"We lost our lab in April and actually the idea that his death would open up a place for a homeless dog helped me to deal with that. We looked at many web sites and even tried one older dog, but she wanted to eat our cats so that didn't work. Finally we saw Casey's picture up on the bulletin board at Huntsman Square and as soon as we got home my daughter logged on to your web site and we discovered he would be at the adoption day the following day. Casey was there with Nate, his foster person and he really impressed the whole family - his age, personality and looks seemed to be what we were looking for. Nate was very helpful and answered all my questions about Casey - I very much like the idea that people experienced with shepherds know the dogs and can honestly tell you what to expect. Anyway, Nate brought him to our home and spent quite a long time with us making sure the transition would be smooth. When he left Casey was quite upset, but by the end of the evening he had attached himself to my daughter, Amy. He is a teenage dog, but with a lovely disposition - very good in the house and anxious to please. We have begun lessons with an experienced dog trainer (who does not use any force or cruel methods) and are looking forward to him being a wonderful dog. She tells us it may take 18 months to have him really obedient outside since he had no training when we got him. We hope to be able to take him to the barn where we keep our horse and to horse shows eventually (right now he is just too excited). As I said, we love him and feel very lucky to have found him. Thank you for all the work you do in rescuing dogs!"

Caroline

Casey came into our home December 18th 2005 and I can't believe that it's been 10 months already (yet in many ways it seems as though she's always been a part of our family). She is extremely intelligent, playful and affectionate. She is amazing around elderly people as she approaches them gently and sits calmy by their side, slightly toughing their leg or arm with her body an sometimes softly licking their their hand. She receives attention and compliments wherever we go. She loves her long walks especially on the beach - (she even wears her own backpack and helps us collect shells). My husband and I have said said several times that we are not sure exactly who rescued who. Thank you VGSR - you not only saved Casey #7's life and enriched her future, but you (and Casey) have enriched ours as well.

Kelley and Harry Van De Ven

Kasha Case (although she didn't know that was her name yet) was just a few weeks old when she was found wandering the cold streets in the middle of winter. Luckily, someone took her to VGSR where some nice people kept her warm and gave her love until she found her way into our hearts at about 8 weeks old. She was barely 10 lbs and still had floppy ears. Her big sister, Casey Case (who is a Dachshund mix so she is only 15 pounds full-grown), was pretty surprised when Kasha surpassed her size in just a few short weeks. Now, at two years old, Kasha is a happy, healthy, 70 lb. GSD.

Angela Case

To our friends and family @ VGSR,

    Charlie and I (Dakota. formerly known as Mrs. Kibbles) just wanted to let you know the we are doing

Great in our Forever Home.  We have been here with Bill Queen now for almost 2 years and we couldn’t be

happier.  We get to go to the beach & the dog park...and play with our friends we have so much fun!!  We

both graduated from obedience school, although I think it was us taking him to be trained..hehehe.  Sometimes,

 if we're good, we get treats like rawhide chews and frosty paws!!! We love those frozen doggie treats!!!  We

are both happy and healthy.  When Charlie first came to the VGSR he was only about 65lbs and all skin and

bone...at his last Vet visit he weighed in at 105lbs!!!  Wow what a porker!!!! hehe  But Charlie said Dr. Kenneth

told them he's just right, but I still run rings around him.  At my last visit to Dr. Kenneth I was a slim and trim

82Lbs and fit as a fiddle.  We hope all our friends at VGSR are doing well and we will keep you updated.

                                      Love,

                                              Charlie and Dakota

Cochise is doing great. I'm attaching some pics of him playing. I've been working on socializing him with people and other dogs and he's doing well. I've been working with a trainer and she says he's a really smart and confident puppy. We're working on some basic commands and manners. He's got so much energy that I am going back and forth between keeping him physically and mentally engaged.

Marilyn Johnson

Lea & Barb…  It’s been a long time since you’ve seen an update on Cody.  We haven’t been available

for the annual reunions recently, which is disappointing to me, but unavoidable.  Time seems to fly by

faster the older I get!  He is now 10 years old and moves a little slower, but otherwise is a happy and

healthy boy.  He has freedom in the house at night, but we still cannot let him have the run of the house

when we’re away.  However, he will now stay in aroom, un-crated, with his sisters and brothers, and be

content.  He is a velcro dog and sticks with us when outside and when we travel to our trailer in Virginia. 

He has put on a few pounds, only because he has slowed down.  There is a new young member in the family

who is relentless in getting him to play, which has re-energized him to keep him feeling young – maybe he’ll

even lose a few pounds.  To strangers, his looks and size are extremely intimidating, but he is an absolute marshmallow at heart.  He is extremely tolerant of children of any size, and just ignores the resident birds.

