About LUCAS - Adoption $350

LUCAS was originally saved in February 2018 when the Humane Society in TX contacted GaDaH asking us to take in a bonded pair who were owner surrenders as they could no longer afford them. Both dogs were transported to the rescue in Maine where they settled in great with the other dogs. On 11th March they were adopted together and left the pack. Unfortunately things didn't work out and both dogs were returned to the rescue on 18 May 2018. LUCAS is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heartworm tested negative and microchipped. He has an estimated date of birth of 15 February 2011 and weighs around 78 pounds. he is listed as a German Shepherd Dog. We have no way of knowing if he is 100% German Shepherds it is up to potential adopters to decide what breed he is. When the family first contacted me about the dogs stating they was bringing them back, this was the first I had heard of any problems. They said LUCAS was the problem in that he had killed a neighbours chicken, then another time killed a goat, was messing in the house, digging, barking, chewing, chasing animals, didn't know how to use the dog door, and was aggressive with other dogs, adults, children and other animals. However, when Lola and Lucas were returned, both owner surrender forms basically said the same thing. Whilst at the rescue and also at the shelter, both dogs were great with other dogs, they was friendly and happy to be among humans, both male and female alike. They used the dog door all the time to go out into their run to play, hang out or do their business and would come back into their pen to hang out, eat or sleep. Not once did the ever have an accident or make a mess in their kennels. Even when bored in the kennels they didn't once chew on anything other than the bones or toys provided, they did bark, but when told to stop, would do so and barking is very common in kennels. It sounded like the dogs became very unruly in their new home, as German Shepherds will, if they do not feel that they have an alpha role model or people to respect. The question on what did the family do when the dog was being aggressive - the response was to bring them in the house. It is very clear to me, that although the family were apparently experienced GSD owners, they didn't have the time, experience, knowledge or interest in working with these beautiful dogs. LUCAS is a big boy, I wouldn't say he is strong-willed, but maybe in a family environment he is. With me he is very loving and affectionate, he is vocal, but he has been through so much and now back in a kennel environment it is stressful for him. When I go in the kennel he is happy and comes up to great me, wagging his tail, he will sit on command, he takes treats politely, he is responsive and affectionate. He walks ok on a leash, although can pull a little, but he is not getting leash walks at the rescue, but playtime in a fenced in area. The couple that brought Lucas and Lola back (not the owners) did say that Lucas did nip, which is very common with herding breeds and if you do not know what they are doing can think they are biting. Again this is something he has never done at the rescue, but in a family setting it might be to get attention, I do not believe this behaviour was corrected as in the 2 months he was living with them, he would have learned not to do that. The behaviour the family claims the dogs did sound a lot like puppy behaviour, both of which are well out of the puppy stage, or a classic very bored dog behaviour with no interest or consequence to learn what is acceptable or not. We never comment on how dogs are around cats and livestock since we do not have them at the rescue and we believe that animals can respond differently to each other, so it is up to the family if they are prepared to work with them. However, from what this family said, LUCAS does have a high prey drive and will kill other animals. If a fenced in yard cannot be provided, then it is absolutely expected that the family has control of their dogs all of the time, be that strict training on recall or on a leash, but we do not expect dogs to be allowed to run free, or get out, several times especially when there is livestock in the neighbourhood as this is just asking for problems and GSDs are renowned for having prey drive. It has been decided to adopt these two beauties individually to give them both a chance at a wonderful family that can work with them and give them what they need and not be overwhelmed with two dogs. It is just not fair on them keep going from home to home as they get settled, they get comfortable and they trust and feel secure. It is emotionally damaging all the back and forth. If what the family claims is actually true, then I believe the dogs had no structure, no consequence to a bad behaviour, no guidelines, no training to establish rules and nothing to keep their minds occupied and not enough exercise to tire them out.

Piscataquis County
Sebec, Maine 04481