Found Puppy Looking for a Home
Decatur Metro | December 29, 2011 | 3:38 pm
Jeff writes in…
Early in December, My fiance and I found a stray puppy on Second Avenue. No one has come forward to claim him. Because there were some signs of abuse – e.g., his hind dewclaws have been removed – I believe he was abandoned.
I’ve been calling him “Ghost”. He is a German Shepherd/black lab mix currently weighing in at 30 lbs and estimated to end up around 40. He is 8 months old and has an extremely friendly disposition. He is also the most intelligent dog I’ve come across in a long time. I’ve gotten him house-broken and taught him “sit” and “stay”. He is neutered, has all his shots, and six months of heartworm medicine.
Because we already have three dogs, taking care of a fourth has been a challenge and we just aren’t able to keep Ghost long-terms. He is such a good and friendly dog, though, that I know he’d make a wonderful pet for anyone who is looking to adopt.
If you’re interested, let me know and I can get you in contact with Jeff.
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What a beautiful dog. I would take him in a heartbeat if I wasn’t already overrun with three cats and a dog. I’m sure someone will come along soon and give it a good home. Best of luck.
Great looking dog, we’ve got 4 otherwise I’d say bring him to melrose!
Having dew claws removed is a sign of abuse? This is news to me…..
Just going off what my vet told me. She also speculated that Ghost had been a stray for quite some time given signs of malnourishment, the condition of his coat, etc. In any case, he is doing much better now and are just looking for a family that will love him. He is extremely sweet and attentive.
Also, some dogs are born without rear dew claws at all. And some breeds (e.g., Great Pyrenees) have a double dewclaw on the back legs, as specified by the breed standard.
Front dewclaws = thumbs, they are articulated (bone, tendon, muscle). Rear ones are typically not articulated and just hang there. It seems that a lot of people with working or competitive dogs still remove the front dewclaw in puppies to rule out future injuries. Those who don’t may later use vetwrap around the dewclaw during events.
Jeff:
Call me after New Years! 404-578-9983
Thanks!
Rick Huber
Deal!
If that doesn’t work out for some reason, let me know. I was going to wait until after transitioning to a new job before looking for a dog, but could my schedule up. Also the job market hasn’t been cooperating, so I may have a while before that happens anyways.
That should be “move my schedule up.” I should probably look into this whole “proofreading” thing.
We recently adopted a puppy who has rear dew claws and were told by a Decatur vet that he usually suggests removing them when the puppy is very, very young. He said the fact that they’re attached only by a bit of skin makes it easy for them to get ripped off later in life.
I’ve always been told the same thing (including by Village Vets). Our dogs have their front dew claws but their rear ones were removed (not by us) when they were puppies. And considering the fact that their front dew claws have gotten ripped and cracked simply by running around in our yard, I think the rationale is accurate.
Jeff,
Have you observed his behavior around cats? Is he well disposed toward them?
Unfortunately I have not seen how he does around cats. He gets along very well with our other dogs. He’s also very fond of squirrels, but I can’t vouch for his intentions there …
For the love of God, one of you good canine loving citizens of Decatur better adopt this adorable pup! Mrs. J_T has informed me that if he is still looking for a home on Monday we will be adding a third black-and-white mutt to the pack. I LOVE dogs but damnit, we really do NOT have the room for it before we expand our 1948 mostly original 2br/1ba abode!
I will let you know!
Hi Mr. Bad Example,
I am Jeff’s fiance/co-caretaker of Ghost. Unfortunately we do not have cats and have not observed his behavior around them. He is extremely easy-going and has rolled with the punches since we found him, so I would be very surprised if he was not well-disposed.
Also, regarding all the comments about dew claw removal: our vet was upset by the manner in which they were removed–someone did it themselves in an improper manner. Sorry for any confusion.
Thanks–we are really hoping to find a home for this lovable guy. He is a GREAT dog!
Is he a cat lover?
I just want to say thanks to Ghost’s “foster” mom and dad for doing all they did for this dog thus far. So nice of you all to take him in and care for him the way you have. Good people. Ghost is lucky to have had you in his life.
+1000!
+ infinity
Happy to report that Ghost has been adopted by a wonderful family in north Decatur. Thank you all so much for your thoughts, and especially for your encouragement and support.
Awesome news! I know that “north Decatur” is an amorphous and undefined geographical designation but we are certainly within it. If Ghost needs any socialization, the two black and white rescue mutts in my gravatar would be happy to help. We can be reached at 404-414-3110 or email me at [email protected] .
Jeff and KC, thank you so much for doing this for such a beautiful creature!