He truly is a valued member of our family and an absolute joy to have around.

From Cody:  I’ve been here 8 years now… time sure flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?  And it’s

been fun.  Whenever I see mom and dad packing up the truck with suitcases – WOW – gotta get out that

front door fast and into the back seat before they tell me I have to stay home this time!  I really like those

road trips to the trailer and chillin’ on the boat in the sun while mom and dad try to catch big fish for dinner. 

And those peanut butter treats are just the best!  (Sometimes dad will sneak me extra, but don’t tell mom.) 

I wish I could have more chewies and rawhide because I hate that toothbrush and toothpaste!  I sure don’t

like it when they leave during the day, but my bed in our room is really comfy and my fur-siblings are with

me to keep me company.  That beagle-girl Mattie Mae, she may think she’s the boss of me, but I just let her

think that.  I’m just being a gentleman when I let her drink first and go outside first.  She may be a little pushy,

but I pick my battles.  Well, I will pick one eventually.  Maybe.  Mom and dad have grandchildren and my

size scared them when they were small babies, but not anymore!  They feed me their dinner now when they

come over – but don’t tell anyone, OK?  They tell me I’m overweight and need to lose a few pounds, but I

enjoy mom’s cooking and dad’s grilling!  There is a brand new baby in North Carolina that I had to check

out when she came to visit us when she was a month old.  She sleeps a lot and doesn’t cry much.  I like that

because I think something is wrong when she cries.  But now I’ll remember her when she comes back to visit. 

The back yard is now fenced and I can go in and out as I please and am content to lay in the sun on the deck. 

There is a new fur kid that’s only five months old and he won’t leave me alone.  Always wants to play play

play.  He nibbles on my lip and ear to get my attention, and is constantly nudging me awake from my nap. 

<sigh>  But who can resist a baby and a chance for some fun?  Thanks for getting me here – I’m having a

great time!

Jim & Vicki Corbett

It all started because we missed a friend... He'd been gone about 18 months when we decided to look for another special German Shepherd. The first one we found was at in the local SPCA and was very young and active. At the last minute, we were told he did not like other dogs. So we looked at picture after picture - and they all started to blur. Anyone who says you cannot see the personality of a dog in a picture didn't see Cody's picture. We knew when we saw him he was special and couldn't wait to meet him! The girls (terrier mix-Pepper and border collie mix-Nibbles) were not impressed with him. They were used to having the place to themselves and really didn't want to share. Within minutes of the home visit, he was following "dad" around the house. Things went so well, we wanted him to stay. It turned out that he is very insecure and suffers from major separation anxiety. For the first month, we tried to help him through this issue by trying different ways to calm him when we were gone. Cody is one very smart individual and it was like a two-year-old testing his limits. To keep our sense of humor, he was quickly dubbed "Cody-monster", and everyone agreed that it seemed to fit. We finally hit on the right combination (I'm sure additional time to settle helped it along also), and he is now much better when we leave. I don't think he'll ever like it when we do - but what dog enjoys being left behind? He has even managed to charm the girls! He has turned out to be the biggest lap dog there is. He had lost some weight in the transition and was only 114 lbs. when he went to meet the vet shortly after the adoption, but he has filled out a great deal in the past three months, and is now once again over 120 lbs. He has always tiptoed around our one-year-old-grandson, but "big" people are fair game and, for a time, greeted everyone by giving out hugs. He is now learning some manners and the routine and is also learning what is expected of him. As time goes on, his protective instincts are starting to emerge and he is proving to be a devoted and intelligent Shepherd. Unlike our last Shepherd (who preferred "dad"), Cody has shown himself to be equally attached to us all. It's hard for him to make a decision as to who he should stick with - unless, of course, you're going out the door!! If a coat is on and the keys are rattling, he's by your side and velcro couldn't keep him any closer. He will not be fooled either. If you don't leave right away, when you do, there's Cody - stretched across the doorway. With some work, this has also become manageable. We can now get him to stay inside and he knows that if he is not in his crate we will be right back. He will wait patiently at the top of the steps for us to return. He is worth every bit of not only the love we have given to him, but also the commitment we have to make him a part of our family - and is returning this to us ten times over! He tries so hard to understand what we expect from him and is content to be with us where ever we may be. He also likes to move things. Doesn't like to chew on anything, but will just pick something up and take it somewhere else and put it down... I find things in strange places - shoes, empty soda cans, even a bowl was removed from the kitchen sink and placed in front of the bathroom door when "dad" was in there! Yes, he kicked it when he came out. We are looking forward to taking him to our trailer in Virginia on weekends and see how he does as a fishing buddy. I just hope he likes the boat, the beach and the water... We will keep you updated. Shepherds are truly loyal and intelligent. They require, and give back, a lot of respect to the families who adopt and understand them. We sincerely thank his foster mom Barbara, and Lea, for all of their support and suggestions when we were at our wits end. Thank you for allowing this comical character to be a part of our lives.

