Astro came to us an owner surrender.  This is a perfect example why you do not get a child a dog and expect them to be the caregiver.  The child, after 3 weeks no longer was interested in caring for him, even though he promised he would.  The parent did not have time, nor the knowledge to care for a GSD puppy.  Astro did not have training and was doing your typical puppy behaviors...chewing, jumping, nipping.  Without structure, guidance and training to teach good manners his puppy behaviors continued as no one taught him otherwise.  Astro is now in the care of a loving foster learning acceptable behaviors, good manners, getting lots of exercise and structure.  Astro is a sweet boy, he will need a family to continue to provide him with training and structure, along with positive reinforcement.  

Amber was surrendered to us as she was not getting along with the other resident female dog.  Amber likes to be the alpha, so she would do better with a non dominant dog.  She has been around children and did well.  She also did well with a visiting a larger laid back dog, although she does play rough.  As you can imagine her world as she knew it has been turned upside down.  We are giving her time to settle in so that we can get to know her better.

Rocky was an owner surrender as his person had no time for him.  It is so important when taking on the responsibility of a pet that you have the time and patience to work with.  Rocky is a 6 month old untrained big puppy.  He was not taught any manners, nor were his puppy behaviors addressed.  He will jump on people, he is mouthy, will chew things he shouldn't and have accidents in the house.  He is in need a good training program and a family that will teach him acceptable behavior.  Socializing him with lots of people and other dogs is critical, as it is with all dogs.  Due to his lack of manners we will not place him in a home with very young children.  He will need a strong leader who is willing to work with him and burn off his high puppy energy.  Prior puppy GSD experience is required.

Happy birthday Jackson! Today was Jackson's special day and we are doing everything we can to celebrate his life. Jackson came to MAGSR after he was surrendered to a shelter. We are still learning about him. But here is what we know so far. Stay tuned for updates.

He appears to have been neglected as he is very thin. However, he is interested in his food when his people are with him. He is incredibly sweet and is such a mild mannered boy. He is very quiet but is inquisitive about everything that is new to him. He is very curious about other dogs. Yet is respectful of them and has shown the desire to play with dogs that are respectful of him. Jackson does not seem to know what toys are about which is very sad. But he is  happy to hang out, relax and enjoy head scratches and belly rubs. He stresses during car rides and does not stay in one place. But remains quiet throughout. Today, he was at peace lying on the grass, decompressing as he was watching the squirrels in the trees after all the changes he has been through. He will need a family that is patient, consistent and empathetic for what he may have experienced in his life previous to MAGSR. However, he walks well on leash and is happy to go where you want to explore. He will thrive with someone to show him all the world has to offer. At the present time, he doesn't appear to be a lap dog but at the same time, is a dog who is looking for someone to bond with.

Grace came to us from a shelter we have no history on her.  Since arriving in our care she has been friendly, she rides well in the car and did well at her vet visit.  She previously lived wth another GSD.  She of course needs training, which help her learn good behavior and manners.  Grace is heartworm positive, this could have been avoided had she been kept on monthly heartworm preventatives.  Grace is in the beginning stages of her heartworm treatment, which of course MAGSR is paying for her entire treatment.  She will have to take it slow for the next few months while undergoes treatment, so lots of rest is in order.

Ballot came to us an owner surrender as his former person took ill and could no longer care for him.  He is a large, very handsome, long haired male.  His coat is not in the best condition at this time as he did not receive the grooming a long coated dog requires.  He will be a having a spa day to remove dirt and matted fur.  He is a friendly boy, he does need to learn some good manners which training will help with him,

Shasta has lived her life in a crate, up to 23 hours a day.  Due to this she is under socialized and fearful.  She needs an adopter that has experience, has the time and patience to help her to adjust to life outside of a crate.  A good training program and commitment from her person is very much needed.  She has met other dogs and handled non dominate dogs the best, she ran away from dogs that were trying to dominate her.  Due to her fearfulness we will not place her in a home with young children.  Shasta is learning to trust our volunteers, but requires a slow approach.  She relaxed some when she was introduced to a squeaky toy, she ran and jumped around like a puppy.

Shasta will only meet potential adopters who have experience with GSD's that are not well socialized.  Shasta needs a home where she is safe, a quieter home without a lot of commotion. At this time she is a flight risk and will require to be on leash when outside.  She will not meet families with children under the age of 12.  

Apollo cannot be any cuter and is absolutely a great little boy, happy go lucky and loves to give puppy kisses.  Apollo has a lot to learn about going a good canine citizen and will require training.  Please remember that puppies are a lot of work and require a lot of attention from their family - puppies are a ten to twelve year commitment.  Puppies are full of energy and can be mischievous – they will whine, have accidents, get into things, and chew on inappropriate things.  With time, patience, guidance and training, Apollo will become even more of an amazing boy than he already is.  Please inquire if Apollo sounds like a good match for your family.

