Thor 2918 German Shepherd Dog Stephens City, VA

Thor was rescued from a high kill shelter in Texas. Thor is an older gentleman that is used to getting what he wants and he needs continued structure and a strong leader present in his daily life to continue living out his Golden Years happily. Thor has lived in a foster home with other German Shepherds and settled in nicely with them after proper introductions. He seeks out affection and will approach you for petting, but be prepared because he will not want you to stop! He has excellent house manners and he thoroughly enjoys his walks outside. He is also content relaxing on his orthopedic bed playing with his squeaky toys. Unfortunately, with Thor's unknown past and vetting history, his body is that of an old man. He was not able to tell his foster mom that his slower movements were more than just the typical senior daily aches and his oral medication was not bringing him much relief. Sadly, Thor started to react negatively towards his foster siblings (also rescues and seniors themselves) and was causing them additional stress, too. He then started to exhibit signs of resource guarding towards the foster and they were not equipped to handle his behavioral challenges. Thankfully, SSR has a partnership with an amazing trainer who accepted Thor into her program so he could become the perfect gentleman he was truly meant to be! Alas, if it were only that easy. Once Thor arrived at training, it became obvious with the professional training assessment that something medically was causing Thor to behave in this manner. This poor old guy was in a a lot of pain!! He was sore. He was grumpy. He was acting out. Thor now receives Librela injections at the vet which has helped tremendously with his joint pain. Prior to those, it was difficult for him to just move around. He is also on joint supplements and oral medication to assist with additional pain. Thor is looking for a very special forever retirement home. No stairs for Thor- single story living is best for him. Also, no small children for Thor. He is HUGE and will use all 100 pounds and that large head of his and easily push little kids over. Thor is currently being fostered by our trainer in Nellysford, VA. Although he is no longer officially part of her training program (his old body cannot handle the daily rigors of training), he enjoys living in her home and getting out on the trail. He is scheduled to be neutered and is currently on the slow-kill method for heartworm disease treatment. If he is adopted prior to the completion of treatment, SSR continues to pay for that. He currently eats Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7 + Salmon & Rice. Thor rides well in a car and was trained properly on using a ramp to make getting in and out of vehicles easy.

The
15/10 Foundation
has launched an initiative to encourage the adoptions of German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes over the age of 5 years. Thor has been nominated and approved for adoption fee sponsorship.

If you are an approved adopter and are interested in this dog, please let your case worker know. If you are not yet an approved adopter but are interested, please complete an adoption application!

If you are viewing this animal on Petfinder, please see our organization's Petfinder home page, linked below (on mobile) or to the right (on desktop), to read about our adoption process and to start your journey!

Donations can be made at shenandoahrescue.org/donate or on PayPal to info@shenandoahrescue.org