I've found my furever family!

(4 years old) Good with Dogs (large and small) and Kids (older considerate kids) and cats Meet my wonderful Maverick. Although Maverick was chained for three years of his life in the backyard he is so kind and loving. When he came to me Maverick had deep cuts where his owner had wrapped the chain around his neck not even bothering to buy him a collar. But Maverick said to me I will survive this cruelty if you will give me your love and trust." Well I and my other dogs did just that. Maverick loves to play and swim and hang out with the dogs. Mostly he wants to be in the house with me. When I invite him Maverick will sleep on the bed with me. I know I know shame on me but can you imagine never having a soft warm bed? Can you imagine never having a hug or a soft touch close by? The good news is Maverick will only get on the bed or couch if I let him know it is all right. After nine months of constant work Maverick will sit when I say "Stay" and remain inside the fence when I leave. I live on a major highway so I still work with him daily to ensure trust for him to wait while I drive out of the fence. He will now go in the house when I ask him and remain there. Maverick is not destructive although he does like his toys and he has a basket in which he returns them.Maverick likes being in the house. I have a doggie door and he goes in and out when he wants. Maverick gets along so well with everybody and every animal. When visitors come he gets very excited just like a puppy and he does require some settling. This can be disturbing because he is such a large strong dog. He can be quite mouthy. He does like to bark at my horses and he is aggressive towards them.To solve this delimna when I am working at the barn his leash is attached to my tractor so that I am always close by. Maverick is a large German Shepherd but he acts like a seven month old puppy. I have left Maverick more than three hours. When I return he is in the house. He is not destructive any more. However I do not think Maverick would do well being left all day. I truly think Maverick needs a home where someone is with him most of the time. It has taken him almost nine months to trust me enough to remain close by. Maverick wants lots of love.I am fortunate that I have a neighbor who lives on the enclosed farm just 50 yards from me. If I leave I always make certain the neighbor is home to watch Maverick. Offering to let Maverick stay in a crate does not work. He will shake and roll until he either opens the crate (no matter how large) or he tears it up so that he can get out. With these issues Maverick is still a wonderful dog so full of happy personality and love of his new life."