XANDER is a stunning boy with a gorgeous long coat and a zest for life!  His owner dumped him at a local shelter citing 'behavior issues' but didn't say what those were.  Since Xander was filthy, thin and terrified, we believe that Xander was in fact both neglected and mistreated.TEMPERAMENTXander is a dog who LOVES being loved on! He'll put his paw on you whenever he can and beg for belly rubs, hugs, or whatever you'll give.  He loves, loves, loves his people and pretty much wants to be where you are.  He's not exactly a velcro dog, but he's close.  When you come home, he acts like he hasn't seen you in 10 years.  At first we thought he was high-energy because during the months he spent in boarding, he constantly ran around and paced.  But once in his foster home, it turned out that even though he loves to run around the yard he prefers to be where you are and will settle down to nap while you work or watch TV.  The cutest thing is when he gets the "zoomies" and races around the yard like a kid!  At events he greets people like he's known them for life and just seems hungry for affection.  We haven't seen him around many kids yet, and hope to do more of that. For now, we recommend kids over 12 only (no toddlers pulling on tails, etc). His foster mom calls him a "jumping-jack-dog" -- like some herding dogs such as border collies, he has a sparkle in his eye and can suddenly jump up and surprise you.  Yet he settles nicely and is largely content to be with you. He's generally mild-mannered, loving, and a pleasure to have around.HOUSE MANNERSXander is very good in the house.  He is not destructive when left out alone, is gentle in the house, and is house trained.  He is crate trained but doesn't like it and will try to tear up his blankets, pads, or nearby goodies he can reach.  If you elect to leave him out free in the house while you're gone, just be sure there isn't any food within reach though!OTHER ANIMALSDogs:    We think Xander was picked on and attacked by other dogs, and as a result he's kind of particular about other dogs.  He's reactive to dogs who try to get in his space / face or directly approach him.  He's good with (1) dogs smaller than him who are mellow / submissive, and (2) dogs who just want to "hang out" and don't bother him.  He needs proper introductions to all dogs (i.e. don't let the other dogs get in his face right away).  So he needs to be with non-dominant dogs, and once he gets to know them he does very well.  He often stands right by some of his GSD foster siblings on the dog bed.  He played long and hard with one smaller GSD foster sister who was 11 months old and goofy.  He's met a number of other foster dogs moving through his foster home and with slow introductions does very well.  He will NOT do well with a dominant dog, or one who does not respect his space while he gets to know them.  In boarding he was in a play group with a few other dogs who 'hung out' and did their own thing.  In his foster home, he lives with two large GSDs who don't play and are not intrusive.  He's also had several other fosters come in and out, and he's loved playing with them! The common theme is that they're all at least a little smaller than him, all female, and all 'easy-going' dogs who are not dominant.  Xander could probably do fine as an only dog but would just need lots of attention.   Initially it took him about a week to adjust to his foster siblings, but after he did he moves freely among them, steps over them, curls up on dog beds close to them, etc.  It's as if he thinks any dog who approaches him directly at first may be intending to harm him, and once he truly knows that won't happen he's ok.  He will never be a candidate for a dog-park.   Cats:   He has a high small prey drive and although it's possible he could be trained to live with an indoor-only cat, at this time we recommend no cats. TRAININGXander clearly was never trained on anything by his former owners.  For instance, he had no leash manners at all and we're working on that -- his ex-'family' never bothered to take him for walks.  He pushed in/out of doors, and is now learning to wait until released.  He tended to jump on people and he's much improved.  In other words, Xander had exactly zero rules or training in his past life and is now getting them!  With consistency and leadership, he does well -- he wants to please and seems to hate it when firmly told no -- almost as if he doesn't understand what he did.  It's clear that having rules and boundaries is new to him and he's doing very well in his journey to learn them.  He dislikes the spray water bottle so much that all you have to do is show it to him and he stops / backs away.  His new family just needs to continue his training.MEDICALXander is healthy, neutered and ready to get on with his life in a forever home.  No medical issues.
OVERALLXander is a medium-sized bundle of fur and love!  He'll thrive as an only dog, but can potentially live with another very mellow dog who won't "bug" him to play, or get in his face / space.  A fenced yard is mandatory, with a 6' fence strongly preferred.  If you're looking for a great, cuddly, loving companion with moderate energy who likes a little bit of running around in the yard but otherwise wants to be with you, Xander's your guy!  DOGS:                  Would like another dog but has to be non-dominant and respectful of his space.                              Generally does better with dogs at least a little smaller than himself.  No                             dominant or 'pushy' dogsCATS:                   Recommend no cats at this time.  May be trainable with an indoor-only catKIDS:                   12 yrs and up (no tail-pulling, etc)IDEAL FAMILY:   A moderately active family with a relatively quiet household, a securely fenced yard, and older kids (12 yrs and up).  Any resident dog(s) must be the type who are either genuinely nice, or mellow and respectful.   
If you're looking for a snuggle-buddy and lover with moderate energy,XANDER is your boy!
XANDER'S ADOPTION FEE:   $250 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 XANDER?Complete an Adoption Application Now!PLEASE READ THIS:

We're picky about our adopters.  
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.   
Will the dog be an inside family pet? We do not adopt to outdoor-only homes. All dogs must be indoor dogs.
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!!
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? 
Will you make a lifetime commitment?  It's your responsibility to keep your dog safe, loved and cared for FOR LIFE.
 Do you understand we expect you to keep that lifetime commitment?  It's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to stick by your family member -- no matter what. 
Are you unable or unwilling to make a lifetime commitment? Do not apply.


 





Have Questions? Email us at mogsrescue@gmail.com




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