Jasper is a wonderful family dog-he gets along with everybody - and that includes kids, small and
large dogs, cats (does not even chase). He was picked up as a stray with one of our other VGSR dogs
Gus (see above) and they were best buddies at the shelter. In his current foster home he plays with
his foster sister and submits to his older foster brother. When he tries to hump, foster brother
tells him to back off and he does. Jasper has no problems with hierarchy at all. He loves to snuggle
up with you on the couch and has nothing but love and happy smiles for you. Jasper is a big boy, has
long legs, a perfect shepherd tail and two floppy ears. He has stunning eyes and is all healthy and
well but needs fattening up. He is young and does not know much yet other than sit. He does walk
nicely on the leash and is not impetuous like a lot of other 1-year olds. He loves human attention
but we also think he would love to go to a home with another canine play mate.  RKaVA 

Meet Java.  Java is a wonderful 8 year old black and tan female who is an owner surrender.  She has taken to her foster family like a fish to water as shown at a local doggie swimming pool where she is practicing her "doggie paddle" and is strengthening her weak back legs. But don't let that fool you, she runs with the big dogs, her foster GSD sisters, and is working those yams in serious doggie play.

Java acts like a much younger dog.  She loves to go on walks and car rides.  She has also found where all the toys are hidden and begins many play sessions with her sisters.  Ms. Java aka "Big Dog" as her foster family calls her walks well on a leash, is house trained but can not be crated or kenneled since she has tried to chew her way out of both.    She is afraid of thunder and lightning and will pace endlessly until the storm passes. Sometimes, watching a good TV show with her family calms her down during these  stressful times.

What is the perfect home for Java?  It should be a home where someone is home for most of the day to keep her company.  She is very people oriented but can do well by herself when necessary.  The home can have other dogs and or cats since she gets along with both.  Children would be fine, as long as they are older.

Do you have what it takes to give this girl the home that she deserves? If so, and you are an approved adopter, you are welcome to contact her foster mom at reggietherue@aol.com  KKOVA

Juelz is a gorgeous sable colored 3 year old male shepherd that was given up to the Roanoke animal shelter. He is a very large, handsome, easy tempered boy that has been a wonderful dog in his new foster home. He is very gentle natured, loves people and kids, is friendly and social with all the dogs he has met in his foster home and on his recent trips to the dog park. He loves to roll over and let you give him belly rubs. Juelz is house trained, and although doesn’t love he tolerates being crated. He knows basic commands although he is a little lazy in responding to them sometimes. He is a big guy with a very deep bark that rattles the windows when a stranger knocks at the door, but he has been a nearly perfectly gentleman around the house in his foster home. Juelz is only fair on a leash as he wants to pull, but we are working on that and he is showing signs of progress in this area. Although he hasn’t shown it in his foster home, his previous handlers said he is a bit of an escape artist if he gets agitated. Juelz does have some fear issues when he encounters new situations or loud noises and especially when he is taken for a walk in a wide open space that he is not familiar with. His foster dad has been working building Juelz trust and confidence and has noticed improvement in the short week he has been in foster care. Juelz needs to go to a home that has the patience to work with him in continuing his confidence building to make him the wonderful gentle boy that he truly is. CMVA  Juelz foster can be reached at mcantrelll@msn.com.

Hi, my name is Kacy or K.C. I also respond to “pretty girl”. I am a bi-color German Shepherd, perhaps mixed with a little bit of something else.  Kacy is approximately eight years young.  She is generally calm and very social with people and loves children of all ages.  She is very smart and is currently taking a "tricks" class.  So far, she can shake, high five, sit pretty/beg, and play dead dog. She loves attention and is eager to please her humans.  Kacy is an alpha female and plays well with large male dogs and large submissive females.  She should not live with dogs her size or smaller or with cats.  KJVA  

Hi, my name’s Kobe and I’m all that!!!

I am a really nice boy . . . and I mean all BOY!!! (well, almost) I’m about 10 months old and will probably going to grow into what adults think of as a movie start K9.  Roy Rogers’ Bullet, Rin tin tin, Lassie, K9? They ain’t got nothin’ on me – well, except that I haven’t learned any manners yet.  My foster parents say that I am a gem in the rough, whatever that means.  I overheard them saying they had not worked out so much in many years – probably the one to two miles per day they walk me to get me to relax for 10-15 minutes.  

