More about Neo [Medical Hold]

NEO transferred to MOGS from a local shelter, where he was evaluated as an extreme cruelty case, with a Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 (severe starvation), with every bone in his body visible. It was also determined that he had been constrained, for an extended period of time, in a small enclosure of some sort, with both issues contributing to little to no muscle mass in his legs, and barely enough strength to stand or walk. On arrival to MOGS, Neo was also found to have double ear infections, severe gastroenteritis, and was sick with kennel cough. This boy has had it ROUGH his entire life, but is under the care of a medical foster and beginning to make progress in his recovery. TEMPERAMENTDespite such horrible beginnings, Neo is a total sweetheart that loves people, and enjoys cuddling with his handlers. He does not appear to have any understanding of basic obedience commands, so is working on learning sit, wait, and free initially, while we work on improving his health. Neo is not housebroken, and has been too sick to make improvement in this area. He is working on it with his foster home, however. He is also working on crate-training, and beginning to recognize his crate as a safe place, and not the cruel containment that he started his life with. Neo appears to be showing some early signs of protective instinctsAs Neo recovers his health, we anticipate continued updates on his temperament and personality. PEOPLESo far, Neo has shown he loves everyone that he has met. He is a shy, undersocialized boy though, so does take some time to warm up with some people. Neo has not been tested around children due to his health status.OTHER ANIMALSNeo has responded as neutral to positive with other dogs that he has been introduced to. He appears to want to play with other dogs, but doesn't necessarily understand how, so looks to older and/or more confident dogs to guide his initial interactions. He does love to play chase games, and runs with wild abandon when outside. Neo has NOT been tested with cats, and due to his health status, small animal prey drive is unknown. MEDICAL Neo is up-to-date on all vaccine, has a current Rabies tag, is microchipped, and has been neutered. Neo has been successfully treated for double ear infections, gastroenteritis and kennel cough. He is on a slowly increasing feeding schedule to manage prolonged starvation, and is finally beginning to slowly gain weight. Neo is small in stature at this time, likely due to significant malnutrion in his early life. It is unknown what impact this will have, if any, on his future size or health status. NEO's ideal family will be a home with experienced GSD leadership, and handlers patient enough to help Neo gain confidence and continue to work on basic obedience and housebreaking skills.  If you're looking for a gorgeous, young, trainable German Shepherd who will love you forever,Neo may be your ideal family member! NEO'S ADOPTION FEE:   $400 This fee covers only part of what we spend to vet, board and rehab the dogs we save.  On average we spend over $450 on each dog.  We made a decision to keep our adoption fee at the 2005 level even though vet prices have doubled and tripled since then.  We are constantly fundraising to cover the deficit.  At minimum, your adoption fee includes the dog's spay/neuter, heartworm test, heartworm treatment if needed, rabies shot, distemper/parvo shot, bordatella shot, deworming, monthly heartworm and flea preventives, and microchip.  In many cases it also includes surgery and various types of vet treatment for standard issues such as hot spots, ear infections and so on.INTERESTED IN ADOPTING NEO?Complete an Adoption Application Now!