Josie is a beautiful GSD that is going to need a very special family to take her home. She was raised with an owner that left her outside 24/7. Due to this, she is so desperate for companionship that she is extremely unhappy being left alone. She is currently being crate-trained to help her anxiety levels when being left alone and she is taking great strides in this training. The crate has become her sanctuary and she will spend a great deal of time in it when we are inside. She was also trained to chase her tail to the point that she became obsessed and ended up needing to get her tail docked to avoid her hurting herself further. Her behavior was evaluated by a specialized trainer at Colonial K9, who informed us that due to the neglect she received from her previous owner, she has not been properly socialized with other people or animals, creating a timidity and fearful attitude toward everything unknown. Due to this, it would be recommended that she be placed with owners who are ready to give her 200% of their attention and love and are highly experienced with dogs, especially Shepherds. She will need someone that is home with her a good portion of the day and able to give her the TLC she did not receive the first 7 mos. of her life.
Aside from this, she is a very intelligent baby that just wants to love up on people. She is being provided with basic manners training, i.e. sit, down, no jumping, etc. She is very loving, but because of the amount of fear she has towards people, it is recommended that she be in a home where there are not small children present. She is doing well with our other GSD, but she can be temperamental, so we will take a great amount of care in choosing a family with another dog. It would be ideal for her to be the only pet in the home.
Josie is a puppy through and through as she is very excitable, loving, and intelligent, and all three things tend to get her into trouble, just like any other puppy. She is always at my feet, “helping” with my chores (and when I say "helping" I mean me tripping over her), or just relaxing, watching TV. She has a heart of gold and a strong desire to do good.
 
If you are interested in Josie and would like to meet her please contact her foster mommy at letomlinson@liberty.edu.