Adopted MAGSR Dogs

HI!  My name is Regis and I LOVE BELLY RUBS!  When people come over and start petting me, I roll right over to get some belly rubs!  I love to make my rounds to all the volunteers when us dogs are being walked at the kennel to get my share of attention and belly rubs.  But that's not my only super power - I walk well on a leash (they say I have a good 'heel', but I didn't know dogs had heels?) and tend to sit when my walker stops.  I can sit, down, am working on stay, and I jump right in the car for a ride.  It's fun to bark at the passing cars while riding, but I settle down when I'm told to and become a great riding companion!  I'm a good boy with the vet, even when I'm not feeling so hot.  They say I'm probably house trained, but I don't remember training any houses.  They tell me how sweet I am and I love playing with other pups!  I do have a little bit of a problem with fast hand movements, I get frightened and bark at them, but we're working on that too.  I have tons of energy, and would love to try something like agility or nose work - they also say I have a great sniffer!  I would just love to have a family of my own to love and cuddle with, could that family be yours?

The GA 38 arrived in MAGSR’s care in early/mid January 2019 and over the past two months, their transformation has been nothing short of amazing. These 38 broken souls knew nothing but a life of filth, hunger, and abuse. Their eyes were filled with the look of fear, emptiness and uncertainty. They cowered in the corners of their runs and tried to be as far away from humans as possible and MAGSR volunteers knew they had quite a challenge ahead to right the wrongs of their past prior to arriving in MAGSR's care. MAGSR volunteers stepped up & took on the challenge head on. And now, two months later, through the endless work of dedicated volunteers that have selflessly given their time, patience and love, these beautiful creatures have begun to meet us with tail wags, lean-ins as we walk with them, and most importantly, where once there was emptiness and fear in their eyes, it’s clear those memories have been replaced with hope and even a bit of curiosity. Their wounds have healed, their bellies are full and they have learned that all humans aren’t so bad. They are greeting us at the front of their kennel runs now eager for treats and walks. All of them have learned to walk on a leash and we are beginning some basic obedience with them such as "sit", "heel" and “watch me.” They are now used to being handled regularly for normal things such as baths, getting their weights taken, and taking their monthly preventatives. Best of all, volunteers are seeing their unique personalities and social side come out with other dogs. Just a few months ago, they were all fighting for the same food and water and ability to stay alive but today, many have completely let down their guard and are comfortable enough to engage in play and/or positively interact with other dogs. All  of these dogs have shown us how intelligent and resilient they are and have made significant strides in their road of rehabilitation. They are ready for the next chapter of their journey and we hope you may be part of  their story. , My foster mom and dad told me that it’s time for me to do some bragging. I’m not entirely sure what that means but I’m going to give it a try. A couple of weeks ago, a MAGSR volunteer told me I was a lucky girl because I was heading into a foster home. I wasn’t so sure that that sounded like a good idea but, wow was I wrong. My foster family has furry siblings of the big and small variety. The kitties are incredibly bossy but, I know they just want to make sure I understand the rules. I absolutely love the dogs in the household. They make me feel confident and are teaching me the ropes. My favorite dog in the house has even started teaching me how to play! Who knew that living in a home could be so much fun? I’m told that I am crate trained at this point and that I am making huge progress with this thing called housebreaking. It took me a few weeks to get the hang of the living in a household; however, I’m a pro at the stairs at this point and I’m getting really good at going in and out of doors. Most household sounds are becoming second nature with fewer and fewer things causing me to jump. Although I am still getting a little nervous in the neighborhood, especially when kids are running around, my foster family says I am doing really well. I tend to stay really close to my handler and only pull when I have a small freak out. They tell me that typically those things happen when new items or unknown people are encountered. There are just so many new things to adjust to. My foster family says that all my progress means that it’s time to start learning some commands. I’m not sure what that entails, but I let you know how it goes.  , Over the last few months, Milla has continued to reveal more of her goofy, playful, and inquisitive personality to her foster family. Milla wakes up most mornings ready to head out on a walk and bounce around with her foster fur siblings. She knows how to heel and sit, but is often so excited when the neighborhood is quiet that she needs a few reminders. Milla typically spends a few hours a day bopping about the house, playing with toys, and following her foster mom around. Although Milla enjoys being busy, she does know how to chill out. Actively seeking out the most comfortable places in the house, Milla loves to lounge on the couch or in a bed. Surprise sounds and quick movements continue to startle Milla, but she is recovering quicker with her foster family. Although she hides her playful personality from strangers, Milla is a fun-filled pup once she is comfortable. Due to her history, accepting new people and finding comfort in their presence is a slow process for Milla. She will require a family that is patient, structured, and calm. This environment will help Milla adjust to her new surroundings over time. If Milla sounds like the right dog for your family, please inquire about her today. 