I weigh 70 lbs and everyone says that I’m very handsome and smart.  My foster parents are teaching me some manners as it appears I was an outside dog, given I feel comfortable outside.  However, I have had several “accidents” inside the house and don’t really understand what the big deal is when my foster family catch me in the act and tell me “no”. My new foster parents are teaching me how to behave on the leash, too!  I am a very quick learner and in just two days, I learned how to run along side with my foster parent and walk along side him, too.  I do get distracted very easily so he has to remind me every so often to heel by tugging on my leash, but I quickly remember.  For some reason, people like it when they tell me to sit, shake hands, down and sometimes come and I do it. I am the smartest dog of all. I need plenty of mental stimulation and attention or I will get bored and become mischievous.  Since I just know I’m all that, I am the king of my castle, that of my foster parents and . . . why not?  Any castle I go to.  Since I am the king of the castle, I do not tolerate smaller species, such as cats, squirrels, or any small critter that moves, for that matter. I don’t have a problem with other dogs and looooove to play, but they do not like me, for some reason.  My fosters say it is because I am overzealous, jealous, overbearing and will annoy smaller and older dogs who don’t put me in my place – they say I could even hurt one of them (unintentionally, of course) if left alone with them for more than 10 seconds.  I have not displayed any aggressive traits towards large dogs or humans.  I just like them too much – more than they would want me to like them. Of course, smaller species are no match for my energy.  In fact, I think some of the smaller ones as toys.  You are probably wondering how I feel about cats and small dogs.  I have a high prey drive so cats and small dogs best be 100 feet away from me at all times and in hiding . . . or else.  I love baths and love to play with the water while I am been washed. People? I loooove people.  Because I love people so much, my fosters say I will not go to a home with those other toys – you know, smaller dogs, cats or other small animals.  Actually, they also say I should not go home with small children due to my energy level and stubbornness.  My fosters say I definitely need someone whom I can accompany in long runs/walks and will give me a lot of attention and exercise.

As you can see from my pictures, I am very photogenic.  I enjoy the company of everyone in the family – adults and a fifteen year old girl – the dog? - that puts.  My fosters just keep me away from him for fear I will hurt it or give him a heart attack. 

I enjoy car rides, walks in the neighborhood and love play with a basketball, stick, food bowl, shoes, sandals, remote controls, computer cords and just about anything else I can spot.  As soon as they take one away from me, I am on to the next and there are a looooot of goodies I can get to.  Just look around you and if you can see it, it’s mine.

Due to my high IQ, my fosters think I definitely need a structured environment, lessons and would do well with training – constant training.

My best traits:

My wits – I am very smart, but get bored really easy. 

I love to play and will fetch for as long as you have an arm to throw

Although I am very mouthy when in the crate, once I finally settle down, I sleep and let sleep all night.

My needs:

I need to be entertained by my humans or I will begin barking, speaking, making noise, trying to bite at my crate to get out, whatever as long as I get their attention.  I will get tired of barking after about 10 minutes in the crate, but if I see any movement, I start all over again.  Am I loud? You bet ‘cha.  If I see anything move, I bark like I have never barked before and if it is not a human and moves, I will give chase not listening to my humans.

I definitely need a strong-willed type- a pack leader. Otherwise, I will run your lives – well, I will anyway, but less so if I am properly taught.

I am just a big playful puppy who needs to learn the proper way to play and when to play, when to be good, when to calm down (yeah, right)

Please contact franjaja@gmail.com if you have questions.  JMVA

Hi, I’m Lil’ Shep and I’m a really nice boy.  I’m about 2 years old so I’m probably full grown.  I weigh about 39lbs and everyone says that “I’m the perfect size”.  I’m a mini shep!  I’m a shepherd mix but it is hard to say what I’m mixed with.  I’m really nice.  I get along well with all the dogs I live with and I do a lot of wrestlemania with my crazy foster brother.  He plays rough but I hold my own.  I just discovered belly rubs.  Wow, they are great.  Whenever my mom sits on the couch, I jump on her lap and roll upside down.  I could just lay there all day getting my belly rubbed.  They are the best.  Because I lived outside I don’t have much training.  I’m learning how to walk on a leash right now but I still need work on basic obedience.  I’m pretty smart though so I’m sure I’ll pick it up pretty quickly.   Let my foster mom know if you would like to meet me.  MDVA

