About MARGIE-G

MARGIE-G was saved from the high kill shelter in Texas in early 2018. She was extremely emaciated and in rough condition, but she was so loving and affectionate. At the rescue she settled in great and it wasn't long before she was playing grandma to a female German Shepherds 3 week old pups. MARGIE-G has a date of birth of 15 February 2009 and is fully vetted. After being here a few months, gaining weight, starting to enjoy life and enjoying playing with other dogs, she was adopted in May 2018. Unfortunately in the middle of August 2019 I received a message that Margie-G, who had been renamed Maggie, needed to be returned as she had become extremely protective of her home and her owner. Upon talking to her owner and just by knowing Margie's personality and of course the breed it became clear that she had been allowed to become 'alpha' and so with being alpha comes naturally responsibility for dogs, as with humans. They must protect their family (their pack) and they must protect their home (their territory). Aggression like this doesn't happen over night and she would have taken control gradually, with growling, hackles up, barking and such - and had this been stopped and her made clear this behaviour was not needed, nor would be tolerated, there would have been no problems and she would have accepted that she was not alpha of her humans and so no need to protect her family and home. However, it wasn't stopped and it progressed to where the owner was scared of having anyone in her home and so returned her. Since being at the rescue Margie has shown no signs of aggression or even wanting to be alpha, she has settled back in, although is still stressed and clearly missing her family life, but she is good being amongst other dogs, although not ideal for her age. She is a very sweet, loving, affectionate girl, who when allowed to come in my bedroom, will jump up on the bed and settle into a deep sleep. She will give kisses and just enjoy getting lots of love and affection. Margie is 10 years old and with age comes health problems, she does have severe arthiritis in her hips and knee, she is on pain medications and I have some natural supplements that I am giving her to help with the joints and general health. She had been fed Alpo with her family, however, since this is an extremely low quality food we immediately switched her over to a high quality senior diet of both dry and wet food mixed together - she seems to enjoy it. She is house trained and will let me know when she wants to go out. Considering her hips are in such bad shape she gets around great, she does jump up on the bed and climbs stairs without hesitation, however, this is not encouraged and only done when absolutely necessary, or without me knowing. Margie really needs a quiet home and family where she can relax and enjoy her old age. The rescue is very loud and busy with lots of dogs running and playing and having fun and it can be stressful for her. We are looking for someone who has experience with GSD / Working Breed dogs. They must be confident in being in control and not allowing the dog to think they need to be in control. As mentioned above, she became very protective and that needs to be not allowed anymore. She needs to be not only taught that it is not needed, nor acceptable behaviour, but precautions need to be taken, she needs to be either crated when people come round, put in a secure room, or have a leash and muzzle on - when dogs become protective there really is no leeway giving them opportunity. This will also show her that you are in charge and can see she is not needed. Having her under control any sign of growlng or negative behaviour can be corrected immediately and so she will learn quickly. With the right family I do not think her protectiveness will be difficult to get under control, experience, and consistency is what is needed. Then of course she has her arthritis so we are looking for a family that is financial stable to get her any treatment needed in the future and be strong enough now and over the next few years to be able to support her hips when she needs to go outside. Maybe a belly support will be needed, or even the possibility of a wheel-chair - all possible options that the family should be willing to consider and move forward on should it help her in the future. At least annual x-rays and senior blood panels need to be done to keep on top of her health since she a senior girl and although she is a tough cookie, I would think she has a few more years at the most, but it is critical her health is monitored regularly. So a family that understands that and is willing to make her last few years the best ever and do what is needed, at whatever cost for her comfort. She needs a high quality diet to suit her age, breed, any medical needs and of course ability and ease of eating. Home cooking would be PERFECT for her, but a high quality senior diet is needed.

Piscataquis County
Sebec, Maine 04481