News
The “South Park Mastiff” has been captured
Gus is a Mastiff cross, possibly a Japanese breed of Mastiff known as a Tosa Inu, according to Professional Dog Trainer Shan Foster. According to Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter Executive Director Jill Moriarty, Gus was surrendered to the shelter for killing chickens sometime in December.
A shy, skittish dog when he arrived, Gus showed signs that he didn’t care much for men.
“We often don’t get the entire picture when people surrender their pets,” Moriarty said. Staff learned that Gus was not aggressive but showed he is very clever and a bit of an escape artist.
Gus went on a trial adoption on Jan. 3. The potential owner already had a calm Mastiff at home. But Gus had other plans. Before reaching their destination, Gus managed to escape the vehicle. He also managed to evade authorities and was eventually sighted near South Park.
Staff searched and days passed. Calls flooded the shelter with sightings of the large dog.
The Sheridan Police Community Service Officers set the largest traps they had at the department, but according to Moriarty, Gus’ size is only one of his fantastic traits, he’s also a very smart dog.
Moriarty said her desire to capture Gus and bring him back to the shelter became a borderline obsession. For over two weeks she and her staff searched for Gus. She purchased game trail cameras, a staff member spoke with experts and learned that fried chicken would lure most animals. She then called on some friends and constructed a larger trap.
The trap worked, mostly. The spring and door worked well, but Moriarty arrived to find that Gus had broken a series of large zip ties that attached the bottom of the cage to the chain link siding. Multiple adjustments were made to the cage after each escape. After 17 days of eluding capture, Gus, who had become known in the area as the “South Park Mastiff”, was captured.
Moriarty found Gus in the cage in the early morning of Jan. 20. He growled and gave warnings at first, but once Gus realized it was Moriarty approaching, he returned to his more friendly self and even appeared relieved to be returned to the shelter.
Gus made it through his adventure and even gained a little weight due to the amount of food left by shelter staff and volunteers in the area of Gus’ reported appearances.
Gus will remain at the shelter for now while staff work with him and his “quirks,” Moriarty said.
Daniel
January 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Can i get him ?
Barbara Baker
January 26, 2022 at 8:16 am
Seems like there should be a poet/songwriter who could write the “Ode to Gus — OUtlaw Mastiff and loveable Lug”.
John P Odom
January 26, 2022 at 8:53 am
Great story!!
aleen stone
January 26, 2022 at 12:12 pm
I Would love to know Gus’s history! Some one took care of him before his shelter- he needs an honorable job to do to keep him interested in staying put!
Richard Whistle
January 26, 2022 at 11:16 pm
He killed ‘Kenny?’ This was South Park, right? 😉
Irene Lobaido
January 27, 2022 at 11:56 am
Who is Kenny??
Kimberly Goodson
January 27, 2022 at 11:12 am
We want him…big breed/ rescue experience 20 years.
Jill Moriarty
January 27, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Hi Kimberly,
Can you go online and fill out an adoption application? Please include your experience and write Gus’ name on the application.
Thank you!
Irene Lobaido
January 27, 2022 at 11:53 am
I have owned a Tosa Inu, purebred. Whoever gets this dog, ( I hope a professional trainer will adopt him), know you better properly know how to handle and professionally train this dog! A tosa will never forget being abused or hit! Never allow this dog to put his mouth or teeth on you! Positive reinforcement training is needed. A fully fenced yard at least 4-5 foot with hot wire on top. Dog must be taught not to climb or jump. Never play wrestle with this dog, it can easily excellerate into an attack, high prey drive and fighting instincts! Constant reinforcement of positive reinforcement of obedience is needed, to remind dog you are leader. Do not allow to be free with livestock, they can easily take down a bull, horse, any animal. Must be contained to property at all times, not allowed to run loose. Very loyal, but when prey drive kicks in to attack, impossible to stop. Extremely powerful man stopping. I highly recommend this dog go to professional trainer, without cats, livestock other dogs. Depending how it was raised, may not be good with dogs, they will not back down and will fight to the death. Whoever adopts, better know what they are doing. Be careful with children, not know if this dog likes children or was mistreated. I have owed Tosa for 8 years, from pup. Started puppy kindergarten at 8 weeks old. I hope he only goes to a professional trainer for everyone’s welfare, not that he is a bad dog, but if inexperienced owners handle him improperly, he could easily inflict deadly injuries in seconds. He must be respected and must respond to commands at all times. I wish him a good home with professional trainer only.
murray pierce
January 22, 2024 at 3:23 pm
Hi Irene! Came across this online. Hope you are well.
Elli Nikolopoulos Meyers
January 27, 2022 at 2:42 pm
He Is a beautiful dog I would love him
Wendy Frohling
January 27, 2022 at 4:46 pm
I would love to adopt him into our family . Already have an English Mastiff, Yogi and a huge white lab named Gus. They would love another brother on their farm. Hope he finds a special home with lots of love and room to play like a farm as big dogs should have.