Dumped/Abandoned Shepherd Puppy, thin but lovable. Pics #17

[VioletBlueIvy]

I wouldn't worry about him and the ball thing. If he is like every single GSD I have ever met in my entire life he will LIVE to play ball. Also if he is like my dogs have been he WILL come tell you when to play, all day long, every day. My GSD puts the ball at my feet, on my lap, throws it at me, drops it in my coffee, on my head, in the chickens food and water while I am trying to clean and fill them, in the chickens nests while I am collecting eggs, in the flower beds and garden WHILE I'm planting, weeding ect, get the picture? AND you better be careful where you throw it because NOTHING can stand in the way of him and that ball. He will go over, under or THROUGH anything in the way.

BTW FYI a GSD is NOTHING like a golden. GSD's are born with SERIOUS drive to do ANYTHING you ask them to.

I would worry about the socialization he's had though, you don't know what this guy has been through. GSD's have an early and long imprinting period, and very good memories. The intelligence that makes them so quick to learn and figure things out for themselves can really work against you if they "learn" something you'd rather they didn't. Being passed hand to hand can be a good experience for him as long as he likes to ride.... It will give him a chance to be spoiled by lots of different people which will be a good thing for sure.
It is the dog socialization I would be concerned with when he gets where he is going, sounds like he has had some bad experiences there. I would be 100% sure he has only positives ones from the get- go.
And I second the notion to put him on a grain free food! GSD's are prone to food sensitivities/allergies and it's just like food allergies and behavior problems with kids. Head that one off NOW, he needs all the help he can get, poor little guy. Also grain free doesn't swell up like the brands with lots of fillers, which helps prevent bloat. And as a large breed dog that has suffered malnutrition, he needs the extra protein, he has a lot of growing to do! I actually dont think he looks that bad from the pic anyway. GSD's can be pretty gangly, it takes them a couple years to grow into those ears and paws!!! He wont be really fully grown until he's about 4. I feed mine Taste of the Wild. There have been several threads about that brand on here lately. It's good stuff!
Good luck with him! He's a pretty boy. To handsome to be a Frodo IMO

A GSD is such a stately breed, they need names like greek gods!!! How about Odyssus, a more statuesque wanderer, You can call him Odo for short.

 

[3goodeggs]

I think Kate is a dog smooch-er from way back.

My heart did sink a bit when I read about the early imprinting. I have had shepherd mix breeds my whole life. When they love you, they love you and they will lay their life down for you. I feel I need that kind of dog. I have some changes coming up soon and I want to have him long enough for him to feel that way about me. I do not need a dog that will cower in fear of a stranger, I need one that will come between me and a dangerous person. The sooner I get him the better, so we can bond while he is young.

I also understand that by the time they have this dog in a good spot...they will want to keep him. He will have bonded with them and then he will get torn away again. That makes me feel like a rotten person. so I understand if Steven wants his mom to keep him. That is okay. I would prefer it to be that way. I may have jumped the gun on the dog anyway. He may have a home already.

If not, then I would prefer using the doggie transport services rather than flying because even though we can make it work with the money...It is going to be difficult. However,The last five years have been difficult. I think we are getting used to it.

I have a GSD dog now that bounces the ball in front of you so you will play with her. My husband will be working under the car and she'll roll it to him with her nose. He says it takes much longer to fix the car that way. (ball/wrench/ball/wrench...)

All of our shepherds have been rescue. Or, they found us. They seem to know who is deserving of love and tennis balls, and who they raise their fur at.
I did have one shepherd mix that was all business and would not play ball or tug or anything. He was my body guard. I picked him out of a ditch and nursed him back together. If he knew he was supposed to be nice to someone, but he did not really like them...He'd lift his leg on them. I was in high school and he would jog with me and visit my grandparents with me. I was glad to have that kind of friend back then.

