ROSIE (aka "Primrose") is a gorgeous classic German Shepherd who's just starting to find out how good life can be, and how loving people can be.  She's incredibly loving - a big kisser who loves to give you constant licks. She'll sit on your lap and curl up on your couch if allowed ... she's hungry for love/  And one look at her pleading, soul-filled eyes will do you in!

Rosie was a stray at a big city shelter. She was starved, heartworm positive, and scared of most people.  She constantly paced the fence in the play yards, trying to find a way to get away from people.  Her ear tips were eaten away by flies ("fly strike").  Rosie was clearly thrown out in a yard, ignored, probably hit, and ran the fence barking at everyone who came near.   She also clearly was used to breed.  The shelter adopted her out to 3 different homes, but she was returned every time - twice within 24 hours - by people who wanted her to walk through their door and just "fit in".  Poor Rosie!

So when the shelter asked us to take her, we did.  She's currently in a foster home with two other GSDs and is doing very well!  She's still a bit of a "project dog", but she's coming along quickly and learning sooo much!  Here are the things Rosie is working on and still needs to learn:

• other dogs - she's fine with other dogs who don't try to jump on her or get right in her face.  She's still learning to tolerate dogs who are higher energy and want to get all over her.

• strangers - when she first sees new people or animals approaching, Rosie goes into typical GSD protection mode.  But she quickly corrects and is slowly learning it's ok for people to approach.  She calms down quickly when corrected and looks to her human for cues - and then lets the strangers not only approach but love on her

• walking on leash - she pulls badly and was clearly never on a collar and leash before.  With the use of a "head collar" (Gentle Leader brand), she's learning to walk at a more moderate pace

• sharing with other animals - she's supervised while eating dinner near her foster siblings, and while she's aware of where they are there have been no disagreements.  However, she should not be left unsupervised around food bowls and other animals at this time.  She is fine taking her turn with treats being given out.  Her new owners need to be aware that if there are other animals in the house, and as Rosie gains confidence and her true personality emerges more and more, she will need continued attention/training with toys and other possessions.

Rosie is an absolute love who's going to be an awesome dog once she learns all this.  It's amazing to watch her at adoption events - everything about normal interaction and life is new to her, and just like a human baby every second of these experiences she's taking stuff in and learning.  At the end she's exhausted and sleeps like a log! 

Rosie loves people and would do fine around older kids who are respectful of her space and would learn to let her approach them.  She will probably not do well around noisy small kids who are likely to come at her or jump on her.

She also requires a 6 ft fence, and a privacy fence is strongly preferred.

Rosie needs a family who will invest a bit of time and patience in finishing up her "education"!  It's really not hard -- she learns very quickly -- but it does require absolute consistency and some socialization work. 

Are YOU the ones to do that?  Are YOU the lucky ones who be blessed with this soul-filled girl who's so eager to love, learn and please you?  


DOGS:                    Yes, would like a doggie buddy.  Probably best not to be an overly energetic, in-your-face dog, but rather a calmer dog or at least one who won't jump all over her
CATS:                     Unknown, would have to be tested
KIDS:                     Older kids only, approx. 10 yrs and up (need to be respectful of Rosie's space and not scare her by jumping on her, etc)
IDEAL FAMILY:      A moderately active family with a securely fenced yard and 6 ft fence (privacy fence strongly preferred).  A family who will understand she's learning everything about being a normal dog with a loving family, and will help her finish her transition to loved family pet.  A patient loving family with a relatively calm environment.

 

If you're looking for a beautiful, soulful, loving German Shepherd
who just needs some time and patience,
ROSIE may be your family's BFF!

ROSIE'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 ROSIE?
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