am one of those old souls who served a family all my life, until one day, after 11 years, they decided I wasn't part of the pack anymore. I was quite shocked, and just sat there in the shelter, completely without any sort of hope, until a miracle happened. Yes, somebody wanted me! I was transported for hours to my new foster family, and here I am. Now, I am quite a realistic guy, so I know that probably very few folks will want to take on such a rusty ol' dog. Probably not much "use" left in me, right? Well I sure won't chase squirrels at this point, and no marathon training, thank you, that's for sure. But that's OK, since maybe you really just need someone to share the couch with? Or gaze at the sunset, or watch the world go by on the beach. I am absolutely perfect for that. Might even share your sandwich. I walk very nicely on a leash, and never use my sizeable body to run after new and exciting sights. My hindlegs give me some trouble on the stairs, I have arthritis, you see. I take some painmeds, though, so it's getting better. I am great with people of all sizes: right now I share my home with a 1 year old baby, and I was never anything, but sweet with him. I also have a cheeky shepherd girl here, who wants me to play with her and doesn't take "no" for an answer, and I'm cool with her (but sometimes I wish she wasn't such a pest). Cats are fine, too: we sniffed eachother and that was that. I have one dark secret, tough. I am starved and skinny, and very fond of food! If another dog gets too close, I tell them off very quickly. But as long as there is no food to squabble on, I'm cool with everyone. Oh and you read that right. I am 100lbs and skinny. So if you want a buddy who is a sweetheart but actually very intimidating at the same time, I'm your man: my bark and appearance will send any intruder running. Not bad from a retired man, huh? So, approved adopters with a big couch to share, please contact my foster mom! Please check out our web site at www.shepherdrescue.org for more information about our dogs, our adoption process and to download an application. You must have a fully approved application on file prior to privately meeting our dogs. We do not have a facility, all our dogs are housed in private foster homes throughout MD/DC/VA areas. More information available on our web site, so please read through our web site before emailing questions, as it might save us both some time!

VGSR can only adopt dogs out in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area, no exceptions.

Although donations of all types are needed, our primary need is foster homes for our lovely dogs while they wait for their new family to find them. Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience. Vet care is paid for by our rescue, and we can even provide you with food. All YOU need to add is love and security.

The adoption process starts with the applicant filling out the adoption application. This can happen at any time during the process, before or after having met a GSD that might be the ideal companion. (It's an advantage to have a pre-approved application on file with VGSR. It should be stressed here that being pre-approved does not mean that any potential adopter can select any available dog at will and take that dog home immediately. VGSR will exercise its best judgement as to which GSD will be the best match for that specific adopter based on a number of qualifying criteria. Many GSDs that come to us are matched up with their new people very quickly because their people have been pre-approved.) The applicant then submits the application form with a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee. VGSR reviews the application, then schedules an interview and home visit during which a number of questions are asked and the home is reviewed to be sure there is a contained/safe yard, and to meet the family involved. Once the application is approved, the applicant is asked to submit a $250.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.

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