I have a son who loves to play tug and fetch with our dog. The other GSD is about three and a bit now. She needs someone to keep her exercised and thin. Her play mate is around twelve and really slowing down, she has lost her doggie endurance but she still tries. She teaches the new dogs manners and etiquette. I need her to train another up before she passes on.
(I hate it that dogs are so short lived.)

I am starting to feel like I am taking Kate's dog away from her. I do not want to do that. But if I can have him, I would like to have him as soon as possible. We are one dog down and the whole world seems out of whack. We have the time and the energy and the patience that it will take to help this guy.
I am just not sure I want to wait until January.
I want to get started on making this dog ours now.
I sound like a three year old don't I?

 

[LyonFuzz]

It sounded in the beginning that she was looking for a good home for him, but now it sounds like he's going to be living outdoors in a cage for at least three months Threegoodeggs, I think the shepherd experienced home you're offering sounds wonderful and it's a shame that he won't be with you for that time when he could use the attention, training, and socialization you can offer. A working dog like that should not be caged away from it's family for sure. Dogs thrive on being part of a pack and even though he has other dogs he can see through the fence, I just don't see how this is the best scenario for him. I hope that wOw sees this and offers him up to you as soon as possible, considering you are able to pay the fees and such. Shouldn't the puppy's best interest be the most important thing here between dog lovers?

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to wait either.

I would think with proper food and a worming or two, that pup will put on weight rather quickly.

 

[jerseygirl1]

I think the dog is getting the absolute best care possible

For crying out loud, he's in New Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not the Himalayas!!!

He's in a kennel, not a cage!!!!!!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

Quote:
ummm from what I understood, the dogs MUST be vetted, and helalthy before he can be put in transport, the dog is emaciated looking, needs shots, etc... before he can be brought cross country.

if WOW didnt care, she wouldnt of gone through any of this trouble, she could of just dumped this dog at animal control, after all he isnt her responsibility when you come right down to it.

Would it be best if he was inside in a home, absolutely, but things have to be done in a chain of events, its not like someone is driving cross town to get him, this is cross country, lots of things must be planned, and he needs to be healthy first and foremost.

I know 3goodeggs, wants the dog with them, heck I would too, but if its meant to be it will happen smoothly!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
I am sure that if you hopped in your car and buzzed down to NM, you could pick up the pup and drive him to FL and 3GoodEggs and be back home by next week.

That way WOW would not have to spend 3 months fatten the neglected, dumped pup up before vetting and travel.



Writer - you are a wonderful, loving and caring person! This pup was lucky to end up in your backyard - no matter where he ends up living.

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

Quote:
I am sure that if you hopped in your car and buzzed down to NM, you could pick up the pup and drive him to FL and 3GoodEggs and be back home by next week.

That way WOW would not have to spend 3 months fatten the neglected, dumped pup up before vetting and travel.



Writer - you are a wonderful, loving and caring person! This pup was lucky to end up in your backyard - no matter where he ends up living.

I love the last line the most!!!!!!!

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

Quote:
Woops. Our neighbor's hunting dogs picked up giardia and cryptosporidium, and the family caught it from them (probably hugs and kisses) and a family who received one of their puppies caught it too. The symptoms are "food poisoning", stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache...

Its worth asking the vet to do a swab (oral) or a stool specimen, if the puppy looks a little wasted away and lethargic.

BTW, I want that puppy too. It is not possible for me to do it, but the truth is I want him. He is a perfect dog for me. I will say a prayer right now for his future. Wouldn't that be beautiful to see so many people ensure his safe transport to his new family? I wish his story could get on TV so I could watch it someday.

 

[Katy]

Lyonfuzz......most people would have just taken the pup to the shelter....or there's a lot that would have shoved it out of their backyard gate and washed their hands of the whole deal. Outside in a kennel being fed and gotten back into shape is certainly more than it's previous owner did for it. Whether she decides to keep him or find a good home for it she's doing much more for him than a lot would do. She's hardly mistreating him. I agree with horsefeatherz.....if it bothers you so much how he's being treated, why don't you volunteer to pick him up and deliver him to Florida!!