Rescue German Shepherds

Just wanting to pick your brains, folks....

What are your experiences of rescue GSDs?

How did they fit in with an already established group of dogs of two or more? Particularly bitches?

Did you have any problems? If so, how did you overcome them?

Thanks.

My first GSD was a rescue (of sorts). She had been passed from pillar to post since puppyhood and eventually ended up with Lancashire Police at 16 months old. She didn't have the right temperament to become a police dog though, and so was offered to me.

She was my first "personal" dog and I adore her, faults and all. She was an only dog, until myself and my boyfriend split up and my sister moved in with her dog to share my house and the bills etc. Initially there was a little bit of friction - as they were both bitches, however they soon sorted themselves out and were best friends after that.

She had never really been socialised or trained though, and was fairly hard work throughout her life - as she was nervous aggressive to dogs and people. However, I think partly her issues were down to my inexperience and I would deal with her issues differently now.

Other than her, I have been a volunteer with GSD Rescue (Second Chances, GSDRUK and GSDR Scotland) for the past 15 years. My experience is that many of our rescues do have issues - mainly down to bad breeding and not having been trained or socialised, but that with experience, understanding and patience many of these issues can be overcome. Of course there are also dogs who come in through no fault of their own and with few issues, but these tend to be some of the older dogs who many prospective adopters overlook due to their age

Are you thinking of getting a rescue GSD??

My first Rescue Sheila - unwanted Christmas present originally we think. Had probably never been walked apart from streets and was hiding under a coffee table when we went to get her in an immaculate house.



She was a perfect dog. My soul-mate. Never put a paw wrong. No issues, no health problems. She helped me learn about dogs (she was my first), brought my children up and was the best dog anyone could want.

Next Rescue GSD Holly:
had been walked infrequently by a child on a prong collar. Seemed to be banished to the kitchen because the Husband didn`t like her.



The sweetest dog I`ve ever owned. Occasional health problems till we realised she had some allergies. She went to France with me and was a superb girlie that you could take anywhere.

Foster Dog Sheba



Her owner had died and she proved to have mammary cancer. We had her for a year and she was just lovely - such a character. Loved tea and biscuits! No behaviour issues but barked loudly in cars.

Current Rescue GSD Daisy
From Vigil



The prettiest dog I`ve ever had. Originally extremely human-aggressive. Now she`s my precious. She`s fearless, loyal, loving, playful and challenging. No health problems. Three years to retrain - worth every minute of it.

Last but not least....
Razzle



My big fluffy bear. A cruelty case who will now let me cuddle him. He doesn`t go out but he`s relaxed with us and that`s fine. He is very very sweet. Health? Covered with old scars and injuries. The gentlest dog I`ve ever met.

sorry - fitting in:
no never had any issues.

This is Sarah adopted by me when she was approximately 6 1/2.




She'd come into RSPCA Wethersfield where I was a volunteer 2 weeks before Christmas 1990, starving & heavily pregnant. Her time was up at the local pound and her & 2 other stray GSD's were due to be PTS. She had 7 pups on Christmas day. When they were all homed I took her home (after begging my father for 3 months). We had a 6 and 9 month old collie at home-both bitches.

She was an adorable dog, but didn't like other dogs when out walking and was very protective over the 9 month old collie. If the other two were grumbling at each other she'd intervene & attack the 6 year old! Yet the rabbit could sit on her, lick her bone when she was eating it and the cats would terrorize her.

Health wise she had mammory tumours and spondilitis and was PTS Christmas 93.

I'd love to get another GSD some day......

Kirsty, Claire,

Thanks so much for sharing your stories, loved reading them...aren't they just the most loyal companions.

Claire,

Love seeing the pictures - they're fab!

Poor Razzle. But glad he's happy doing what he does and that's the main thing. At least you understand him - many wouldn't....

Kirsty - my granpa has had shepherds in the past and loves the breed - it's his favourite breed and he loves everything about them. He really would like another and not a really young one.

Yes, he's 76 but he's fit and healthy and the dog we're looking at is 6 years old, a spayed bitch with no apparently huge problems although all I know about her is what it says on the webiste:

http://www.german-shepherd-rescue-sc...?category_id=7

Would you be able to find out more about her for us, please? Like how she travels etc?

Plus, I'm here, I'm only 26 and would equally care for the dog as he does with regards to exercise etc. Vet bills wouldn't be a problem (she would be insured) and I'd be dealing with diet.

Would also depend on how she got on with Molly and Roxy.

We must be mad..... It's my gran we just have to convince, she's just an old moan.

brill thread, great to read all the stories

This was my lovely Sharna

Kirsty - my granpa has had shepherds in the past and loves the breed - it's his favourite breed and he loves everything about them. He really would like another and not a really young one.

Yes, he's 76 but he's fit and healthy and the dog we're looking at is 6 years old, a spayed bitch with no apparently huge problems although all I know about her is what it says on the webiste:

http://www.german-shepherd-rescue-sc...?category_id=7

Would you be able to find out more about her for us, please? Like how she travels etc?

Plus, I'm here, I'm only 26 and would equally care for the dog as he does with regards to exercise etc. Vet bills wouldn't be a problem (she would be insured) and I'd be dealing with diet.

Would also depend on how she got on with Molly and Roxy.

We must be mad..... It's my gran we just have to convince, she's just an old moan. [/QUOTE]

Nicola - I think your best bet would be to give Liz a call (hers is the number on the website) and explain your circumstances and see if she would consider you for a homecheck. Given your grandfather's age, it may be a no, as usually GSDR Scotland doesn't rehome to anyone over the age of 70 years, except for in exceptional circumstances. (Not my rules I hasten to add). However, if you were to explain that you would also be there to care for the dog etc etc then Liz may well consider you - especially as the bitch you are interested in is a little older etc.

Everyone has to fill in an adoption form and go through the initial phone call and homecheck, as well as follow up check, however I think, in your case, it would be worth ringing Liz and explaining your circumstances before filling in a form.

Fingers crossed!

You have shared your life with some beautiful dogs, Claire

Another beautiful girl. RIP Sarah.