About Moana

I have a nearly 3-year-old GSD mix (female, approx. 45-50 pounds, not spayed, shots - except distemper - current from her vet in Gainesville, and in particularly good health) by the name of Moana. Due to the current economic/Covid-related situation, my family has relocated to Citrus County from Osceola County (for the time being, I have been commuting between Gainesville and our house in Beverly Hills). Unfortunately, according to the our new house's lease requirements, I will not be able to keep her. It is the understatement of the century to say that I am deeply upset and brokenhearted, as she is obviously part of my family, but I have no choice. Ok, a description of her: She goes between high energy to being a couch potato constantly, but highly intelligent. She does have socialization issues, and she has had some level of obedience training - interrupted by my months-long house search. The head trainer at J&K canine academy in Alachua, Florida says there is a chance she can be trained completely. She knows basic commands and she is close to staying still when/until I put her food bowl on the ground. She is housebroken, knows how to walk on a leash and wears both a choker collar - when needed - and regular collar. She is somewhat 'picky' in the humans she encounters. I have a very large family (6 children and 6 grandchildren), from my 79-year-old mother to my youngest 6-year-old granddaughter, and she loves everyone - except my 50-year-old brother. As for strangers/general public, it is a '50/50' situation - she just 'senses' people whether she takes an instant liking or not. Incidentally, she doesn't like the noise generated by approaching vehicular traffic - both while being walked and occasionally while being transported in a vehicle (oncoming/passing vehicles invoke nervous barking). We have 2 other smaller dogs (11-year-old male Yorkie and 1 year old Doxie mix) and 2 cats (6-year-old and 3-year-old), and she has a good relationship with them all (although the younger cat growls and snipes at her occasionally). However, Moana does not get along with my stepdaughter's family pit bull mix (who is a big sweetie). I feel the 2 dogs are jealous of each other as they each want to be the protector for my 6-year-old granddaughter - of whom they both would die to protect. She is accustomed to outside fences and the interior plastic or wood child-sized gates. She has never jumped outside or inside. One time, however, she did dig a large enough hole outside and escaped, but according to neighbors, stayed almost glued to the house front door until we returned home a few hours later. I know she has a few issues, but in the hands of the right person/people, she is a 'diamond in the rough that can be polished brightly and beautifully!' For the last 3 years, she has been a good, loyal, and caring dog; consequently, I am confident she will be the same (hopefully even better) for just the right person who has extensive knowledge, patience and love of how to take care of a German Shepperd. Also, preferentially, a fenced large yard (preferably, in a more rural setting) is a big bonus! I have listed no adoption fee, as my one and only concern is that she goes to a very good and loving home. However, for those of you out there with less than honorable intentions, please do not take advantage of my sincerity - and please do not assume that I am naive and/or stupid. I will screen people - even if I have to insist on a separate fee for a criminal/credit background check. I want her to go to decent and honest people. I am honest and courteous and respectful to people, but ONLY if they 'return the favor.' This being said, I have listed a minimal fee of $50 (feel free to donate more if you are so inclined) - to be donated either to/split between the Alachua County and/or Citrus County Animal Shelter(s) - to help screen out the above-mentioned malcontents. Thank you all for taking the time to read and learn about my very special and sweet 4-legged member of my family!

Alachua County
Gainesville, Florida