My name is Hawkeye [Medical]!

TEMPERAMENT/BEHAVIOR

Hawkeye (lovingly referred to as Marvin by his foster family) is one sweet senior boy who is getting a second chance at having the great life that he deserves.  Despite the obvious neglect he experienced, he is such a good boy who is looking for love and acceptance. While he comes with some manageable medical conditions, it’s all part of his story and this guy has a lot of life left and companionship to give.

He loves people and bonded quickly to his foster dad. While he initially seemed to show some signs of separation anxiety, this resolved greatly once he got to know the family routine and realized that his people would come back for him. He just wants to be where his people are and doesn’t like to be left behind when he knows they are doing something fun like mowing. His foster family has learned that he will settle better in his kennel instead of leaving him to pace when he knows they are working outside.

Either because of age, his back, his previous life, or a combination of all, he does not appear to want to play much with his siblings. He has surprisingly picked up a bone or toy from time to time, but not regularly. This could change as he gets healthier and more comfortable. He does like to take a lot of naps, but if his family is up and around or outside, that’s where he will be.

TRAINING

Hawkeye is doing wonderfully with his kennel training, he initially would do some pawing at the corner, but only when he was left alone completely in the room. When his siblings are kenneled near, he settles quickly and remains calm. He has even started laying in it or near it when he is wanting to have a snooze.

Hawkeye has done great with his potty-training! He has not had one accident in his foster home or kennel and doesn’t try to mark territory at all.  

His foster family is working on basic manners with him like waiting at doors patiently. Typical of a GSD, he is very smart and is already listening and following basic instructions.

PEOPLE

Hawkeye wants to be around his people. He does not like to be left alone when he knows they are at home somewhere and he will pace around searching.  He has bonded closely to his foster dad and will follow him everywhere. Hawkeye has met many adults in his foster home so far and seems to be a very people friendly boy. He has been interested in meeting new people and quickly moves on after receiving their pets. He has not been closely introduced to small children at this time. He seems a little more curious or unsure of the little ones and their sudden movements, so introductions would need to be closely planned out and monitored. Because of this, Hawkeye would do best in a home with no small children.

OTHER ANIMALS

Hawkeye has acclimated well to his 3 female foster siblings. Other than his clumsiness sometimes causing a collision, they have all been getting along well. He seems to remain much calmer in his kennel when they are also kenneled near him. He would most likely do best with a similar sized doggie-buddy, who is not looking for a wrestling or play friend. He does enjoy watching his siblings play with each other and even tolerates the youngest bugging him lightly to see if he wants to play with her.

He has not been properly tested but he seems extremely interested in small dogs and cats. It is recommended that his future home have only have similar sized doggys, until he can be properly tested.

MEDICAL

Hawkeye’s medical conditions are the result of years of severe neglect, including living a life outside and possibly chained (causing his weakness).  His most concerning medical condition is severe spondylosis in his spine and rib cage. Because of this, he has a clumsy walk and rounded back but it does not stop him from trotting around the yard and living his best life! He has gotten noticeably stronger and is walking much better after a few weeks in his foster home where he has been able to stretch his legs and explore outside. Spondylosis is only treated with pain management, such as a regular carprofen/rimadyl or librella regimen. When he was brought to MOGS he was missing quite a bit of fur due to skin bacterial and yeast infections which made him so itchy! Since he started getting good nutrition and regular medicated baths, his fur is growing back like crazy, and his itchiness has greatly reduced. Our boy is also permanently blind in one eye, most likely from an infection or injury to his eye that was never treated. The eye specialist said he is not experiencing pain, the condition does not affect his good eye, and he shouldn’t need any additional treatment to it. As a courtesy to him, his family should turn light on as needed at night when he is moving around or going outside. Finally, Hawkeye was severely malnourished. Since being in his foster home, he is eating like a champ and is slowly adding back some much-needed weight. Because of his spondylosis, it is important for him to maintain a healthy weight throughout his life, so that will be important for his future family to monitor.

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