This fine looking gentleman is Colonel, formerly known as Tristan. He was welcomed into our home on our Trooper's seventh birthday (GSD), 6 May. Although the initial integration was a little trying, Trooper and Colonel are getting along fine and Trooper is helping Colonel learn his house manners. At nearly six months old, Colonel is up to 60 lbs., and has made himself right at home. He has learned to "sit" on command, "shake", "down" and definitely knows where the treat basket is. He has drowned two toys, but a baseball is his current toy of choice... which works out well as Trooper's favorite is an old volleyball!! Colonel is doing well on his leash training and begins formal training on the 7th of June! We are so happy to have him in our home and lives.
This is one fantastic dog. He still suffers from some separation anxiety, but because I don't have to be gone long, he is handling things well. The exercises the vet gave us has paid dividends. He is growing like a weed, and has much more endurance and the thickness of his legs and hips has increased. He is incredibly soulful and has found his puppydom again... he is running, jumping and just having fun. He found out today that he can swim!!!! Trooper loves to swim and it is really good for her legs, hips, etc. Colonel was not too sure, but didn't realize there was a drop off at the lake and his instincts kicked in, which is good, because while prepared to go in, I was not excited about it. During the acclimation, I have slept in the guest bedroom, my husband still has to maintain a job after all. Colonel sleeps with me every night. So, I have a GSD on each side... I don't know what else you could ask for. The dog beds, toys, people are all community property now, which is great. Of course, I still feed separately and probably always will, I am able to give treats together, and even sit on the floor and love them both at the same time. I had to change vets, but we see our new vet Friday... with surgery to be scheduled.
He is stunning, smart, funny, enthusiastic, and most of all, a pup! We love him dearly. I still spend my quality time with Trooper and she enjoys some benefits that Colonel does not, but Colonel doesn't seem to mind. He is certainly a character, and Trooper is a great teacher and mentor!
As far as bad habits, well Trooper is continuing the tradition of drinking from the toilet and Colonel has drowned a couple of toys, but it is just too cute to be upsetting! He is still jumping up, but we are working on that. Trooper did get hold of him the other day and he got schooled, but no damage... just a little scary. Trooper doesn't want anyone on her back. Did you know that he smiles at you when you give him a treat... it is wild!!!!
OK, enough of this epic love story!!!! There have been three great dog loves of my life, and now I can say four... I am blessed!!!!! Thanks again for everything you did to make this happen!!!!! I know we couldn't have even reached Tristan without you!!!!! We owe you one.

Rami Spain

Howdy! I wanted to check in and let you know what's been happening since I came home.

A Stormy Start

After being neglected for 6 months as a young pup, I was rescued by VGSR and then adopted by a couple and their two cats. Since I ignored the foster family's cat (I was busy) , people seemed to think I would ignore all cats ...silly, huh? If these cats were gonna be my packmates I wanted to know all about them! On the first day, I went in for a good sniff and the cat punched me right in the nose. After being scolded a couple hundred times, I finally realized I'm supposed to stay farther away from them. Something about "personal space..." Everyone was pretty tense for the first 3 weeks while we were all learning to live together. My people told me I was "hanging on by a string" at one point, but since I don't know what a 'string' is I decided not to worry about it. My parents' free-wheeling lifestyle was crimped by having to come home and play with me every night, and I still hadn't figured out how to tell them when I needed to go to the bathroom. The cats rarely came out of their room (I would have visited them, if it wasn't for that dumb baby gate) and all I heard about was how unhappy the cats were! The hardwood floors downstairs were another challenge, and it took a while to get my "sea legs." They told me it was like living with a 70 lb drunk... Then there was the crate. I used to live outside, so it was pretty hard to adjust to the confinement. Besides, during the 10% of the day I wasn't sleeping I figured it would be much more fun to poop around the house and tear stuff up! After I let myself out one day, my people decided to reinforce it.

