On paper my name is Fern, but my foster family likes to call me Talia which means "dew from heaven". I have had a very hard life and until I was pulled from the shelter by some wonderful VSGR volunteers, I didn't think I was going to make it much longer. When they took me from the shelter, I had a double ear infection, a severe flea infestation, was anemic and very malnourished. I had also lost a great deal of hair on my tail, legs and back, and my muscles were very weak, too. No one knows how I ended up this way since I was picked up as a stray. I was taken to the vet right away only to find out I was heartworm positive, too. I have received my first heartworm treatment and will have my second dose in a few weeks. Sadly, even once I got to my foster home, I continued to get sick with a respiratory infection and then a urinary tract infection, too. I was really sick! But, VSGR has really taken care of me and I am making a come back. My weight is back up and my fur is growing in. Once I get through my second heartworm treatment, I will be as good as new and ready to find my forever home. My foster mom thinks I am just a little angel and can't believe I am so sweet and well behaved despite what I have been through. I am house-trained, love my crate, love playing with my kong and never chew on anything that isn't mine. I also get along well with my foster siblings, but would love to have a home where I will get all the attention that I deserve. I was a bit shy around people at first, but I have learned to trust them and now I even will give them kiss every once and a while. 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 $200.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.

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