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Adopt

My name is Reuben!

Posted over 7 years ago | Updated over 7 years ago

My basic info

Breed
German Shepherd Dog
Color
Black - with Gray or Silver
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

IDGSR welcomes Reuben into the safety of the rescue!!!

Reuben is an approx. 18 month old German Shepherd who came to us after an independent rescuer saved him from being destroyed by a vet who does "convenience euthanasia" , meaning if someone wants their dog put down for ANY reason they will do it. She saw something in Reuben that was redeemable and decided to help. Reuben was also a victim of uncaring owners who did not see to his education and training and ensure that he got enough exercise and attention. These dogs are like children and you can't just throw them in the backyard and forget about them. From there, Reuben went to a couple of different owners via one of those dog selling/giveaway websites where anyone with a buck can get a dog anytime anywhere for anything.

Reuben has had to have his tail amputated due to him chasing his tail spinning and mutilation. While we don't have the full history, it's indicative of a dog locked in a kennel for extended periods of time, and in speaking with a trainer recently, he told me that he's seen this in the working line German Shepherds due to their frustration of being locked up with no job to do. They have to find a way t o exercise and release that energy and sadly it sometimes results in a self-destructive behavior.

IDGSR has been working with Reuben and he's improved dramatically. The spinning is still there but not to the intensity as it was when he came in 6 or so weeks ago. He has a 1/2 acre play yard where he runs and burns off that energy and his spinning in his kennel is down over 50% and is much less intense. He will only spin one or two times and stop versus when he came in it was round and round we go. He has not been placed on medication of any sort but gets a litany of supplements to improve his overall health.

Reuben is a dog who will need extra love and attention but some amazing folks have stepped up and adopted many of IDGSR's special needs dogs. it's blown our minds that the depth of that character exists. If we did not feel that there was some hope for Reuben we would not have accepted him into our program. He deserves a chance for a better life.

Reuben is a good boy, he's affectionate and loving, walks great on a leash, and has some decent manners with people and kids. We do however feel only older teens would be a better fit. He has high drive and loves his jolly ball and tennis balls and would love someone to play with him and run with him. Hiking or running would be ideal for him and would really aid in his recovery. Reuben needs to feel wanted and needed, like we all do. He is fine with most dogs, males and females, but he is dominant so other dogs have to be super dog friendly and/or submissive.

REUBEN UPDATE: Reuben continues to progress and heal from his previous life. He has a new life now and that healing began when he came into the rescue, we are so pleased with his recovery and feel that with more one on one from an owner who can spend time with him, help him have the fun he desires and deserves. We feel at this time he has improved approx. 75% from where he was, he has not arrived but the spinning is less each day. He goes hours now without doing it, he focuses on his toys now and that is great, he is a funny goofball and so silly, He comes now when we call him and reward him with love pats and 'GOOD BOY'. He loves the attention and is thriving, Love Heals All doesn't it? We are so happy for Reuben, I had my doubts at the beginning but am so happy we persevered on. We know Reuben was so worth saving, we love this kid, we want a great life for him. We know that someone special out there for Reuben. He will make a great running/hiking/walking partner for someone who wants a buddy. He's also a great watch dog and while he is not aggressive he does what German Shepherds do, Lets you know that someone is there, Alert! Reuben will recover fully, that we are confident, he's well on the road.

If you would like to make Reuben a member of your family, if you have the time to turn this boy's life around (no pun intended) please put an application in on IDGSR's website.

If you would like to make this dog a part of your family, please copy the link and fill out an application.
http://members.petfinder.org/~TN668/adopt_app.html
Each dog's adoption fee varies depending on the age of the dog.
$300 for any dog 1 year and younger (PUPPY)
$250 for any dog 1-3 years (YOUNG & ADULT)
$200 for any dog 7 years (ADULT SENIOR)

All our adoptable dogs are up to date on vaccinations, heartworm testing, monthly preventative, and have been spayed or neutered.

Everyone must submit an application before an appointment is made to meet the dogs. Dogs are introduced to prospective adopters BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

All dogs are fostered in TN unless stated otherwise.

***Not able to adopt? Consider FOSTERING one of our four-legged friends***
Donations to help us care for all the dogs in our program are also greatly appreciated and may be made from our main petfinder page: http://IDGSR.petfinder.com

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