Roy has had a bit of a rough start in life. He was found locked up and tied down in a shed on the edge of someone's property. The owners of the property, who had just purchased the house, heard a dog barking and thought it was a neighbors dog. About two weeks later the homeowner was taking a walk and heard the barking again. He followed the bark to a shed where he had to break through the lock and found a dog tied down inside. The dog (Roy) couldn't even stand up because he was so weak. They figure he was locked in there for at least two weeks, probably longer. Despite his rough start, this 77 pound, 1 year old dog doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He is just one big lovable goof. Although he came with the name Roy, we have called him Riley which means "Valiant Warrior" in Irish because he has been such a brave boy. All he wants to do is play. He can jump up in the air 6+ feet to catch a ball. He is absolutely skin and bones and once he gains some weight should be around 85 pounds. But he is just one lovable guy. Roy has been vetted and is up to date on his vaccinations. He is currently being treated for whip worm and Lyme disease and will neutered next week (December the 10th). He behaved himself wonderfully at the vet, but didn't like having his blood drawn. He kept trying to give the vet kisses to persuade him from using that scary needle! Roy has been in the car several times now and has done very well. We crate him in the car. He has also been sleeping in a crate at night. Roy gets along very well with our dog (a 45 pound female) and loves to play with her. Roy is working on his manners. He still very much has that puppy mentality and doesn't know too many commands. But he's working on it and he just loves getting treats as a reward! Roy seems to be a little fearful of big trucks and passing cars while on walks, but he is getting better. And he has quite a bark! We have only heard him bark twice: once at a passing construction truck and once when our dog barked. But his bark definitely fits his big frame. He would do well in a home with someone who has lots of energy to play ball with him and take him on long walks. Roy hopes he'll be adopted soon and have a new start in life with his forever family. :) 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.

© 2024 VGSR