Wow, what a story!  Lilly was rescued (forced owner surrender) in late February from an abusive household. She

was shy, withdrawn and frightened of almost everything. It was obvious that she had been beaten and mistreated

by her former owners. She had at some point in her earlier life broken her front leg but apparently never received

any medical care for the injury so she walks with a slight limp. Lilly also showed some discomfort in her hips and

x-rays showed what appears to be a pellet or bullet fragment in her hip. We consulted an orthopedic surgeon who

said that the pellet can be safely removed and any damage to the hip repaired. Now for the exciting part!! Lilly

underwent surgery to be spayed in March and when she was opened up it was determined that she was pregnant.

VGSR made the decision not to abort the puppies but rather to save them. Lilly had ten healthy puppies on April 7,

2010 and they are now beginning to go to their ”forever” homes. Lilly was a wonderful mother and took great care

of her puppies. She is now regaining her strength and is feeling much better. She is no longer overly shy or afraid of

everything. She is very intelligent and just adores her foster mother. Lilly’s work is done. It’s now time to find her a

home where she can be loved, rest, play and no longer have to take care of puppies. She is scheduled to see her

orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Peter Lotsikas –VOSM - http://www.vetsportsmedicine.com/ ) on June 11 and surgery will

follow shortly thereafter. She, of course, also needs to be spayed. We desperately need help to pay for Lilly’s surgery

and post-operative care. Please consider helping Lilly achieve the pain-free life that this wonderful dog deserves by

making a donation in Lilly’s name. Donations can be mailed to VGSR (P.O. Box 126, Sterling, Virginia 20167) or

you can donate by using Pay Pal.  If you are looking for a dog that would make a wonderful addition to your family,

please consider Lilly. She is very laid back, loves her bed, and gets along with other dogs and cats. For more

information on Lilly, please contact her foster mom at PMcGill520@aol.com  MPVA

Maggie is a seven year old, 95 lb. female, purebred German Shepherd with the original breeders paperwork and AKC papers.  She has been well cared for all of her life and lived in the same home with the same owner since she was first purchased from the breeder.  Her owner was forced to move and could not find a place where she could take her.  Maggie has not spent any time in a shelter, and was turned over to her foster home by her original owner.  Maggie is a good hearted dog with a lot of energy for a seven year old.  She will keep up with whatever activity you choose, but when you are done, she'll be curled up asleep with her favorite toy.  Every evening Maggie will try to get you to play catch with one of her toys.  She'll play this game until you get tired and then she will go back to sleep.  Maggie is a very large girl.  She has a large frame and she is a few pounds overweight as well.  When she gets down to her ideal weight, which I estimate to be about 88 lbs., she will still be huge for a German Shepherd female.  Maggie is easy to handle and is fully house trained, she know things like "shake", but she has been spoiled with love and will need to get some remedial obedience training.  Because Maggie hasn't been through the trauma of a shelter or living on the streets, and because her owner was nice enough to donate all of Maggies bedding, food bowls, toys, etc., she has transitioned very nicely into her foster home, but she clearly is going to take a while to bond and somewhere in the back of her mind we can see that she is still waiting for her owner to come and get her.  Maggie attended the Washington Nationals "Pups in the Park" baseball game on 8-29-10.  She was in a crowd with thousands of people and many different dogs of all sizes and breeds.  She was very popular and she was well behaved the whole time.  Maggie has had free roam of her foster home (no crate) without incident.  She has been left with our male dog for several hours on several occasions and has shown no signs of separation anxiety.  She's just very happy to see us when we get back

Maggie is in excellent physical condition.  She doesn't appear to have any signs of arthritis and her hips seem to be in good condition.  Her teeth and gums are also in excellent condition.  As is very common in German Shepherds, Maggie has some food sensitivity and some itchy skin conditions. These should be easy to manage after consulting with a vet, and they haven't been a problem in her foster home.  Maggie is a big dog and although she is a good dog, she doesn't know how big she is. As a result, she probably won't be appropriate to homes with very small children because she isn't used to being around them.  If you are interested in Maggie, she will be attending VGSR adoption events in northern and western Virginia.  Check the events section of our website to see which events she is scheduled to attend. SStVA