When Buzz entered into his foster home, it was very apparent that prior to his arrival at MAGSR he had not experienced the life, luxuries, or kindness that he clearly deserves. His body told the story of limited food, health care, and experience within a loving household. Although having clearly survived some challenging circumstances, Buzz walked into his foster home with a happy-go-lucky attitude. He has an overall enthusiasm and curiosity for what life has to offer. With so much to learn and so many new experiences to partake in, Buzz has been very busy over the last few months.  He started with the basics, crate training and housebreaking, which he has mastered at this time. He loves to be outside and knows that this is where his "business" needs to be handled. Then, it was onto pack introductions with the resident senior dogs. Buzz loves the company of other dogs but needed to learn that senior dogs are not always as playful as younger pups. Having learned what is and is not tolerated by the resident dogs, Buzz seems to have found a good balance within his foster pack and does well with a few reminders from his fur siblings from time to time. More recently, Buzz has started a regular regiment of daily training. He is highly food motivated and seems to be excelling with sit, down, wait, watch, and come. As he masters these commands, he will be ready to learn additional commands particularly, if food is involved. In his free time, Buzz has been learning that tough toys and bones are great to play with, that a daily run and a long walk or two helps him burn energy, and that head rubs really are the best type of affection.  Buzz is an amazing pup and will be a great match for an experienced household. Although he is not aggressive with children, he does not realize that his size and energy can be too much for little people. He would be better suited for a home without children; this will allow him to further develop into a good canine citizen without the distraction of little people. If Buzz sounds like a good match for your household, ask to meet him today.  , Hello!  I’m Buzz and I’ve been told that you want to hear about my latest adventures. I love exploring new places and learning new things. Attending training classes with my foster mom has been great. This week, the trainer gave me compliments for being patient and calm around other dogs and people and a positive role model in class. That made my foster mom proud. We’ve been practicing every day. I’ve been told that I am excellent with environmental distractions. I’m a teenage pup with occasional mischief and testing, but I’m well on the way to becoming a canine gentleman. I’m a fan of car rides, especially when they take me to fun new places, and I insist on going everywhere with my humans. Hardware stores are cool, farmers markets are easy, meeting people on our walks is fun, parks for hiking are the best. Pet stores? Well, I don’t know how they expect any shepherd to stay calm around all the exciting food, treats and toys. I like food – A LOT!  Food puzzles and food-filled chew toys make my day. Frozen food treats are amazing on a hot afternoon. Meal time is the biggest event of every day and I am learning a bit more focus with each dish. Sometimes, I like to test what delicious things may be around me. They say that it’s good to stop and smell the flowers. My preference is to stop and eat the flowers, but I am learning that that’s not a good way to earn praise. The neighbor’s horse is my new friend and I enjoy meeting all the neighbors. A few of them are my buddies now and I give them kisses. Being the center of attention is great, but I think I miss having other dogs to play with. My foster mom started calling me Love Buzz because I like to snuggle and I don’t leave her side. I’ve been trying to convince her that there is absolutely no issue with an 80 lb. lap dog. She’s not convinced yet, but I will keep trying. While I wait for my fur-ever home, I will continue to soak in my adventures and have a good time. Let MAGSR know if you would like to meet me.