GEORGE, AKA BONNER - SHEPHERD / MIXED (SHORT COAT) DOG FOR ADOPTION

Description

Posted Breed: Shepherd / Mixed (short coat). ***George is currently being fostered in New York and is available for adoption in the NY/NJ and surrounding areas. To apply for his adoption, please submit an application at socorescue (no need to register or Login). Questions about George and/or our adoption policy should be sent to socorescue8gmail. Please no phone calls. A lot has happened in the nearly four years since George became a SoCo Rescue dog. Not only did he overcome being left all alone on a desolate dirt road, he met some pretty wonderful and caring people and made quite a few canine friends during his stay at SoCo Rescue, he also found a home with a family that not only presented him with lots of love, but also gave him plenty of structure. It seemed to George that he'd landed in heaven as everything, including his relationship with the family's other dog, Ollie, was flourishing and presented no problems. As a SoCo puppy, George, who was known as "Bonner" at the time, was playful, friendly and full of energy. When playing with other pups, George would take the submissive role, but still thoroughly enjoy spending hours at a time with his pals, typically outlasting them with his high energy level. As he grew, that energy level turned to what his adoptive mom described as "anxious" and led them to seeking help from trainers and veterinarians in an attempt to calm him down just a bit. In addition to a dedicated and sincere effort by the family, George received some of the best training a dog owner could provide their canine. It paid off nicely as George, with the help of calming medications, became less anxious and seemed more secure in himself. George really believed that nothing could ever ruin his near-perfect life. But that all changed approximately three months ago when, for reasons unknown to him, George began having problems with Ollie and would attack him without provocation. At first, the attacks were mild and neither dog got seriously hurt but the intensity of those fights grew with each bout. The most recent and what has to be the last fight, Ollie was seriously hurt and required extensive medical treatment. In addition, the ordeal and with the level of difficulty it took to break up the fight, the family was left feeling traumatized to the point that they now feel George cannot return to their home. Currently, George is staying at a relative's home but only with an end date which is set to expire soon. After that, there seems to be few, if any, other options for George. The family has been working tirelessly to find a rescue or another home for George, only to be met with disappointment. Bringing George back to SoCo Rescue isn't a viable option for George either as our rescue is currently overwhelmed with the record number of strays, owner surrenders and abandoned dogs that have our rescue filled to capacity and simply nowhere to put him. George's saving grace would be for a foster home or adopter who either has no other dogs or is highly experienced in dealing with dog-on dog aggression. George has never been aggressive towards people, in fact, he remains totally in love with people. He's highly trained, thanks to his family, very healthy and very affectionate, qualities that normally draw plenty of interest from potential adopters. While working with the family, Scott Bennett, just happened to noticed something that may be playing a part in George exhibiting aggressive behavior. While researching the calming medication that George has been on, which is Clomicalm, Scott stumbled on a number of warnings that the drug meant to help George could cause and/or increase aggressive behavior in dogs. "Could switching medications help curb George's aggressive behavior" wondered Scott? We may never know the answer to that question unless someone gives this wonderful dog a chance. Something tells me that the person who does so will be blessed with more love and devotion than they ever imagined. If you think that George deserves another chance and you can offer him a home where he can continue his quest to find his Heaven on Earth, then please submit an application at socorescue.

• Physical Attributes

  Coat Length:	Short
  Altered	Yes

• Behavioral Characteristics

  OK with Kids:	Yes
  OK with Dogs:	No
  Energy Level:	Moderate
  Activity Level:	Moderately Active
  Exercise Needs:	Moderate
  Obedience Training:	Well Trained
  Other:	Not Good With Small Dogs Not Good With Large Dogs Not Good With Male Dogs Not Good With Female Dogs Crate Trained Housetrained Likes to Play with Toys

• Personality

  Personality Characteristics

  Playful Affectionate Eager to Please Intelligent Goofy

• Additional Information

  Was the Dog Found	No
  Other	Up-to-date on Vaccinations