Takoda is such a sweet boy, he has a wonderful disposition.  He is young and does require training, but with his smarts and wanting to please his people, he will be the rock star of his training class.  He has done well with the many dogs of varying sizes he has met, and he has done well meeting children.  Prior to arriving in our care he tested positive for heartworm, we will have another test done by our vet to confirm.  If Takoda is heartworm positive he will need to undergo heartworm treatment.  This is paid for by MAGSR, Heartworm treatment requires that the dog remain calm, no over exertion.  This means short leash walks for pottying, no running or jumping and crate rest until the treatment protocol has been completed.  If you are considering Takoda please be sure you are committed to seeing him through treatment, following the guidelines without exception.

Armor cannot be any cuter and is absolutely a great little boy, happy go lucky and loves to give puppy kisses.  Armor has a lot to learn about going a good canine citizen and will require training.  Please remember that puppies are a lot of work and require a lot of attention from their family - puppies are a ten to twelve year commitment.  Puppies are full of energy and can be mischievous – they will whine, have accidents, get into things, and chew on inappropriate things.  With time, patience, guidance and training, Armor will become even more of an amazing boy than he already is.  Please inquire if Armor sounds like a good match for your family.

Mochi came to us as a stray from a shelter.  It is hard to believe that no one was looking for him, he is absolutely a wonderful boy.  He is friendly with everyone he meets, just an overall friendly boy.  He enjoys playing with other dogs, lots of playtime helps him burn off the energy of a young dog.  Mochi is certainly ready to move on and to meet his new family.

Copper was surrendered to a shelter as the family had 8 dogs which was against county pet laws.  He is wonderful with other dogs. He is somewhat timid and looks to his person for guidance and direction.  He feels much more comfortable when his person is a confident handler.  He enjoys curling up in your lap and being loved on.  

Meet MAGSR's newest bonded pair - Chewy (m) & Tanga (f)! These two were surrendered to MAGSR after their human mom passed away - they are understandably confused and nervous. They are reported to be good with dogs, kids and cats (lived with 2 chihuahuas and cats). MAGSR will make every effort to keep them together.  They are both very large dogs and need to lose some weight, nothing exercise and reduction in food intake won't help.  Do you have room in your home and heart for two?? 

Zeus was adopted from us as an 8 week old puppy.  He was returned as the adopter claims he is moving and could not find housing that would allow a large breed dog.  Zeus is a wonderful, friendly boy.  He needs some brushing up on his obedience training.  He is over weight and could use to lose pounds, walks, and playtime along with cutting back on his food intake will help him reach optimal weight.  He was often left with a pet sitter who had children and cats, he did fine with all.  In his previous home he lived with other dogs without problems.  Zeus will make a great family addition, please ask to meet him.

Sadly Soldier's person found themselves homeless needing to find a new home for Soldier.  He is now in our care in a foster home.  He has done well with other dogs, cats and children since being in his foster home.  His foster will provide an update once she has gotten to know him better and he has had the chance to settle in.

Ozzie's former person took ill and was no longer able to care for  him.  He was brought to the VA area by a family member and is now in our care looking for his forever family.  Ozzie is a very big boy at 94 lbs  He has undergone formal training but will require further training with his new family.  He has not lived with dogs before but did well meeting another German Shepherd during our evaluation.  Ozzie does have the tendency to herd (nip at) children, for this reason we feel it is best that he not be placed in a home with young children.  A boy of this size can be intimating to small children and he could also accidentally knock them down.  For the most past Ozzie's former person exercised Ozzie on daily 2 mile walks and lots of games of fetch.  Daily exercise is key to  keep energy in check, so please be sure you have the time to commit to his exercise needs, training and of course a lifetime of love and care.

Harleigh was a stray and taken to a shelter.  She is good with other dogs, She is a little shy, but she is just getting to know us.  She is a petite girl, but very beautiful and easier to handle then the larger Shepherds.   

Bolt is a high energy young boy who likes sniffing all things outside, chasing balls, chewing rawhide bones, getting belly rubs, going on long walks and car rides. He's housebroken and crate trained and knows some basic obedience commands. Bolt has a lot to learn and is looking for a family who will commit to him for his lifetime, provide him with structure, love, comfort and lots of playtime.

Reuger is a young, handsome boy who has been through basic obedience training.  It is imperative that he continues training with his new family.  Reuger is not good with small dogs and will not be placed in a home with small dogs.  In his previous home he had escaped the home through an opened door and an electric fence going after small dogs in the neighborhood.  He did live with a cat, getting along fine as long as the cat did not run around.  He also lived with a female GSD and was fine with her.  Reuger does play rough with other dogs, so another dog in the home must be playful and accepting of rough housing.  Reuger also has the tendency to get mouthy with people when he is overly excited.  Training, structure and direction can help with these behaviors.  Reuger will do best with experienced GSD people, who have the time and knowledge to work with him.