You can email my foster dad with any questions at rlaing17@gmail.com   LRCVA

My name is Man and I’m a neutered 8 year old GSD mix.  My family had to give me up due to financial issues but they loved me a lot and that means I don’t come with a lot of baggage!  I get along great with my foster sisters (1 GSD mix and 1 Belgian Malinios) and I love to snuggle with the kids in my foster family.  My foster Mom thinks I’m the sweetest and she loves how I gently take snacks when offered (even better than my foster sisters she says).  I’m house trained, listen well, know basic commands and although I don’t like the crate, I will go in if I have to.  I’m a low maintenance kinda guy - just want some attention, a couple toys and snacks once in a while.  I’m good on a leash and love to play outside in the back yard – and I don’t shed a lot!  If you’re looking for a good family dog that will transition easily into your family, I’m your dog!

You can email my foster Mom with any questions.  Kc512@aol.com

Hi! My name is Nani. I came to rescue because I was originally purchased to be a Schutzhund dog and I really just was not interested. I was then adopted out to some people in Pennsylvania, but they couldn't keep me either. I have spent the past year in a kennel where no one could see how wonderful I am to be around and want to take me home. I am 3 years old and very sweet. I was about 45 lbs. underweight when I came into rescue. I am now up to 67 lbs. I also came with severe ear infections in both my ears. One ear is still under treatment (the deformed ear), but the other has cleared up nicely. One of my ears is permanently deformed because I got hemotomas that were left untreated so, my ear is all scarred up. I know basic commands and I love to be around my humans. I play with my foster brothers and sisters, but I am a bit possessive of my food towards the other dogs. However, I do respond to correction quickly even if food bowls are involved. I sit in a circle with the others and take treats well, I just seem to protect my bowl. My foster mommy hopes that I will get past that once I realize that I am not starving any more. I am solid red and a real kisser. I am crate-trained and house-trained. I do not need to be crated, but will crate well if necessary, though I can be vocal for a few minutes afterwards unless I have a bone to chew on. I have a great alert bark, but will welcome anyone in the house that comes in. I would love to have a family to run and snuggle with every day. DGVA

Hi!  My name's Robbie and I'm a "Perma-Puppy."  That's 'cause I'll always be the size and cuteness of a 6 month old German Shepherd.  I'm actually a mix, but even experienced GSD lovers think I'm a pure bred puppy.  I think that it means that you get all the benefits of a cute wiggly and friendly puppy minus all the growing pains.  Animal control found me tied to a stop sign all skin and bones, and with an embedded collar.  That's when someone doesn't loosen a collar as a puppy grows and it cuts into a poor pup's neck!  I had a very bad open would under my neck, but the nice veterinarians removed it and called VGSR to foster me.  I'm healing fast, but it will be a while before my neck fully heals.  Eventually it will and the fur will grow back as if it never happened.

I'm having a real fun time at my foster home.  When I came here I wasn't neutered, potty trained, and very scared.  Can you blame me?  I was starved, left on a chain, and left with a gaping, super ouchie wound on my neck.  I'm very friendly but new people are a still little scary so I bark a little at first, but I'm learning to trust people.  Even though I'm a bit shy at first, if you let me come sniff you I warm up quickly.  I'm goofy, playful, and cuddly with my foster family.  They let me play with their other dogs, feed me lots, and cuddle with me.  Which is great because I'm the perfect lap dog size.  I didn't even know that a human hand can give treats before I came here, but now I know that hands bring goodies and pets.

I get along with other dogs, and kitties don't seem to interest me too much.  I let little kids pet me all over and never complain when they pet too hard.  So I should fit in just about anywhere that is willing to continue working with me on socialization, obedience, and potty training (I was never in a house but I'm getting the hang of it quickly!).  Will you show me what it's like to have a real family of my own?   If you would like to donate to the Medical Fund that helped save my neck (literally!), please click on this link:  http://shepherdrescue.net/cgi-bin/Donate.asp. KEVA