Big Boy is one of several dogs taken from a hoarding situation. They were confiscated from their former "owner" for living in their own feces, urine, and mud. Clearly very little love, attention, or care was given to Big Boy. It seems as though he's perhaps the worst of the dogs taken in from this situation (thus far) in regards to his behavior. He's very shy and quiet, withdraws into himself when approached, and cowers from even being petted. Thankfully, unlike people, dogs are incredibly resilient. So far even though he's been in his foster home for only a few days, he is wagging his tail, especially when he's being talked to (he likes to be "babytalked"). Occasionally, some of his "coping mechanisms" come to a head - like barking at his tail, pacing, and turning to his side, as if he's checking on his boy parts to see if they're still there. He is ever-so gentle and calm though - a very sensitive boy. Right now, he needs an adoptive home that is patient, quiet (kids running around would probably not be ideal), and hopefully has another dog or two to help bring him out of his shell. Big Boy is living in an indoor kennel and doing fairly well. He will be neutered (and exploratory surgery to find a non-descended testicle) March 18th, after which he'll be seriously considering prospective homes. Although he is used to living outside in a kennel, only a home in which he will be kept as a primarily inside dog will be considered. Interestingly enough, Big Boy is in constant (yet separate) proximity of several cats, and shows them no interest. Big Boy *may* also have some vision or neurological deficits, and hasn't figured out how to do stairs. It's difficult to tell whether he's has actual neurological deficits or whether it's his lack of exposure to things like doors and stairs that makes it appear that he's "special". This boy needs pampering, and to know that he'll never be alone, scared, abused, neglected or forgotten ever again Please check out our web site at www.shepherdrescue.org for more information about our dogs, our adoption process and to download an application. You must have a fully approved application on file prior to privately meeting our dogs. We do not have a facility, all our dogs are housed in private foster homes throughout MD/DC/VA areas. More information available on our web site, so please read through our web site before emailing questions, as it might save us both some time! VGSR can only adopt dogs out in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area, no exceptions. Although donations of all types are needed, our primary need is foster homes for our lovely dogs while they wait for their new family to find them. Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience. Vet care is paid for by our rescue, and we can even provide you with food. All YOU need to add is love and security. The adoption process starts with the applicant filling out the adoption application. This can happen at any time during the process, before or after having met a GSD that might be the ideal companion. (It's an advantage to have a pre-approved application on file with VGSR. It should be stressed here that being pre-approved does not mean that any potential adopter can select any available dog at will and take that dog home immediately. VGSR will exercise its best judgement as to which GSD will be the best match for that specific adopter based on a number of qualifying criteria. Many GSDs that come to us are matched up with their new people very quickly because their people have been pre-approved.) The applicant then submits the application form with a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee. VGSR reviews the application, then schedules an interview and home visit during which a number of questions are asked and the home is reviewed to be sure there is a contained/safe yard, and to meet the family involved. Once the application is approved, the applicant is asked to submit a $250.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.