BENTLEY was saved from a shelter in Texas. He is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, de-wormed, heart-worm and tick disease (SNAP 4DX) tested negative and micro-chipped. He has been estimated date of birth of 20 April 2012 and weighs around 11 pounds. The paperwork I have from the vets and shelter have BENTLEY aged as 2yrs, 4yrs and 10 yrs. At our annual state inspection, I asked the veterinarian to have a look at him to see what age she thought he was, she estimated him to be between 4-6 years.

BENTLEY has been diagnosed as having Intervertebral Disc Disease T-L, which as per the PetPlace.com website "is a condition that occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord by disc material that herniates beneath or adjacent to the cord. This condition is commonly referred to as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) that can occur in the thoracolumbar area of the back. The condition may be an acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (slowly develops over time) condition in dogs." We do have x-rays that can be emailed to his adopting family, or direct to their vets.

BENTLEY gets around just fine and is happy wondering and exploring wherever he is. He is given anti-inflammatory in the form of steroids when he seems to be in pain and according to our vet, this will be his medical plan for the foreseeable future. As long as he is getting around fine, then all is good, however, if he appears to be in pain or discomfort then a course of steroids would help him through.

BENTLEY as mentioned is still relatively active, he loves to explore outside, and although long walks and hikes would not be suitable, pottering around at his own pace keeps him happy. BENTLEY seems to be very interested in his surroundings more than humans initially, but once he has checked everywhere out and is happy, he comes over for some love and fuss and will settle down on your lap or on the chair beside you to enjoy the day.

BENTLEY does like to "talk" and let you know he is there, but with interaction he does stop and is happy and content with whatever attention he is getting.

BENTLEY gets on great with other dogs, although he is generally of exploring instead of playing with the other dogs. Part of that is most likely due to his back issues, but I think it is also his personality - a little explorer. We do not have cats in the rescue so are unable to comment on how he would be around them.

BENTLEY is hoping that he finds a family that is not put off by his condition as it is manageable, who appreciates his independence, but also gives him all the love and cuddles that he needs and deserves and has most likely never had. He is not going to appreciate getting picked up and put down all the time so ramps to get on and off the furniture and your knee would be preferred. He loves going out and exploring and this is good for him mentally and physically.

A family that understands he will need on going vet care, but if they have a good relationship with their vet, his condition does not have to be expensive to maintain. Steroids are not expensive and they are to be administered as and when needed. Obviously as he gets older and the disease progresses he will need to be re-assessed and the treatment plan, if needed adjusted accordingly.

BENTLEY is available for adoption through Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $500. 

This fee is not negotiable and is used to cover the rescue costs of pulling, vetting, health certificate, transport from Texas to Maine, monthly preventatives, supplements, food and anything else that is needed.

If you feel that you have the heart and home to give this precious soul a wonderful life, please go to our website, under the APPLICATION tab, complete, then submit the APPLICATION. Our process takes around 2-4 days, and ensuring your references are aware that we will be calling, could speed up the process. Once you have been approved, we discuss any questions in regards to the dog you are wanting to adopt, then you complete and submit the contract, make payment and then we can work out the pick up / transport arrangements.

Please do NOT submit an application if you are not looking to take home a new best friend within the next few weeks.

http://www.giveadogahome-sanantonio.org

BENTLEY is located at the rescue in Sebec, Maine. We post in various states along the east coast and Canada where we have had lots of successful adoptions to enable more exposure for these beautiful saved souls. Families will need to be prepared to travel to the rescue to meet and take home their new best friend. There is a local hotel in Dover-Foxcroft that is pet-friendly (approx 6 miles) and several in Bangor (approx 45 miles). There are also lots of wonderful camp-sites for the more adventurous families and what a great way to get to know your new best friend. If there are options to arrange transport, we will work with you to make it happen.