After the Storm

Somehow we all made it through the adjustment period. I started figuring out the whole bathroom thing: you eat inside, but you pee outside... who would have guessed? When Ma bought me a ball to play with in the backyard, I knew I'd found my sport. My favorite toy is a giant, volleyball-sized tennis ball from Target! I would run around the yard herding it with my nose at top speed! I could even do belly spins on top of it, but the best part was when Pa would kick the ball across our big yard for me to chase. I'm so fast now that he really has to work to get it past me! It doesn't bounce as well now that I grew big enough to bite it, but it sure is a lot easier for me to carry around. They're kind of slow sometimes, but my people are finally starting to understand me. Ma kept talking about sending me to military school during those first three weeks, and wouldn't ya know it they DID! I started obedience training with them and it's been great. Miss Brenda was already teaching me to sit before I came home, but now I'm learning even more cool stuff. Ma helps me practice my training at least twice a day, so I'm always at the top of the class. As for the crate, I'm still not crazy about it but I do get treats and toys every time I "kennel up."

Life As I Know It

I love to go places, and my parents took me on walks every day from the start. We never go the same way twice, and I've met lots of people who really seem to like me. Sometimes I even get to sniff other dogs! Jeep rides are another blast. Before being adopted, I'd acquired a reputation as a "yacker" but I haven't thrown up at all in the Jeep. I have my own harness that hooks to the floor, so I can stand on "solid ground" and walk around, but I can't jump out by accident. I'm 8 months old now, house-trained, and I haven't destroyed any furniture. I'm also getting along better with the cats these days. After a month or so, they rejoined the family and we're hanging out more. They are still a bit wary of me and won't let me sniff them as much as I'd like, but what's a pup to do but throw himself to the ground with a big dramatic sigh. I may have started out being a forgotten Christmas puppy tied to a tree, but thanks to VGSR I'm now a very important part of a happy family. Thanks to Brenda, Rick, Arlene and the whole VGSR team for helping me be successful!

That's the news for now,

Dakota Anderson

My in-laws are visiting and they are begging to take Denver home with them. He is particularly fond of my mother-in-law and slept with them last night. I don't think he has seen the inside of a crate or pen more than 20 minutes since he got here. I cannot believe how tolerant he is of the kids- -they wallow and wallow and wallow and he keeps coming back for more. This morning was the first morning I have felt well enough to take him for a walk. He was so good on the leash. Loved the horses and ignored other dogs in their yards. I have had small amounts of experience with training German Shepherds and I know they don't just "come that way". I was so impressed. Anyway, I paid more attention to his body language when he was licking and his tail is wagging away, so I think it is probably affection. He and David are still kind of "feeling each other out". David is just a little frightened of him and Denver will try to take food from David sometimes, so we simply don't allow David out of the kitchen with food. Lindsey can walk around with her food and Denver just ignores her. Anyway, we are all in love (including Brian) and he is better behaved that we ever dreamed he could be.

Christy

Destiny is doing well. I've attached two pictures in front of the Christmas tree up at the farm. We got thru the Gardia meds and retested, and the retest came back negative. Her skin is doing better. The extra aloe treatments from Aussie PetMobile in addition to the medicated shampoo are helping, she's had two and gets another one next Friday. When she scratches I spray her with an anti-itch spray of tea oil and aloe and she stops scratching. We are still working are way thru the twice-a-day antibiotics and anti-fungal capsules. Assuming something doesn't come up before, I'll take her back to my Vet for a checkup when we get through with the capsules. I'm getting away with regular dog food so far, but she does seem to have occasional gastric problems. I don't think the Alpo and Pedigree canned beef dog food sit well with her, but the chicken seems to be OK. The Purina One Lamb & Rice kibble seems to be OK, too. Assuming things continue to go well, I'll try to get the unopened Rabbit & Potato kibble back to VGSR. She's a sweet girl. Very quiet, she's not a big technology advocate, first bark at day three was at my ink jet printer pushing paper at her, and her first extended barking session was at the heat pump in the back yard a week or so later. She loves her dog beds, and is happy to snooze most of the day. One of her pillows is in my office in front of Max the guinea pig's cage. She doesn't pay much attention to Max. I got Destiny her own ID tags, she's wearing Aslan's collar. Hope this finds you, your family, friends, and VGSR well.

Cheryl Anderson

Hello,

I just wanted all of the people who helped me recover from my troubled beginnings know that I am doing GREAT! My mom calls me her "sweet, sweet boy," so it must be true. My sister Grace and I recently rescued a shepherd/hound mix from our local SPCA, named Abby. My mom says that my gentle nature is perfect for the puppy, as she has some health problems. Fortunately, these problems do not stop her from wrestling and playing with Grace and me. The three of us have a lot of fun when we are in the yard with our Mom playing with sticks or frisbees. As you can see, I have grown (kind of) into my big ears and feet. I weigh about 82 pounds now, and am very tall. I love to look over the fence at my neighbors and greet them, but do not ever try to jump it. I sneak out of the bedroom at night to sleep on the couch. I try to be slick about it, but my mom knows. Luckily, she doesn't mind - in fact, she took this picture of me doing just that. I still scare myself or my sisters when I let out a big bark, which is one of the things that my mom thinks is cute. I wanted to let you all know that I am a very healthy and happy boy, and thank you for all of the love and care you gave me while I was in your care.

