GEMINI
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| Gemini is a BIG HANDSOME HUNK very bewildered by his recent turn of events;
his Dad dropped him at a shelter because he works very long hours and is rarely home. He's about 4 years old, was neutered today -July 19th and desperately needs us to find a place to put him so that we can bail him out.
He's on the passive side, walks great on leash and that's about all we know for now. His hip X-rays were normal and blood work results pending. There's a lot to love here...........are you his foster family?? If you are interested in fostering Gemini, please read about OUR FOSTER PROGRAM and submit a Foster Application (found on the Foster Program page).
So please watch for updates here as we learn more about Gemini and into what type home he would best fit. UPDATE 8/18:  FINALLY! OUT OF JAIL AND IN MY FOSTER HOME WITH THE GIBSON FAMILY--YIPPEEE! UPDATE 8/24: Gemini was doing really well in his foster home but decided he didn't want the cat around. Bottom line..no little critters or cats for Gemini. We must keep the Gibson's cat safe and need a new foster for Gem right away!! UPDATE 9/2: GEMINI was moved to a TEMPORARY foster with a staff member; he must be moved yet again as the female GSD in residence wants no part of the newcomer and will not accept him. A foster-to-adopt situation would be best as we don't like moving these furr kids more than absolutely necessary. We have received Gemini's paperwork from the shelter and based on owner provided info along with the shelter staff's observations, and some foster experience, here's what we know so far: Gemini rarely, if ever, got off his property thus has not been well socialized around strangers or unfamiliar places. He is initially just a little tentative around new people but warms up quickly. Since he never went anywhere as a youngster and was exposed to so little of the real world, he balks at getting into a car, however, once in, he's calm and a perfect passenger. He does have mild thunder phobia from being left outside in storms and just wants to be by his person's side when this occurs. He was not raised around children..had some infrequent exposure to the former owners 11 and 13 year old nieces and tolerated them playing around him well. Since he is sensitive to having his rump and feet touched, kids 12 and over would be best. Gem is house trained..was crate trained as a puppy but has not been asked to be in one since so he will back out. We insisted and no problem...just gotta be kind and firm. He was also free fed so he's not used to eating twice a day. He will learn to eat at mealtimes with firm consistency and so far, is an eager eater on twice a day feedings.
For a dog that was not regularly walked, he's not bad on leash at all.
Gemini is a big, affectionate Teddy Bear, loves to fetch and needs a real home with the time and attention for him that he has missed out on. If you are interested in fostering Gemini, please read about OUR FOSTER PROGRAM and submit a Foster Application (found on the Foster Program page). UPDATE 9/3:
Gemini is very smart, learns extremely fast and catches onto routine quickly. He is now crate trained, eats normally (and with gusto) twice a day, and already knows his basic commands.
He's a real people pleaser, very compliant and fun to be around. UPDATE 9/2: GEMINI was moved to a TEMPORARY foster with a staff member; he must be moved yet again as the female GSD in residence wants no part of the newcomer and will not accept him. A foster-to-adopt situation would be best as we don't like moving these furr kids more than absolutely necessary. UPDATE 9/15: We're awaiting a break in the weather..mostly humidity..so that we can do some socializing with this fun fella. Getting him in the rescue wagon takes two people as well. Regardless, we would like to have a better idea with him in a public setting around other dogs and strangers before moving him. We also want to give a little more time to seeing if we can't get him and his female house-mate to reach some acceptance of one another.
UPDATE 10/5: We moved Gem aka "Goober" to his new foster home today. After acquainting him with his surroundings, we took him to a community gathering spot for some much needed socialization.
After less than 24 hours, he allowed his new "Mom," (THANKS KIM!) to bathe and brush him...real progress for a guy who was so touch sensitive. Now, the only area off limits...for the time being...are his paws. Gemini's house manners have been excellent..he has been left with the run of the house when no one was home and did fine..did not get into any trouble so we expect the same after he settles into his new foster home. This is a very sweet and outgoing fella desperate to be somone's special, full time buddy.
UPDATE 10/23: "Goober" has been described by his foster Mom as "a delightful companion". He is now outgoing and friendly with strangers, something he simply was never exposed to previously. He is not aggressive toward strange dogs, he's just not sure what to do. Gem used to live with two older Chihuahua mixes and aside from sometimes "herding" them, adored them. We think that his reaction to small dogs is really just excitement and social etiquette or manners is all he lacks thus his approach can be daunting, especially to smaller breeds. We are in the process of trying to get our boy into an obedience class so that he can be around strange dogs under qualified supervision. Gemini is now left loose with the run of house when left alone and has been totally trustworthy.
UPDATE & SUMMARY DEC 18: Strangers and entering a vehicle are simply not an issue for this boy; it was just a matter of never having been outside of his yard with his original owner. He jumps right into a large SUV or is equally at home in the back seat of a sedan. He still has minor touch sensitivity,,particularly his paws. There have been no issues with the rest of his body with people he knows.....Gem is all about trust. He seems to really like kids..since he might over react to a toddler's inappropriate grabbing, kids 10 or older should be fine. He is fully crate trained and reliable when left loose when no one is home. He has excellent house manners. Gemini knows his basics; sit, down and stay. He is currently attending a group obedience class to increase his familiarity around strange dogs..his socialization will be ongoing. He has not expressed any interest in interacting or playing with other dogs. That said, he can play with his human all day long. Throw anything and Gem will fetch and return for the next run. This is a very sweet guy requiring patience, a soft touch and modulated tone of voice. He does not like yelling or harsh "instructions". He likes to 'talk' and will moan softly when petted. No cats or toy breeds...MIGHT do well with a low key female given time and increased social skills. He is the quintessential Velcro dog who will follow you wherever you go. UPDATE 3/20: Gemini has been coming out to Boot Camp for lots of socializing around other dogs. With any staff member he simply ignores, even avoids other dogs. With a weak handler on whom he cannot rely for guidance he might overreact if a strange dog came up to him too quickly. He is, however, too interested in small dogs. Here Steff works with him at Boot Camp; you can see that with leadership. he maintains a passive posture, avoiding eye contact with the puppy. In essence, Gemini simply needs someone with good handling skills and he'll be the perfect partner.
Meet Me Sunday, April 14th from 11:30am Adoption fee $350.00.
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UPDATE 8/14: Gem is currently in sick bay at the shelter due to a runny nose but doing well. We have secured a foster home for him and plan on moving him this coming weekend....MANY THANKS TO THE GIBSON FAMILY.
Until he has spent some time in foster care, we really cannot address any questions with respect to how he does with other animals, kids, house training, etc. These are the answers that "living" with him will provide.
