Emma has lead a very tragic life to date. Emma came to her foster home from the Richmond Animal Shelter and little is known of her previous life other than she was surrendered because she was pregnant. Shes had very poor care in her life; her front upper and lower teeth are severely worn down or broken off in what may be a case of trying to escape being caged. Shes a German Shepherd mix, estimated to be six years old, spayed, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Regardless of her past she is a very trusting and loving girl. She likes kids and gets along with other dogs, big or small and shows no interest in cats (her foster home has three other dogs). Emma is very people-oriented, a little shy at first, but craves human attention and companionship. Not a pure-bred, but has prominent shepherd appearance and temperament. She rides great in a car, walks well on a leash, prefers to be inside with her family, understands sit and likes to give either paw to offer her friendship. She is a quiet and calm dog and not prone to getting into mischief. Even though her front teeth are missing her molars are intact, in good shape and shes able to eat regular dry dog food without problems. Emma was diagnosed with heartworm during the summer. Treatment was started immediately and over time she received three injections with the last one completed on September 18, 2006. She has responded well to good nutrition, medical treatment and lots of love. In mid-November, she can resume normal physical activity which should be slow at first, but working up to normal running and playing. Physical activity during her recovery has been very restricted. In March of 2006, she needs to be rechecked for heartworm. Emma is an excellent companion for a laid back owner. She is very happy to be with her human friends. 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.

© 2025 VGSR