Come visit us at our location in Sanford directly behind the Paw Park Dog Park

Gigi, or "My Sweet Gigi" as Judy always refers to her, is a shepherd/lab mix. She has a wonderful way about her and loves to play with the other dogs. We are heartbroken over what befell her ~ she was adopted from us in June. Unfortunately, the family left her outside almost all the time (do you remember how hot it was last summer!!!). Thanksgiving weekend the owner called claiming he had only fostered the dog and was now returning it ~ geez, what a stinker! You should have seen Sweet Gigi when she saw Judy! She was sooo happy! She is so starved for love, all she wants to do is be with you. We feel so badly that we miscalled that last one ~ no way is it happening again! Gigi is going to get the best home ever! Is it yours???
Let me share these great insights from a family who fostered Gigi for a while. You'll like it!:
"So here’s my report on Gigi….

First off, let me say that she is a real sweetheart. She gives kisses, likes people, other dogs and children. My six year old neighbor came up to her and gave her a hug and she didn’t mind at all. She was excellent in the car….very calm and didn’t even try to put her head out the window. She was great in meeting my other dogs, and wanted to play with them pretty quickly, but my girls were a bit intimidated by her size. She would do great with other dogs her size or larger. GiGi is very smart, trainable and wants to please (very important!). She learned to use the doggie doors after the first try. On the leash she does pull, but if you correct her, stop and then start again, she improves. She just needs someone to spend time with her and teach her how to behave. She likes to be busy and loves rawhide chews, and soft toys. There are some “puppy” tendencies to pick things up that she shouldn’t, but if you tell her no, she will drop it and move on. When it comes to food and treats, GiGi is actually a bit picky (amazingly). She is not food aggressive and takes things gently from your hand. When it is time to settle down, she curled up on the couch or a chair and went to sleep. One big thing I noticed is that GiGi is not a barker. I didn’t hear her bark the whole time she was here!! Even after I put her in the crate for the night, she lied down quietly, didn’t bark, whine or try to get out. A really good dog who deserves a family of her own. She is great with kids and loves to play…so a home with a big yard would be ideal. I just wouldn’t recommend her for homes with cats. She does have a strong prey drive and wants to chase them. I don’t think that she would hurt them, but my cats didn’t appreciate it (smile). I think she will be a fantastic dog for the right family."

***According to dogbreedinfo.com, in April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schà¤ferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog in English. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary.

Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground.

A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years.