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Ok, here's the deal...

I recently decided to get my first dog since moving out on my own.
I adopted this awesome, little German Shepard mix pup that the shelter estimates to be between 8-12 months of age.
I got him on 1-11-13 and then today at work I found out that my schedule changed from 9 hr shifts to 12 hour shifts with an hour drive each way.
I live alone and can't see having him crated for 14 hours while I'm gone at work, out for a few hours when I get home, back in the crate overnight, out for 30 minutes before I go to work and then back in for 14 hours until I get back from work only to repeat the cycle.
Its just not right and he deserves so much more.

He is beyond sweet and only wants play, love and be loved and with the new schedule I just can't give him what he needs to be happy and have a good life.

He is 90% housebroken and by that I mean that he hasn't had an accident in the crate at all but there has been a time where I took him out, he did his business and then we came back in and he did some more business. This only happened once so far.
He is SUPER energetic.
He is probably about 40 lbs or so at the moment.
He is fixed and was fully vetted before leaving the shelter with the exception of a heart worm check.
I've also put a month of Frontline on him.

I really don't want to give him up so soon after getting him but this is what's best for him.

I did look into doggy day care but none of them will be open and available for me to pick him up after I get off work.

If you have any questions please let me know.

I'm located in Little Elm and you're welcome to come get him or if you're a good ways off I'd be willing to meet you in the middle somewhere.
Just just let me know.

I'll include whatever you need that I've already bought for him....toys, food, food bowls, bed, treats, etc....(All brand new)

Handsome pup.

A few questions others are likely to ask:
- Have you seen him around other dogs?
- " " pets?
- " " kids?
- Is he bursts of energy will chillax time mixed in or stay turned to 11 (think: boxer)?
- Barking habits / separation anxiety?
- Did the vet ballpark a final size estimate?

Thanks for doing the right thing. Sorry you're having to give up your dog... and I hope the job is worth it!

If live to take him however my complex has a max size (50lbs)and breed restrictions... And German Shepard are on that list for restricted breeds... That and my wife and I are in the process of adjusting to life with an infant. He is a very handsome dog and I wish you the best in finding him a happy home.

PM sent. We would love to take him.

Thanks jmra for taking the pup into your family.
Let us know how he does after you (and he) get to know each other.

AEA wrote:Thanks jmra for taking the pup into your family.
Let us know how he does after you (and he) get to know each other.

He looks like an awesome pup. We can't wait to meet him.

fickman wrote:Have you seen him around other dogs?

I only saw him around the other dogs at the shelter in the lobby and all he wanted to do was play.
A Boxer, of all dogs, snapped at him and he just kind of cowered away from her.
He quickly went back to wagging his tail and wanting to play.
When he see's other dogs in the neighborhood he starts pulling at his leash and just wants to go say hi and play.

fickman wrote:Have you seen him around pets?

I haven't and I don't know how he'd be around cats

fickman wrote:Have you seen him around kids?

Only the few at the shelter when I was there and there was no concerning behavior noted.

fickman wrote:Is he bursts of energy will chillax time mixed in or stay turned to 11 (think: boxer)?

He can be calm as long as he gets some attention and exercise before hand to kind of tucker him out a bit.

fickman wrote:Barking habits / separation anxiety?

This was one of the things I looked for in a dog. He isn't overly vocal and I've never heard him growl.
The only time he ever makes any noise is when I come home and he is excited and wants out of his crate.
He doesn't bark just for the sake of barking which is such a nice thing and a sanity saver IMO.
As far as the separation anxiety...I don't know but I can tell you he is incredibly happy to see me when I come home and let him outside and start to play with him.

fickman wrote:Did the vet ballpark a final size estimate?

He hasn't been to the vet yet, been trying to get in but they're crazy busy.
The shelter people said that he probably wouldn't get much bigger since he is so close to being an adult already. Of course, this is if they estimated his age appropriately.


Something else I forgot to mention is that he DOES have a microchip in place already.

JMRA - PM replied

MedicMan218 wrote:I live alone and can't see having him crated for 14 hours while I'm gone at work, out for a few hours when I get home, back in the crate overnight, out for 30 minutes before I go to work and then back in for 14 hours until I get back from work only to repeat the cycle.
Its just not right and he deserves so much more.

Love this. Wish more people understood what a dog needs.

I applaud jrma for wanting to take this great looking pup.

I have only 1 concern. Is there anyting in the adoption papers that state in the event you have to part with him he must be returned to the shelter. Being involved with several shelters and rescue groups, I have found that most have this in their rules of adoption. It could create a legal issue if they are not at least informed of the change in "parents".

RPBrown wrote:I applaud jrma for wanting to take this great looking pup.

I have only 1 concern. Is there anyting in the adoption papers that state in the event you have to part with him he must be returned to the shelter. Being involved with several shelters and rescue groups, I have found that most have this in their rules of adoption. It could create a legal issue if they are not at least informed of the change in "parents".

MOST shelters and responsible breeders have this language in the contracts you sign. Just make sure to check. MedicMan sounds like a good daddy. Sorry it didn't work out I hope you find his forever home for him. I would love to have taken him but I am in the same situation - two jobs and live an hour away from work.

I'll check when I get home.
Thanks for the heads up.