Missouri German Shepherd Rescue      Love In Action - Restoring Hope for German Shepherds               an IRS 501(c)3 non-profit organization

The medical condition that caused the owner to panic is one in which Cera won't be quite as graceful as many GSDs.  She's been to MU Vet Hospital for testing and although the vets aren't 100% sure, they believe it's a condition called "cerebellar hypoplasia".  It has lots of potential causes and there's no way to know how she got it.  The bottom line is that it afffects the fine motor skills.  It's not a 'treatable' condition (no meds or surgery).  Rather it's one that simply exists and is managed with exercise and understanding.  She'll probably always be a bit clumsier than other dogs, will look a little goofy going up and down stairs, etc.  She also 'air snaps' a lot (neurological response) and occcasionally holds her head at a slight tilt (so minor you often miss it).  She's getting better about about the air snapping, and her foster has learned to simply hold treats in a certain way to help Cera take them more gently.  Due to the air snapping, we don't recommend very small children around her unless comipletely supervised. 

She also still has a little bit of shaking in her back end when standing at her food dish and may lay down to eat, but even that has improved a good deal since she's been in foster care with energetic foster siblings.  Her back end strength has improved greatly (she had almost no muscle mass in the back end).  We believe it will continue to improve -- provided she continues to get the same vigorous daily exercise she's currently getting thorugh hard play with other dogs.  

Her condition is like all conditions -- it may improve, stay the same, or get worse over the years.  Some vets familiar with the condition say it's rare for it to get worse.  It seems that whatever neurological damage was done, was done and that's the end of it.  What we do know for certain is that's she a super sweet young lady who's just a little on the clumsy side!  And she LOVES life!  She's a party girl and would play non-stop if allowed. 

Cera has a wonderful personality:  she loves people, loves other dogs and gets along with everyone.  She's now crate trained and in fact when she's done playing she puts herself in her kennel for a nap, and to let the other dogs know she's taking a time out.    She's better on her potty training but still has a ways to go.

She's also a typical GSD puppy:  high energy, super smart, learns quickly, a little head strong.  A zest for life, a charge-ahead girl, not scared of anything.  She's an energetic, mischievous puppy.   She knows a few main commands including sit, down, no.  She has pretty good leash skills for her age, and her foster mom continues to work on it.  She's also doing well learning how to stay by her person's side when on a walk or run.  She's a smart girl who, like all GSDs, needs your good leadership and guidance so she grows up to be a well-behaved and wonderful girl!

Cera is an absolutely GORGEOUS little girl who almost didn't make it this far due to human fear.  She's one of the most precious pups we've ever met -- and we're looking for that VERY special family who aren't afraid of her clumsiness and take it in stride.  REQUIREMENTS:  You MUST have at least one other energetic, hard-playing dog in your family to keep Cera well exercised.  You MUST also have a securely fenced yard. 
Are YOU a very special, big-hearted family looking for a very special, precious, loving little GSD?  Cera may be your own personal "Dream Girl"!