Hi!, I'm Tessa. I was born in the US, but my litter was bred in Germany. My father, VA2 Timo vom Berrekasten, was the #2 male in the world 2000 and 2001. I was the #7 female in the US at the USA Sieger Show. Shortly thereafter, I was sent to Germany for my training where I was titled, breed surveyed, and rated excellent. I have the SV pink paper addition to my AKC pedigree as my parents met the strict breeding requirements of the German SV system as do I. I became the lifelong partner for General O'Mara's daughter and served that position faithfully until her passing a few months ago. The family tried to keep me but their lifestyle would not permit my addition to their household. I have been raised in a household around children, consider myself good with other animals. (I bark at horses, but, do not bother the cats, and the chicken). Very well-mannered and looking for a lifelong home where we can enjoy activities together. I'm happy in the house, outside in the yard, am crate-trained and can be left alone for 8 to 10 hours. I'm obedience-trained both on and off leash, and should perform well for you once you learn my language as I'm trained in German 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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