I am helping my parents rehome their 4-year-old German Shepherd. My parents are 86 and 87 years old, and my father has Alzheimer's, and my mother has some physical limitations and emerging memory challenges. Their dog, Annie, is like all Shepherds - smart, sweet, loyal, lovely, energetic, and sadly too much for them to handle. She loves to run outside, chasing the butterflies and squirrels. She spends her days hanging out with my retired parents, so she has never been home alone for long stretches. Annie lives on many acres on a lake in Maine - she loves the freedom of being outside!
I would gladly take her in, but I have three dogs and a cat, including two pit bulls, and Annie is not always friendly with other dogs and cats. She can play nicely at times, but she can quickly become VERY aggressive toward other dogs. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. We love her to pieces, but for Annie's quality of life, finding her a new home seems to be the right thing. Thank you for considering being part of Annie's next journey. Recently, we brought in a dog trainer who specializes in Shepherds, and she helped guide us to the right decision.
Dog: Primary Breed:
German Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
6/14/21
Where did you get your pet?:
Breeder
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
No
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
8/9/21
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
55
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Running & playing outside; playing with toys; playing with people & other dogs
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, stay, down
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Annie is crate trained and does well being in her crate. She sometimes puts herself in her crate!
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Annie is super smart and adjusts to any routine
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
Annie is not spayed because she has a history of VPC (ventricular premature contraction) and could not be spayed due to the medical risk. She has had two seizures in her life with no known origin.
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Annie loves to play with other dogs but can also become very aggressive. She also chases cats when given the opportunity.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Weekly brushing due to shedding (typical Shepherd)
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
unknown
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Aggressive: Does not get along with other dogs and may show aggressive behavior.
How is your dog with cats?:
Aggressive: Does not get along with cats and may show aggressive behavior.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Annie loves her people, she is so curious and loves to be outside running through the woods and chasing butterflies :)
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Only dog (she loves other dogs but can become aggressive very quickly)
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Annie is very loyal and a true Shepherd. Annie has spent her whole live with my parents who are retired. She has not been left home for large amounts of time and I think she would find that very lonely.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Pet Parent Illness
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
My parents have Alzheimers and physical limitations. They can no longer meet Annie's needs. I have pitbulls so I cannot take her in myself.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Dry & wet dog food
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
City, State:
Fryeburg, Maine
How did you hear about us?:
Facebook
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs
