MARCO
|
||||
| We have, over time, had several of what we call "Golden Shepherds" which someone in the Tucson area has been indiscriminately breeding. Marco was surrendered by his owners for having too many dogs; he is said to have lived and done well with 4 other large breed dogs, is crate trained and supposedly was left loose indoors. His preliminary evaluation showed us a nice temperament but in need of the usual training and socializing.
More info as it becomes available. Marco was scheduled to take Rush's place at a shelter manager's home TEMPORARILY; hopefully this will enable us to gain more insight before placing him in foster care. Please check back. UPDATE 3/4: Marco has been moved, TEMPORARILY, to Aunt Pat's for further observation away from the shelter. We know that he has a stronger, more dominant temperament than his two friends, Cory & Dave. He is defensive behind a fence, as are most German Shepherds, so hopefully we'll learn more in the ensuing week. Marco is only one and a half years old..still considered a puppy..and in need of the usual training & socializing he's missed out on. Please check back for updates or let us know if you think you're a good foster candidate for this pretty youngster. UPDATE 4/3: We were fortunate to hear from Marco's former owner who graciously filled in some blanks for us. Marco was purchased from the "Golden Shepherd" breeder and was relegated to being a yard dog, sans any training, guidance, etc. Naturally he became a wild child so at around ten months of age they were about to relinquish him to the pound. That's when his last owner stepped in. They had four other dogs, with which, contrary to what we were told, Marco did not get along; not surprisingly, he fought with the males. They neutered him hoping it would have an impact, however it was not soon enough and could not negate the lack of early socialization or leadership. These folks had Marco for around seven months. He was introduced to several possible new homes but did not show well and fearfully nipped at strangers. He was described as overly protective and "too aggressive" Having said all of that, we have seen no aggression issues while Marco has been in foster care with a shelter manager, either with people or other dogs. He will fence fight but so will most members of his breed. In essence, Marco is a very young dog who needs to start over from square one with a qualified handler. He did do well with the children in both families but became extremely protective of them; Marco will not be placed with kids. Marco has lived with and done well with cats but is very territorial on his property thus would not welcome a feral on his turf. This otherwise very loving boy will need work, experience and commitment as well as a purpose in life...aside from the obvious training, he needs something to do. We are looking for an immediate foster home in the Phoenix area so that we can get started working with him. He's neutered, vaccinated, house trained, chipped and needs to move on. If you are interested in fostering Marco, please read about OUR FOSTER PROGRAM and submit a Foster Application (found on the Foster Program page). UPDATE 4/20: Marco has an excellent nose; from day one we have marveled at his scenting abilities, so we had him evaluated by a friend who works with detection dogs and he saw what we saw. Mr. Marco is headed off to learn how to sniff out drugs and contraband. If for any reason he doesn't cut the mustard, he will be obedience trained and up for adoption. For now, however, our boy is off to school in search (pardon the pun) of that job he needed. We will update his progress as reports are received....go Marco!!!
UPDATE 4/26: Our boy is a star...already tracking marijuana! After the city council meets and approves later this week, Marco will be entered into training with the Florence Police Dept...they desperately needed to replace a service K9 and detection dog they recently and unexpectedly lost. Should all go as expected, it's a win-win for all. Stay tuned.... UPDATE 5/4: The Florence city council met and unanimously approved Marco's entry into training for their K9 unit. How it all pans out in terms of how well Marco fits their needs, remains to be seen. In the event he does not become a K9 Police officer, Marco will require an owner with ample working dog experience....PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.... UPDATE 5/21: Marco graduated from training this week and is now a K9 Police Officer for the Florence Police Department. He's finally found a JOB..........CONGRATS PRETTY BOY!! Adoption fee $395.00.
| ||||
