Shep - German Shepherd X, Dog (12 Years)

Shep had been living outside for years before he came to FDR. He came with a slightly chequered past, however since being with us he has proven himself to be a perfect gentleman. He has been known to get protective of his home and family (as people familiar with German Shepherd types will know!), especially from visitors like the postman! Therefore he will need an owner who can deal with this and not let it get too out of hand. He isn't used to socialising with other dogs, and although he doesn't seem to be aggressive, would probably suit being the only dog.

Shep is in excellent condition for his age and many people can not believe he isn't younger! He loves his walks and walks well on the lead. He also enjoys a game of football. Please do not just dismiss this lovely chap, he definitely still has lots to give the right person

Beautiful big lovely boy...had a wag in his tail for me from the first time we met.....so quiet and patient watching the world go by....hoping someone is going to come and take him for a walk....runs well off lead and comes when called....very sweet....loves it when you try to get past him with the football....he would make a good goalkeeper....doesnt seem bothered by other dogs presence....and is soon distracted away from even the yappiest dogs on the field....

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.184492104972436.48526.100002349431880&type=1&l=9a46ac9eca

http://youtu.be/iHJGQ3s50-E

This lad maybe 12 but take a look at this! Kim's just managing to keep up with him, mind you Shep hasn't been scrubbing out kennels and that kinda stuff!

He has still so much to offer and this just shows how much! Fingers crossed it won't be too long Shep before you'll be lying by your very own fireside x

I honestly dont think this boy is twelve years old....he is just too good-looking...Big waggy tail....lovely soft face...Thinks hes very funny...got a lovely character and is definetly not barking at other dogs in the way that he used to.....( if he lived in a shed for years then he would be a bit concerned to be surrounded by loud barking dogs all of a sudden)...he now greets dogs with a waggy tail....loves a fuss and still thinks hes a top footballer...even tackles with his front legs....Amazing....likes to have someone come in his kennel and spend time with him....loves to be given a treat....at night he lies on his bed and not a peep out of him....A1 dog just looking for that special one or two people who have the time to get to know him x

Shep bit his owners son for some reason we dont know about and was then moved to a shed in the garden....where he spent a number of years.....Shep is still in a shed.....but a bigger one.....im sure he would like a change of environment.....like a bed in a home : )....Shep comes out for a free run most nights...he absolutely loves it and is very well behaved....Shep has also shown a liking for other dogs...especially those who dont look aggressive....Shep reminds me of a cheeky boy who hasnt had much experience of life but is making up for it now......can someone give this lovely shy boy a home where he can experience all that he has missed out on.....xx:(

Just a thought but it might be worth registering Shep with www.oldies.org.uk, which is a charity which specialises in rehoming oldies over 7yrs. Shep would stay at FDR but he'd have a wider audience of potential adopters who're specifically looking for an older dog. There's even a category in the charity which focuses on Shepherds.

I think any help with cross-posting dogs would be really useful. Unfortunately, the staff are so busy with the general day to day care of the dogs, and the trustees are probably not computer literate enough to do it. It needs some volunteer help. I did look at crossposting myself once, but there is usually a greater requirement for a better assessment of the dog to give a fuller background - child friendly, dog/cat friendly, etc. and this sort of information is usually a bit too thin on the ground for most of the dogs without going through the actual paperwork for each dog. It's okay when you have a fostered dog, or a dog like Ruby that has consistent handling, but the majority of dogs are walked and not reported on by all walkers, which means we have a lot of blanks. If you have any spare time to look further into it, I think it would be greatly appreciated.

I'll look into it - any excuse to use some highlighters!

Thanks Jackie anything that can add to this boys chances of finding a home will be very much appreciated....Shep is coming out for an extra walk now be it either early morning or after the kennels have closed at night...so he kinda thinks he is the special dog ...just for a while : ) which is what every dog needs to feel...Shep is scared of strange hands reaching for him....arent we all?....he has never ever gone for me from day one....hes not an aggressive dog just a misunderstood one.....sooo lovable and likes to make one laugh...theres an extra wiggle to his whole body if he thinks he has grabbed an audience to his funny eccentric ways...Time spent on this boy is never wasted....he rewards with with an amazing smile....x...Im not sure if he is a gsd ? be intersting to find out...x:D

Now that I'm allowed to walk Shep he is fast becoming my favourite and the one I most look forward to walking. He is absolutely no trouble at all on the lead. He amuses himself sniffing all the scents of the hedgerows and plods on at a nice relaxing pace (for me!). He seems to like it when give him a good stroke while he's leaning against my leg, but he's not overly affectionate and I haven't tried throwing my arms round him yet! He likes a treat or two and readily sits and presents a paw to get one. He seems like a really gentle old boy.

Shep loves routine.....he knows and gets used to one very very quickly....he goes out with me after hours....just for a potter...which he lloves to do...... then we go straight to the pen...does his buisness then wants to have a bit of a play but is quite happy to toddle back as he knows there are going to be treats waiting....loves to be loved!!!!!....loves to think you are fond of him and likes it when hes made you laugh.....i know he dont talk but if you open those hidden ears.... he tells you this anyway..i love this boy...hes a pleasure to be with x:D

He looks such a goofy boy and totally adorable. Has he had any viewings?

I have walked Shep about eight times now and he is the second dog i choise to walk Shef is the first and Raffer the third but as we went round the field for the second time having started in the play pen ,he gave me so much pleasure just to be spending time with him he is not a looker but when he turns and looks at you on hearing his name his eyes just melt your heart please come and take him out you will not be disapointed he just wants to be loved give him a second chance please.

Beautiful Shep has had a viewing! He's one of my favourites (Keeper's my other favourite) so fingers crossed Shep gets his happy ever after