MALCOLM is a handsome hunk of a boy who's soooooo happy to out of the pen he lived in all his young life!  He's a big boy, only 1 year old, and never had the freedom to run, play, snooze, relax, or exercise.  In just the short time he's been with us, we've already discovered that he loves humans and would like to play with other dogs but just doesn't know how to play appropriately yet - he tends to jump right on them.  But he's making great progress in his wonderful foster home, and is already spending time out with several other dogs unleashed and playing well.  His new adopters MUST continue this training with other dogs, and be consistent and firm in insisting that he play appropriately. 

Malcolm is such a sweetheart that he started giving kisses almost immediately after coming to MOGS, despite being totally uncertain what was happening to him.  We think he's going to be a real lover with both humans and other dogs!  When introduced gradually to two other dogs over the period of a week, he clearly wanted to play and gave them doggie kisses.  And he's a "leaner" - he loves to lean into you as if to say "Oooooh, you're so wonderful!" 

Malcolm was bought from a breeder in Iowa for the sole purpose of being "protection" for a family's home.  Unfortunately, the family didn't understand that for a dog to protect your home, he has to (a) bond with you, which means living inside with you, and (b) be INDOORS where the burglars want to get!  They mistakenly thought that having him outdoors would "protect" them by having him bark.  We explained to the family that the ONLY way for a dog to protect you is for the dog to be where the burglars want to be be - INDOORS.  The family is planning to get a different dog for protection, and we sincerely hope s/he will be allowed indoors, in order to actually protect the home and form a bond with the family. 

In addition to being left outdoors all the time, Malcolm was confined to a dog pen in the yard.  That meant virtually no exercise for a growing puppy, and he has very little muscle tone in his back legs.  He's already starting to get stronger but this will have to build up gradually over a period of months.  Right now we're exercising him about 15 minutes at a time, then taking a break.

Malcolm is a big sweetheart of a guy who has simply had no training.  He will sometimes do a few basics such as sit, down, or come, but does not do them consistently. (If he had lived in the house with the family, this would have been easy for them to teach him.)  He still mouths a lot, jumps up on people, is too rough with other dogs, is not good on a leash, etc.  In short, he needs to learn the manners his family didn't teach him.  But he's a smart cookie and is food-motivated, and he will be easily trained with good, consistent leadership.  In just the first week in a foster home, he already had learned the command to kennel up, and became much more consistent with other commands. 

He's learning about the world around him very quickly, too!  On the day we picked him up he was terrified of the car and had to be bribed and helped in with food.  In less than a week, he learned to jump right in and enjoy the ride - he now rides very well in the car.  He also learned about toys in just a few days -  he LOVES a tennis ball, the bigger the better.  He's interested in the frisbee but doesn't quite know what to do with it yet.  This boy is a delight!

And while he loves running around free outdoors, when you come in he just wants to be by your side.  This "outdoor dog" LOVES being an indoor dog!  He's also housetrained now - within a few days he was able to make it through the night without any accidents.

KIDS:  Malcolm has been around kids from age 2 up, and seems to love them!  He did tend to nibble on the 2-yr-old's feet and backside, but that should be easily trained.  As witih any large, powerful dog, his interactions with small children must be thoroughly supervised to avoid accidental injury.   OTHER DOGS:  seems to love other dogs, but doesn't yet know what "play boundaries" are.  He will learn this with good leadership and supervision.  CATS:  Unknown, would have to be tested.

Malcolm must have a securely fenced yard, so that he can run and play, and get the exercise he's never had access to.  He would do well with a doggie buddy who's large, loves to play, is fairly easy going and will be tolerant of Malcolm while he learns to gentle down his play and be more appropriate.

Our volunteer who assessed him says "he's a treasure" - a diamond in the rough.  He's gorgeous, sweet, loving - and just waiting for the family who will truly love him and make him part of their life.  No more horrible loneliness for Malcolm. No more boredom.  This boy has a lot of living to do, and we're looking for one VERY special home where he will live and love forever!  Are YOU that family?  Apply now!

 
DOGS:                      Yes, but needs training in how to gentle down and be appropriate
CATS:                      Unknown, would have to be tested
KIDS:                      Yes, but ONLY with supervision due to his size and rambunctiousness!  He needs training in how to be appropriate and not overwhelm people, especially small kids
IDEAL FAMILY:    An active family with a securely fenced yard.  A family who will train him in good manners!  A doggie buddy to play with would be good - a larger dog who also loves to play, and can help teach him good play manners.   Malcolm just needs the training any normal loved dog would have gotten as a puppy! 
 
 

MALCOLM'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 MALCOLM?
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