Love, ~DJ (and his mom, Kelly)

Hi! My name is Dori. I was born in a foster home after my mom, Eva, was rescued. I have nine brothers and sisters. I was the second to last one to meet my new family, which means I got to spend 14 weeks with my foster mom Sheila. She named me Dori because she said I was so "adorable". She let me lick all over her face, which my new mommy says gave me a bad habit. Now, I'm almost three years old, and I live with my canine brother Lou, two cats named Mickey and Maris, my human sister Mackenzie, and my mom and dad. I like to chase the cats when possible, but they really don't like me much. I passed my CGC test last year, and I'm getting ready to take the Therapy Dog test. My mom says I'm so gentle and sweet that we need to share it with others. Life is pretty good. Thanks for saving me!

Dori Buxman

Hi Mom (and Dad):

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but to tell the truth, I haven't been able to keep my paws dry long enough to get on Dick's computer. Since I last wrote, a lot has happened to me, as you well can imagine. I've passed all my tests at the vet's, but Dick is still giving me medicine for my eyes, which are getting better. He cleans them every morning, muttering something about getting rid of the "eye boogers." But I don't feel too bad, because he said Cinda had them, too. Speaking of tests, you would really be proud of me. I passed two "biggies" this past week. The first was an evaluation at Affectionate Pet Care, out at Fairfax Station. Dick took me out there last Thursday to have me tested for how compatible I would be with other dogs when I'm boarded there. They put me in an enclosure and then introduced new dogs to me, one at a time, until I was surrounded by, would you believe, four Golden Retrievers. It was a no-brainer. I wanted to play with all of them, but we were running out of time. The people at Affectionate Pet Care couldn't get over what an "affectionate puppy" I was. I didn't have the heart to tell them I wasn't a puppy any longer. I must not be showing my age. Anyway, Cinda had briefed me on the test, so I knew what to expect. The second big "test" this past week was meeting the baby grands, as Dick calls them. His daughters brought their four little ones out to the house to see just me. Can you believe it? It was great! They were running all over the place and I was running after them to give them kisses. One little guy whose name was Ronan was my favorite. He was four and just the right height for kissing. Last night was something special. Dick said he was going out to a Super Bowl party and told Cinda and me to "guard the fort." Wow! He gave us the run of the house for four hours and we were really good. When Dick came home, he was so happy that he gave each of us a whole dog biscuit. Earlier in the day, when he went to church, he wasn't so happy. As he was about to drive away, I climbed up on the couch to look out the front window. Cinda had told me that was a no-no . . . and not to get uptight about Dick leaving the house, because he always came back and wouldn't abandon me. Well, he did come back, even before pulling out of the driveway, then proceeded to scold me and put a small step ladder on the couch so I wouldn't get up on it again. Today was another exciting day. My new bed arrived--just like Cinda's, only green. When he put the bed down in the bedroom, it took some coaxing on his part to get me in it. But once I got in, it was heavenly. Earlier, I had tried out Cinda's and fell in love with it. Attached is a picture of our "dorm room." Cinda looks a little put out, because Dick made her come back into the room and get in her bed for the picture. But this is the way we hang out every night. Tomorrow Dick is going to sign me up for basic dog obedience. I thought I was doing pretty good, but he said that I needed more polish on my commands. Cinda told me the classes are a real trip and that I'll enjoy them. She said she made friends with a pit bull called Bella. That sounds exciting. Maybe I'll make friends with . . . who knows? That's all for now.

Your Loving Son,

Dutch

Dutchess is the best dog ever! She a mamma's girl, so lovable, snuggly, loves to be rubbed, loves to give kisses, is our other dogs best friend, is very healthy at 65 pounds now and looks great. She loves Camp Care-a-lot - Dutchess and Blue go there at least once a month and since Dutchess loves it so much we are going to have her attend day care at least once a week. She loves and needs the socialization even though she wants all the attention.

Calling VGSR was the best thing we have ever done. When we are ready for another dog we will definitely be getting another Shepherd.

I will forward other pictures when I get back in town.

Thank you for keeping in touch!

Ronni Taylor