadership/guidance.  Faith can probably live with another large, easy-going dog and might even enjoy it, but she definitely must have a strong canine leader who will provide the supervision she requires and continue the training she's getting in her foster home.  

If you're looking for a big time cuddlebug
who will love you unquestioningly in return,
and you're able and willing to continue her leadership training,
FAITH may be your ideal family member!

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