Patti, of Second Hand Dogs, who took Major (the Gentle Giant) from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue wrote recently, "Major went to a young couple from Iowa. I had quite a bit of interest in Major, but these people were the best choice in my opinion. They have a two year old daughter and although Major was a little unsure of her at first, he warmed up to her in the first couple of days. His temperament here was so good that I had a feeling he would be fine with small kids even though I hadn't had him around small kids. This is the first report of Major in his new home in Iowa."
Patti--
Thanks again for this opportunity. I don't think words can describe how much happier our family is already!
Major traveled home really well. He is so good on a leash! I even took him off it when we were on my front stoop and all he did was jump on the deck, walk to the edge and once I said "major", he came sprinting to come inside. He is so frantic to get back outside, but once he is out there he is a huge baby and won't leave your side.
The big shock is how well he and our daughter get along now. Just a little bit ago I tested the waters since they were both at my feet and I let my daughter cover up Major's head with her baby and pretty much climb on him. He didn't move, he didn't make a sound.
Once she was done he gave me a look like "really" but its obvious he loves the attention. He always lays right by her bed/couch that she has in our living room. Last night he slept on a rug in the kitchen, but we bought him a bed today so we will see where he sleeps.
He liked his brushing he got earlier today. He seems unsure of our yard since it is pretty much all snow or frozen snow, he prefers to walk on the sidewalk and road when he can. He hasn't chewed on anything yet, not even a treat or bone.
Thanks again,
S~, J~, K~, and Major
NOTE FROM KAREN:
Isn't he a big Ponemah beauty?
During the August MN SNAP clinic, we ran the Ponemah shuttle to pick up animals to be neuter/spayed. On August 22nd shuttle, 2 male shepherds were surrendered. We named them Major and Captain. Both dogs were intact, malnourished, and suffering from mange and hair loss. They soon were off to the clinic and there began a process of healing and restoration.
Major was a large-boned german shepherd, and at first was quite subdued and lethargic. He was neutered and vaccinated and began treatment with ivermectin, revolution, and lots of great food and clean water. We soon discovered a bad case of diarrhea and began a treatment for giardia as well. Major was literally a rack of bones, and looked rather hopeless, but proved once again that when given a chance the animals in the worst shape will heal and become the beautiful creatures they were meant to be. We should not let first impressions deceive us.
On arrival Major weighed in at 58 pounds. Well, needless to say Major LOVED to eat and in particular all the great food we get at the shelter. Soon the sparse hair grew in thick and shiny and Major gained at least 42 pounds. His personality shined through and he came to be know as the Gentle Giant. He was a very playful and happy guy. He had many friends at the shelter, and I personally grew to love this big boy very much.
After 4 months at the RLRR shelter, Major left on Saturday, January 7th in the backseat of Mike and Lauren's car enroute to the care of Patti at Second Hand Dogs. It was hard to let him go, but again this was only the first part of his journey.
Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers who make this new life possible for a great animal, who otherwise would be deceased today. It makes it all worthwhile.
Karen
Patti--
Major traveled home really well. He is so good on a leash! I even took him off it when we were on my front stoop and all he did was jump on the deck, walk to the edge and once I said "major", he came sprinting to come inside. He is so frantic to get back outside, but once he is out there he is a huge baby and won't leave your side. 
Once she was done he gave me a look like "really" but its obvious he loves the attention. He always lays right by her bed/couch that she has in our living room. Last night he slept on a rug in the kitchen, but we bought him a bed today so we will see where he sleeps. 
He liked his brushing he got earlier today. He seems unsure of our yard since it is pretty much all snow or frozen snow, he prefers to walk on the sidewalk and road when he can. He hasn't chewed on anything yet, not even a treat or bone. 
