New to the forum and hoping to get some perspective and help as to how to find my ex's GS a new and amazing home. Very tough decision but due to certain circumstances, we need to find "Viggo" a new home. He's an amazing dog and he needs a family that has time to give him the attention he needs.
Well, there are an awful lot of questions about your post:
1. Why are you posting, and not your X, as it seems that your X would be the one that would need to figure out what to do with the dog if it is his dog. I think anyone that agrees to help in any phase of rehoming the dog would need to get the information from the dog's owner as to the behavior/problems, etc.
2. When you say that the dog is an amazing dog, can you elaborate on that?
3. What time and attention does the dog need and how is he displaying that he needs it?
Happy to answer any and all questions. I kept my comment brief on purpose. Here's the situation... My ex-husband and I rescued the dog about 4 years ago when we were still together. We divorced a few years ago and he kept Viggo since his schedule was more accommodating than mine as I frequently travel for work. As you know dogs need time and attention and exercise; something I couldn't provide on my own.
The last leg of our relationship is the selling of our house and that will drive the ex to moving into an apartment. He's been looking for places to live but the dog type and weight provide hurdles in finding an apartment complex that allows for his kind. I know it sounds silly but in Los Angeles that's how it works. To add to this, his hours of work are from noon to late night so he doesn't have much time to tend to Viggo.
He's tried to hold on to him but it's coming to a head...and it's not a fun decision to have to make.
I figured I'd help out and look for other options as we don't just want to find some random home. If I get some opportunity via this forum then I'll have him take over the conversations. Just trying to help.
I know Viggo's temperament very well. He's very gentle (always has been), obedient and has a wonderful loving energy. He works very well with small dogs but not so much with large ones. He can get leash anxiety if walking and a large do passes. I think if he had proper training he'd learn to handle it better because he didn't always have this issue.
Viggo is nearly 7 years old. I have a pic I posted on the photo forum. I'm new to this so let me know if you don't see it. I get more as well. He's a pretty long-hair GS but we think he's mixed with something else or perhaps some sort of Belgian Shepherd.
Where are you located and can you work with any GSD specific rescue organizations in your area. If you post location, maybe some folks can give you specific rescue organizations in the area.
Viggo needs a standard walk to help him get his energy out. I know GS's are working dogs and my ex doesn't walk him and play with him as often as he used to. I think Viggo gets depressed sometimes and this may be part of the reason. He also gets spurts of energy and loves to play (not bad things at all) but he'd probably be happier and more relaxed if he had routine walks. He has a little anxiety and doesn't like loud noises. During the 4th of July he shivers when he hears the fireworks and paces around.
Other than that he really doesn't have too many issues. He doesn't mind baths, or being brushed. His appetite can be finicky at times and he is distracted easily. We never gave/give him junk food. He eats Wellness dry kibble and an occasional piece of apple or hard boiled egg from time to time.
Viggo is in Encino, CA (Los Angeles County). We've explored rescues but they really aren't very easy to get into. Many do not accept owner surrenders so you can see why I'm desperate to find somewhere we can get help as he means a ton to us and we want to do this in the right was as best as possible.
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