Kingsley
SENIOR
Kingsley is a wonderfully sweet senior gentle boy. He's a large, handsome dog, estimated at around 8 years old and weighs 76 lbs. He was originally adopted from our group in 2009. At the end of the 2009, Kingsley was hit by a car and his back leg was amputated. His owner has a serious illness and can no longer care for Kingsley, so reluctantly returned him to us. As a tripod, he takes a little bit of special care, but is still a mobile and happy dog.
Kingsley is very people-focused and affectionate. He sleeps through the night in a crate or on a bed, and he likes to wake up when his people do and tag around the house with them. He loves to have his face scratched, and will rest his chin on your lap or settle against your leg when invited. He's met two young children and did fantastic with them, taking treats gently and accepting hugs. His 'GSD' personality really shines through in the way he likes to relax from a good vantage point and watch over everything going on in the house.
Though Kingsley is a tripod, he still enjoys his walks; he does well with at least two short turns around the block (about ten minutes each) a day, to keep up the strength and tone in his leg without wearing him out. Some light stretching and strengthening exercises would be very good for him as well, and would make a great bonding activity with his family. He would also benefit from losing a few pounds to make things easier on his remaining leg, and with daily joint supplements to help keep him healthy. He would also do much better in a home with carpeted floors as he slides on some slick surfaces like laminate.
Kingsley gets along with other dogs, though he doesn't appreciate being pushed around, as big, playful dogs may knock him down. He would do well either as a solo pet or with other calm dogs. He has barked at a running cat, and though he could potentially be taught to handle them, it would take a handler with a little experience and willingness to work on it. He's fully housebroken (and good at letting people know when he'd like to go out), and shows no interest in chewing or escaping. He's also very responsive to correction, knows 'sit', and walks well on a leash. Come meet this amazingly sweet, calm boy.
This is a Level 2 Dog
Re-Added February 2016
Original Bio and Pictures - 2007
Kingsley is a 2-ish year old male who came to us thin, lethargic, and with a lack of appetite due to kennel cough. He is recovering well and is still fairly low energy for a German Shepherd, but his personality is coming out more every day. His appetite is back to normal although he's still a bit bony, and we found by accident that he will eat carrots if dropped on the floor!
He can be playful with some encouragement and likes to very gently wrestle. His low-key personality is far from being that of an alpha dog and can sometimes flinch when his collar is reached for. He has so far been too submissive to play with our dog, but they have gotten along seamlessly. His one floppy ear has an endearing quality along with his love for affection and pets. He came to us house-trained and knew the sit command, but his other training is minimal. He walks very well on the leash especially with some reminders and seems to be a quick learner.
His one bad habit is trying to squeeze himself past our legs into the house, but with consistent training we are sure he could become respectful of doors. He barked at our cat upon first seeing him, but when given the chance to come face-to-face he was very interested but did not attack. We are not sure what he would do if the cat were to run away, however. He has not been around children with us but has not shown a shred of aggression even when our other dog steals his food or we torment him by looking in his ears, clean mud off his stomach and paws or bath him. So far he would rather laze around the house and yard than chew on anything but his treats or make holes in the yard. He does alert bark when he hears things or sees another animal, but is far from a nuisance.
Kingsley would be a great addition to a loving home!
