Norman is the most loving and sweet German Shepherd who looking for his forever home. We know there are German Shepherd lovers out there that will just scoop this boy up. He is a fantastic dog and everyone has good things to say about him. Read on to learn more about this incredible dog who has overcome so many obstacles, all he needs now is his loving family to find and adopt him.
Norman was brought to the shelter as a stray along with his older brother, Otis. They were found trying to cross a major highway in central NJ when animal control was called and picked them up. Both boys were extremely underweight, and Norman especially was emaciated. He is a tall boy at 76 pounds and is slowly gaining weight, but still has approximately 15 pounds to gain.
Their owners never came back for them, and neither Norman nor Otis were doing well in the shelter. Not eating and very depressed - the shelter staff even offered these boys Burger King, and while just Norman ate two burgers one day, neither was interested the next day. To make matters worse, both had developed a severe upper respiratory infection.
Their time was running low and with a holiday weekend coming up, the shelter management was concerned with them staying there all weekend in such poor condition. They needed immediate medical intervention and IV nutritional support, or they would not make it.
When we got the email about these boys one Friday morning, we knew their fate was in our hands. Despite the fact that we were full as usual, I found myself on the way to the shelter to pick them up. When I met Norman, he was laying sprawled out on the indoor part of the kennel run. He was so skinny, but managed to find the strength to lift up his head and greet me.
Otis was laying in the corner of the outside part of the run. His eyes followed me, but he did not even have the strength to lift up his head. His coat was a grooming disaster, he reeked of urine and his nose was caked over with snot. But his eyes said so much. Despite his pitiful state and past neglect, it was clear he was a beautiful dog. I choked back tears as I tried to get out the words let's load them up.
Although he was the skinnier of the two, Norman was able to walk to the car. Otis had to be carried. On the car ride from the shelter to the vet's, Norman actually climbed over the backseat, came and nuzzled his head under my arm, and then returned to the back to be with his brother. Dogs are just incredible.
I rushed to the hospital and as I unloaded Norman, Otis picked his head up and the expression of gratitude in his eyes is something that will forever be engrained in my memory. I gave him a kiss and brought Norman inside. Two vet technicians carried Otis straight into the back to get him on fluids, and Norman was brought back shortly after.
Otis
Otis sadly passed over the rainbow bridge that evening. In addition to his weak state and upper respiratory, he had a large, cancerous tumor in his mouth. It is extremely devastating, but we are content that he experienced kindness and love from humans on his last day.
Our vet was confident that Norman would make it, and he was right. He did not have any underlying health issues and just needed to build up strength to battle the upper respiratory infection. Norman had been staying in isolation at our veterinary hospital for the past 4 weeks. His appetite has increased, although his favorite meal remains the pot roast dinner that he shared with our veterinarian. Norman has charmed over everyone at the vet's office, they are all in love with him there. He gets along excellent with other dogs, cats and kids.
Norman's upper respiratory infection is no longer contagious and he is currently in a foster home. There is a lingering sneeze here and there, but Norman is feeling much better. All he needs now is to gain some more weight and he'll be all set. He is about 5 years old, neutered and up to date on shots, and will weight approximately 90 pounds when at a healthy weight.
Norman is calm, loving, sweet and friendly. He will be fine in a home with other animals or kids. He is not extremely energetic, bouncy or over the top hyper. He wants to just hang out with his family, lounge on the couch and maybe take a short walk once or twice a day. He is happiest when you are rubbing his ears and if you stop, he'll just nudge in closer to get some more love.
Please contact us if you are interested in meeting, adopting or learning more about this fantastic dog.
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