WILLOW is a darling girl who desperately wants to love and be loved.  She's on the small side and may be a purebred GSD (bad breeding) but is likely a high mix.  She came from death row at a small southern Missouri pound, where dogs and cats are routinely killed in huge numbers.  (Southern Missouri is rural and is especially hellish for animals. Missouri itself is, literally, THE Puppy Mill Capital of the U.S., supplying over 40% of the all the puppies sold in pet stores in this country.)

Willow was terrified at first but is coming around nicely - it's as if she doesn't quite trust that life is so good and people can really be kind.  It's heartbreaking to watch her, but where she used to freeze as if waiting to be hit, she now seems comfortable that you have good intentions!  She's just trying to wrap her head around the fact that she's now safe - and actually loved!!!! 

She's doing very well in her foster home, where she is totally mellow and chilled out.  She likes to just lay around, especially on the couch.  We're guessing she's never known comfort before in her entire life, and this is all new to her. 

Willow has one of the saddest faces we've ever seen.  Just look at the picture of her in her cage at Animal Control.  She broke our hearts and we couldn't resist the pleas from local voiunteers to save her.  Even now that she's in a loving foster home, her eyes carry a deep sadness.  We hope that one day that sadness will drop away, but in the meantime she simply needs love, love, love!!!  She needs to know that she will NEVER be hit, hurt or starved again.  She needs to understand that she will be loved and cared for forever.   She need to trust that all is well, permanently.

Willow was also seriously underweight by at least 15 lbs when we got her.  She was clearly neglected or abandoned long ago, and had to fight for her survival.  With the help of a loving foster home, lots of good food, and a special high-nuttition gruel, Willow is now putting on good weight and starting to stand straight and tall.  It's heartwarming to see her looking so much better!

Willow is in a foster home with kids (8 & 10 yrs old) and a cat - and she does great with all of them.  She also does fine with visiting kids.  She also lives with a slightly larger dog who is 8 yrs old, mellow and sweet - and does great.  However, Willow will NOT tolerate other dogs trying to get in her face!  She will lift her lip, growl, and would likely snap or worse at them if allowed.  Based on what we know, we believe she had to fight for her survival, either as part of a backyard pack or out on her own - and this reaction is very typical for dogs who have been through that.  It's a question of time and patience, and coming to understand that other dogs are not trying to "get" her or be aggressive.  That takes time and patience, and her new family will have to make sure that all dog introductions are slow and gradual, with the other dog ignoring Willow and leaving her alone. 

Overall, Willow is a perfect companion for a quiet house, or for a house without other rambunctious dogs!  She is starting to love being loved on and it will be fun to watch as she becomes a lovebug. 

Are you looking for a non-hyper, super-sweet dog to be your companion and buddy?  For a dog who will be eternally grateful for love and comfort?  Only one fortunate family will be able to add Willow to their home!  Are YOU that family?



DOGS:                    Yes, PROVIDED the other dog(s) are respectful of her space and do NOT get in her face!  She will not tolerate other dogs in her face (having had to fight for her survival).  Do not recommend highly energetic young dogs for that reason
CATS:                     Yes, currently is in foster care with a cat and does fine
KIDS:                     Yes.  Lives with an 8 and 10 yr old.  Does very well with visiting kids.  Kids MUST be respectful.  Do not recommend for very young children or highly energetic kids who do not understand boundaries or how to properly treat a dog
IDEAL FAMILY:      hard to describe at this time, but probably a moderately active to active family who will patiently work with Willow to assure her she's safe, secure and loved.  A securely fenced yard is required.
 

If you're looking for a lovely, mellow girl who just wants to give and get love, 
and are willing to show her some patience and guidance,
WILLOW may be your perfect family member!

WILLOW's ADOPTION FEE:   $200
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 WILLOW?
Complete an Adoption Application Now!

Good with Cats, 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.