GHOST
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| *GHOST* IN A NUTSHELL: Friendly and energetic youngster. GSD Experience (and an alpha personality) needed by this guy. Ongoing training and socialization a must. Gets along well with other dogs; might be too much (rough) for smaller dogs. Cats are probably a NO-NO. | |||||||||
We first heard about Ghost from our facebook angel, Kathy J, who sent us this photo:
 Ghost had come into the shelter just after Christmas as an owner surrender, but in reading through the surrender paperwork that the shelter provided, we could see no issues other than he was a normal, healthy AND TYPICAL German shepherd puppy! His date of birth is said to be May, so he's only 9 months old! We don't know what people expect when they get a puppy, especially a German shepherd, but apparently this family was not prepared to deal with his activity level and needs. The surrendering owner indicated that he was "friendly and happy," had lived with children age 4, 9, 10 and 14 and knows 'sit,' 'come,' down' and 'stay." We'll have to test that to be sure. According to one of the kennel staff, "Ghost was easy to leash through kennel door. Moderate pull to yard where he ran around and sniffed and explored. He then came to me for pets and scratches, which he particularly liked around his neck which seems very itchy for him. He sometimes jumps in excitement but easily corrected. He would chase the tennis ball and sometimes pick it up and bring it to me. He knows sit but takes treats with open mouth. Walk back the same, moderate pull and he went straight into kennel." UPDATE 2/26: Ghost has been picked up in California and is on his way to Arizona in search of his forever home.
Ghost has arrived! He had no hesitation in coming up to us for pets and attention. He knows "sit," (especially when you have a treat in your hand), but he's definitely in need of some manners and training -- as are all German shepherd youngsters. We have not introduced him to any of the resident rescue furkids (Mac, Debbie and Caspar), but we're going to leave that for another day once he's had a chance to settle in and learn the routine. He could also stand to put on a few pounds, but that's simply a matter of good food, and we'll make sure he gets plenty of that. UPDATE 2/28: Ghost has settled in beautifully! We're amazed at how quickly he has adopted to his temporary home with one of our staff members. Even as a 9 month old puppy, he's quiet in his crate overnight and waits for us to get up in the morning and let him out without complaining. He has been very appropriate with the 2 female members of our current rescue pack, although he's a bit overwhelmed by Cassie. He definitely needs some manners (translation: training), but we're having no problems in communicating what is expected of him and he's usually very happy to oblige, as long as there's a treat waiting for him as a reward. He is absolutely obsessed about food, which we can't really blame him as he is underweight. He's currently being fed double rations, and we're expecting him to be up to his optimum weight in no time. But, for now, he's a very happy, easy keeper. Some family is going to be very lucky to add this youngster. UPDATE 4/19: We had placed Ghost into what we had hoped would be his forever home but, sadly, it was not to be. The new family doted on him and lavished him with new toys and affection. The problems arose, we believe, when Ghost found himself in an "alpha" position, which as a young shepherd he is definitely not comfortable with. His new family doted on him and showered him with love and affection, but Ghost needs more "staff sergeant" than doting parents at this stage in his life. The first few days in the home, he was perfect, even meeting all members of the family, enjoying the pool and basking in the complete freedom that he was now being allowed. But, on Day 5/6, when his new mom tried to take a new toy away from him, he became very mouthy with her, much like a petulent child, and from that point, she no longer trusted him. (We had sent Ghost with the toy he came to us with, and he had no problem sharing that toy with the family. The following day, Ghost was lying on the carpet chewing on a toy when his new dad (we believe) startled him and Ghost reacted by using his mouth on him (something which we do not allow), and when the dad lunged for his leash to give a correction (unfortunately, he had to reach over the top of Ghost to grab the leash), Ghost became even more upset and again used his mouth. In all other respects, Ghost was the perfect addition to the family; but they no longer trust him and have made the heartbreaking decision to return him to our rescue to continue the search for his new home. It is interesting to note that Ghost has never exhibited any form of possession or aggression in his time with us (almost 2 months). He has been easy-going and amenable to any corrections needed and has always been happy to share, but we should note that his foster mom is the ultimate "staff sergeant" and Ghost is totally aware of that. UPDATE 4/20: Now that he is back with us, we have been unable to get Ghost to show any form of untrustworthiness. We are keeping him very regimented (as usual), and will continue to try and "push his buttons" to see where his insecurity lies. This is just too good of a boy to give up on. He just needs the proper (very structured) household with the right leader(s). Adoption fee $425.00.
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