Russia
(Russia is represented by: MAGSR) Gender: Male Good With Kids: Yes, older kids
Breed: German Shepherd Mix
Color: Black & Tan
Date of Birth: 02/01/2011
Date of Birth is estimated: Yes
Current Size: 71 lbs
Ideal/Potential Size: 75 lbs
Housebroken: Yes
Obedience Trained: No
Living With: Foster
History: Stray to Shelter
Good with Cats: Unknown
Other Dogs OK: Yes
Foster Needed?: No
Represented by: MAGSR
Contact Email:
Contact Name:
Contact Phone No.:
NID#: 8790
Date Added:
Added to DB: Sat, 2021-02-27 18:39
Last updated: Thu, 2022-03-31 15:19
Not Ready for Adoption: No
Commitment Dog: No
Show as New: No
Special Needs: No
Dog Record Archived (1=Yes/0=No): 1
Videos:
Description
Sweet and sophisticated Russia was picked up by animal control in the south. Although Russia had been adopted out years earlier, it was highly evident that he had not been well cared for over the last few years. Thin, infested with fleas, and lacking basic care, this gentleman was in need of help and fast. Fortunately, the shelter began addressing his needs while they waited out his stray hold and began looking for rescue support. When no one came to claim Russia, MAGSR stepped in.
Although Russia had clearly been neglected this handsome gentleman is a loving and gentle soul. His easy-going mannerisms and affectionate attitude make him the ideal dog for many households. Russia already knows a few commands such as sit and paw. He loves to greet everyone and has no problem being the center of attention. Although Russia did have a family at one point, we do not yet know if he is housebroken or crate trained. We do know he rides in the car beautifully and is a gentleman on leash. As Russia's needs were clearly neglected, he is now getting the vetting he needs to move forward. Unfortunately, Russia did test heartworm positive. This diagnosis would have been avoided had he been provided with monthly heartworm preventatives. Russia has already begun his heartworm treatment and is doing well. The cost of his entire treatment will be covered by MAGSR. Treatment is expensive, but Russia is beyond worth the cost. Please consider donating toward Russia's treatment and care. Your generosity will help us save him and other dogs with medical needs. Although Russia will need some time to heal over the next few months, this sweet guy will be back to full strength when his treatments are completed. If your household is looking for a handsome and sophisticated gentleman, please ask to meet Russia today.
Updates
Russia has been in a foster home almost a week and he is settling in and I get to see more of his sweet personality each day. First thing anyone should know about him is that he loves nothing more than human love and attention. He is a resilient boy, considering that humans in his past treated him poorly. He just wants to be a velcro dog for someone. Even though he arrived underweight and loving food, from day 1 he would leave his food bowl to find me if I left the room. He compensates for my absence by bringing mouthfuls of food to me so he can eat in the same room.
He is still skittish and cowers with fast movement or loud noise which is remnants of his past experiences that we are making progress with. Russia was placed on short term steroid and it a helping him be more comfortable/less itchy and requires more frequent trips outside for potty breaks. He has obviously been suffering for a long time and is missing fur. He is heartworm positive and MAGSR is paying for his treatment. His first week here was filled with vet visits, x-rays, a bath (quite possibly his first in a looong time), and blood draws. Through it all he has loved up on the vet and vet techs and they think he is the best dog ever. That’s huge progress for a dog scared into cowering on the floor or running away when the TV turns on. It is clear he has had very little experience with indoor life but just as we mentioned before he is resilient and adapting to the wonderful life as a beloved family member. His soulful eyes just tug at your heart, Russia is patiently waiting for that special someone to shower him with all the love and attention he deserves.
Don't let his age fool you, this pup has a lot more energy than first thought. As his health improves, so does his activity level. He bounces like a puppy when happy, throws and chases his stuffy, and jogs around the house when the mood strikes. He also has a touch of mischief hiding in him. I think he would make someone a great walking partner -- even speedwalker partner. We can't officially check that yet since he is still dealing with heartworms and has activity limitations but he shows every sign of being an energetic dog.
His fur is doing much better and although he will never get back some of his coat, he is furry again overall. He is also gaining confidence and doesn't run away all the way now. He barks at "intruders" and runs behind me to only come out and repeat the cycle. He is much more tolerant of hands moving around and rarely cowers now.
He is also 90% house trained which is a vast improvement. He still piddels if very scared and he has had an accident when I broke routine and didn't head straight for the door first thing in the morning. I think he knows that he needs to go outside for the bathroom but doesn't yet understand that this means he isn't supposed to go inside, if that makes any sense. He sleeps nicely in the crate by my bed all night. If put in the crate during the day he whines and barks but doesn't chew or paw at the crate.
Oh, and he sings! watch the video
Freedom!!! Well, sort of...
Russia has finished his strict kennel rest during heartworm treatment and is being allowed out for some walks and play. He is acting like a child who has been let out for school's summer vacation and can't get enough fun! He definitely needs some refresher training on how to walk nicely on a leash, but that is to be expected considering the last few months of strict rest.
After a short bout of play with toys, or a romp in the yard, or a play fight with the other dog, it is time for some front porch sittin'. Now, if you are wondering what the difference is between sitting and sittin' you have to remember his southern upbringing. He likes to sit on the front porch (never the back), watch the world go by, chat with neighbors, and call out the young pups who dare come near his lawn.
"In my day we knew how to bark correctly. Now a days these young pups cannot be bothered to send a pee-mail. What is this pee-tweet anyway?! In my day..." Yes, Russia, we know. Take it easy, I'm in the middle of writing something.
Sittin' with his favorite drink (cool water if you please) he gets in his favorite spot, right up against the door in the shade, and will stay there until forced to come inside because it is time for food or it is getting too hot.
He would really like a home of his own so he doesn't have to keep dealing with sharing a human with another dog. "That young pup needs to know his place in this pack! Biting my tail and taunting me..." Yes, Russia.
As you can tell he likes to say his piece so I wouldn't recommend a townhome or an apartment building where dogs are not well-loved. However, while he has his curmudgeonly moments, he really does have the playfulness of a much younger dog and loves human companionship. He's looking for a family or person who can spend some time giving him a good scratch, some great treats, and hopefully, a front porch. He's the perfect blend of active dog who doesn't need a lot of exercise and relaxing porch (or couch) companion. Will you please open your home?
