Two Maremmas available in the Boston spca

[mamodei]

I don't know if these dogs are worthwhile but I thought I'd put what I have up here if anyone wants to pursue it further. If anyone is interested and too far away i could pick them up at the SPCA. Is there a LGD rescue that could evaluate them? It is not clear if the behavior listed is a bit of correctable juvenile rudeness, or something deeper that will prevent them becoming responsible guardians.

Maria

INFO I RECEIVED:
There are two; 2 yo males. They were likely spottily trained. They did live in a barn, and were with sheep, but the surrenderer said they “pulled the wool out of the sheep.” Sorry to say that when someone surrenders LGD’s to an urban, open-admission Shelter (we take in 6,000 animals a year), the info is scant and is pet dog-centric. We do have written profiles on both dogs... but they are not related to, um, sheep, for the most part.

They are at the MSPCA in Boston, 350 So. Huntington Ave. Interested parties should call 617/541-5025.

[Bill Fosher]

I presume that if they were not neutered when they were surrendered, they will be before they are released?

How likely is it that the MSPCA would release them to a real farm. I had nothing but grief from them about the fact that my dogs lived outside.

[mamodei]

The info was relayed to me with a note from the person saying "these dogs need to live in a barn somewhere". At least someone there seems to realize that these should be farm dogs and was trying to contact someone who knew folks in the sheep community. I'm not sure they understand that the dogs may also live in pasture, and will be happier for it. I'm guessing they will be neutered if they were not already but if you are interested call and ask. Perhaps they'd be amenable to the position that intact males are a more persuasive deterrent to canine predators.

If my sheep were not a distance from me I'd consider giving one or both a try, but I would think at this point they need to be watched for a while first. I also don't know if the SPCA would be willing to take them back if they did not work as guardians.

It is not normal SPCA fare, but at least someone there has recognized that and made an attempt to find a suitable place for them.

[mamodei]

I got more info on these dogs from someone at the SPCA who contacted me. The shelter staff really likes them but they are not handling the shelter environment well at all. They want to just stay outside in the yard all the time. I don't think they have much time there.

She said the info they have on them is pet dog focused as that is what they mostly deal in. They were owned by a man. They are not food aggressive or possesive in any way, but she said men may get a low growl. The guy who surrendered them said they were not a problem with adults, but a bit much with kids. The behaviors he complained about were bouncing around too much with the sheep and pulling wool. The dogs are 2 years old.

The note I got said placement or foster. I suspect they'd accept a foster home (no adoption fee) and if the dogs work out would probably want an adoption fee. They don't want them back so if they don't work out they would need to be placed or euthanized.

Call them at 617-541-5025 with any questions.

[mamodei]

Maremma rescue does know about these dogs and that may be an option. They plan to contact the shelter.

[mamodei]

These two dogs are now at Cornell with their sheep program.