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My name is Levi (Special Needs)!

Posted over 5 years ago | Updated over 5 years ago

My basic info

Breed
German Shepherd Dog
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with Black
Age
5 years 5 months old, Puppy
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 Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Good with cats
Checkmark in teal circle Purebred
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My story

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

IDGSR WELCOMES LEVI INTO THE SAFETY OF THE RESCUE!!!!

PLEASE NOTE: If the dog you are interested in is online, he/she is still available and it is not necessary to email to inquire.

Levi, along with his litter-mate Luke, came to us when they were just 6-weeks-old. Levi was showing signs of being sick and not being able to eat, so their breeder took him to the vet where Levi was given a diagnosis of Canine Megaesophagus (ME or Mega-E)* and aspiration pneumonia. Right after they got back from the vet, Luke started exhibiting the same signs,them as if Luke had ME as well. At this point their breeder called and asked us to take them because they did not want to spend the money to take care of them. Of course, we said yes.

Levi was still battling the pneumonia when we got him so he and Luke were immediately taken to our vet as soon as we picked them up. They were both treated and given medication and were able to go to their foster home that night.

Levi is now a 10-week-old puppy and healthy enough to 100% act like it. He’s actually pretty chill for a puppy but, as puppies do, still gets into everything and is very curious and ventures off to explore. He loves to eat. Anything. And to be cuddled.

Here’s the asterisk (*) part to explain what Megaesophagus is: It is a genetic condition where Levi’s esophagus is enlarged and the muscles have difficulty moving food and water to his stomach. This is very manageable by having Levi eat in an upright position and staying in that upright position for 30 minutes after eating. This is accomplished using a Bailey Chair, which he will graduate to once he’s a bit bigger. Here is a link for pictures and information on Bailey Chairs: https://www.baileychairs4dogs.com/our-chairs-c1jt9. Right now his upright time is accomplished by sitting in his foster’s lap, so you will get all the puppy cuddles you can handle.

Levi’s condition has no bearing on his personality. He will grow out of the puppy stage as he gets older and learns through training. He will continue to learn commands (right now all he’ll agree to is ‘sit’ for food or pets), he’ll pick up house- & crate-training, and learn to be the good boy he’s already working towards being. He just needs a little extra help to thrive. In return, he will shower you with all the puppy kisses and butt wiggles you can handle.

IDGSR has experience with dogs that have this condition and currently have 3 dogs in the rescue that have Mega-E (including Levi) and are more than willing to answer questions or concerns prospective adopters have.

Puppies are a lot of work and require a lot of time and attention from their family. They are a blank slate and know nothing. They will whine, have accidents, get into things and chew on inappropriate things. This is typical puppy behavior and puppy obedience classes help with these behaviors and will also help Levi to become a good canine citizen and be more amazing than he already is.

If you are interested in adopting Levi, please apply by CLICKING ON THE ADOPTION APPLICATION LINK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

PLEASE READ. Regarding the application processing fee: IDGSR requires that all applicants submit a $20 non-refundable application processing fee. Please note that submitting an application and fee does not guarantee that you will be approved or guarantee the adoption of any specific dog, since that dog may have other applications being considered.

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 1-6 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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