SPENCER is a gorgeous soft-eared German Shepherd who is desparately in need of a stable, loving family who will help him undertand that all is well. He has huge promise and we believe he'll be one of the greatest dogs ever with the right secure environment, family and training!

Spencer was adopted from a public shelter over 3 years ago as a youngster.  Unfortunately, he was adopted by a young man who struggled to care for himself.  He loved Spencer as best he could, and made sure he was fed most of the time.  Still, Spencer bounced around from an apartment to a friend's couch to living in a tent.  And while the two were clearly bonded to each other, the relationship was unhealthy for Spencer.  The owner was uncertain and anxious, kept Spencer's leash tight at all times, and - without meaning to - taught Spencer to always be on edge, as if expecting something bad to happen.  As a result, Spencer became confused and anxious.  His owner recently decided to try and get his life in order, and we wish him the best of success.  But he went into rehab and couldn't keep Spencer, so gave him to friends who then contacted us.

So right now Spencer is a "project dog". All that means is that he's a work-in-progress, and needs extra heart, time, and training.  Which, if you thnk about it, isn't much to ask in return for a lifetime of love.  He needs to learn that the constant chaos and instability of the last 3 years is not normal, and to discover what a stable, loving, disciplined, loving home is like!  

Due to a severe shortage of people willing to open their hearts and homes to foster a dog, Spencer was in a boarding kennel at first.  There he was terrified and wouldn't let anyone approach, baring his teeth and growling.   We also discovered at that time that he had a severe ear infection no one had told us about.  Desperate to get near him and get him to a vet, we developed a strategy and ultimately found a wonderful foster who stepped up the plate despite the fact that it created quite a burden for their family.  But they were so heartsick for Spencer that they simply couldn't do anything else.  We're eternally grateful to his foster family for their unselfishness and love!!

Initially Spencer felt more comfortable around men (since he spent 24/7 with his male owner), but Spencer now is equally at home with men or women.  He still is skeptical of strangers because he's just learning about normal people-dog interactions and just beginning to understand that they're not threatening.  We saw signs of possible abuse when we realized Spencer would duck and cower at a raised hand.  After several months in a loving home, he seems to be mostly if not all past that as well.  He's currently living with several other large dogs and a teenager, and doing well.  He does occasionally have a disagreement (nothing serious) with the other strong willed male in the household, so he will be best in a home with no other dominant males.  We wouldn't exactly call Spencer dominant, but he was a single dog for 3 years and played only occasionally with a few other dogs.  He was used to having things his way as the only dog and he's still adjusting to all the rules of sharing his home with other dogs.  He actually loves to play with them!!! We think he would do well with a doggie buddy for companionship (would likely need to be another medium to large size dog to be a good match).

Spencer is VERY loving.  At first in his foster home, he hung up - sizing up what was happening and uncertain.  Now he understands he's loved and trusts his foster family, and now he wants more and more attention from a very busy family with a number of their own dogs.  So we're hoping that Spencer's forever family will appear soon, and he can be part of the forever, loving family circle where he'll spend the rest of his life as a valued and treasuered pet.

Spencer was skinny when he came to us, and it took a while to get him to eat (typical of confused, scared dogs).  But he's now put on some weight and is handsome, healthy, and ready to be part of his very own family.  His ear infection is under control, which is also helped by the good nutrition, but may occasionally pop up again in the future and will be simply controlled.

Spencer's new family need to be excellent canine leaders.  They must have a stable, calm, consistent environment in which Spencer has the room and leadership to learn what a secure  life is all about and how it works.  Spencer needs to be reassured that he no longer has to be the leader - that his humans are the leaders, set the rules, and enforce the rules.  We will happily work with his new family to share insights, training and tips on how to effectively communicate the right message to Spencer.

Spencer will likely be "nervous" of new people and situations for a while.  He spent 24/7 doing that for his former owner and he is still re-learning new behaviors.  For instance, his new family must be sure that when new people meet Spencer, they ignore him and simply let Spencer approach them.  This allows Spencer the privilege of getting comfortable that all is well, and saying in doggie language "OK, apparently you're OK and I can come meet you."  It's also important not to rush it, and be calm, gentle, and leader-like.  Job One for Spencer's new family will be to help this boy keep experiencing a normal loving life - and to expose him to more and more everyday experiences. 

This sweet guy has been dealt a tough hand to date, and now it's his turn to relax and enjoy life instead of always being worried.   As Spencer calms down and feels secure, we're seeing a magnificent dog emerge!  Only one extremely lucky family will be privileged to have this regal guy join their family circle, love them, cuddle with them, protect them.  Is that YOU? 


DOGS:                   YES, gets along with dogs, enjoys their company, likes to play.  Best not to pair him with a dominant male dog, however.  Small dogs would have to be tested as we haven't seen him around small dogs
CATS:                    Unknown, will have to be tested
KIDS:                     Has not been around very young kids, will have to be tested.  Older kids are fine (13 and up)
IDEAL FAMILY:       A patient, loving family who continue to work with him and teach him what a stable, loving home is all about - teach him he's safe and secure, he no longer has to worry about what will happen next, and he can trust his humans to be the leaders he needs.  A family who will keep exposing him to more and more normal daily interactions and activities, such as running to the store, going to the ATM, and similar. 
 

If you have a big heart, want a big gorgeous German Shepherd , and are willing and able to help Spencer understand he's safe, secure and loved now,
SPENCER may be your best buddy!

SPENCER'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 SPENCER?
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