German Shepherd Dog Rescue of GA
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Alumni Adoption Stories

​If you have adopted a dog from GSDRGA, we would love to share your story here. E-mail us at contact@gashepherd.or​g

Greta 
Greta is doing great!! She’s a master frisbee catcher and enjoys weekend hikes and trips to the dog park. Her favorite place to sleep is in the master bed. She takes her job of protecting us from delivery people quite seriously, giving one warning bark and then staring them down until they leave, be it our house or a nearby neighbor. She’s developed comical relationships with both our JRT and our cat. They all like to playfully torment each other, but they’ve all developed a healthy respect for each other’s space. 
 
We would actually be interested in adopting a male, roughly her age or younger, if any are or become available so she can have a proper size wrestling partner. 

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Jill

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Jill is now about 1 year old; she  was  adopted 9/23/2016. I volunteer for GSDRGA..I decided to take the next leap in my volunteering and foster a dog. I  got one and her name is Jill. I am not sure of her back story.  Regardless of that, she was a pretty and very very sweet dog. I also noticed it appeared she had some sort of obedience training. She even sits automatically when I go to put a leash on her.

All of this to say that within a week she had me wrapped around her little or big paw. I had to put down my West Highland Terrier (My Mom’s dog who I grew up with) down a few months ago at age 15. She had lung disease that we tried to treat.
So thanks to German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia I have three wonderful dogs again. I know this was a very long answer to the question of why did I decide to adopt from GSDRGA. It is a top notch organization and is probably one of the best Dog Rescue Organizations certainly in the Southeast. The  volunteers do a great job of running this group and   other non profit groups could learn how to fund raise from German Shepherd Rescue Dogs of Georgia. There is an event almost every weekend. I am proud and happy to be a volunteer for this group. They keep me busy in one of the best most positive ways I can think of.          

 So, now Jill has a great life with a Daddy, brother and sister and Grandparents that all love her very much. She has a great home with a lot of dog friends to play with and even a beach house in Florida. She has not been there yet but will be there soon.       

We have a pretty set routine each day. In addition, we go on weekly visits to her Grandparents’ house. I take her and my other dogs on long walks / hikes at The river and local parks.

All three of my dogs  give me a very good reason to get up in the morning. I have had my struggles with health issues and depression as a result. These dogs are my children since I have no human kids of my own. They cause me to get out and about into the world more than I would without them. They give me unconditional love probably more so than any human being would. They bring happiness and joy into my life on a daily basis.
 Oh, did I mention she is really smart? Well she is.  WE LOVE YOU MISS JILL!      

​-Stevens

Daisy

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 "Courtney", now known as Daisy​ as  adopted ​June 4, 2015. ​We knew we wanted a German Shepherd and do not believe in going to a breeder when so many dogs are in need of a home​.  
 
The process for us was very quick and easy.  We met Daisy at an event and decided she was the one.  Our 4 year old daughter claimed her right away.  Daisy lives with us in our home along with my husband and I, my mother, and our two daughters, 3 and 5.  She also has 2 feline brothers, 3 canine sisters and a canine brother.  In all we have 3 adults, two children, 5 dogs and two cats. 
 
She gets along very well with everyone, especially the other young dog we acquired soon after we adopted Daisy. 
 
It is a small dog that is a miniature pinscher mix we found in the woods near hour house named Katie.  They play non stop even though there is a significant size difference.  Katie is a scrappy, tough, little dog! The girls love Daisy and all of our pets and she loves them very much. 
 
She is protective of all of us to some degree, but particularly of the kids. She is very gentle and sweet, but I have no doubt that she would protect our children or us if it was necessary. 
 
We go up to the North Georgia Mountains often and she loves it there.  She can run in the woods, swim in the lake and chase the waves made by the wake of boats passing. 
 
All of our animals are considered part of our family.  We believe that animals are precious and deserve to be loved and spoiled.  We also believe that children gain so much from having pets and learning to love and care for them. 
 
Daisy is our only dog that goes with us in public.  She enjoys walking to dinner with us, and riding in the car to pick the kids up from school.  We enjoy having a dog that we can take with us places and the kids particularly love it. 
 
-Carrie

Myles

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​Myles was adopted June, 2016.  His dad told us “Ever since a kid I was raised with GSD in my family, and I am madly in love with the breed.”  
 
 Myles has significantly changed for the better from a suspicious, food gulping and scared dog to a very friendly and loving member of the family. He went through a number of trainings as well to help him interact with other dogs and humans. He’s still a work in progress, but going in the right direction.
 
Myles is full of energy and loving. He sleeps with another dog in his Dad’s bedroom, comes to the bed, and licks his face to wake him up in the morning. Sometimes,  they cuddle.

Zoe

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​Zoe was adopted on Feb. 5, 2016.   Our GS Elektra passed to Heaven at the age of 11 and we could not imagine our lives without a GSD.  We also have 3 other furry kids: 2 Great Pyrenees named Angel and Noel and Multi Breed, Leo. The foster Mom brought Zoe directly to our house, and Zoe, after introductions to our dogs, stayed for good.
 
Zoe loves immensely her 2 furry sisters and a brother, also her human mom and ad, and we ALL could not imagine our lives without her. We are absolutely certain that Zoe loves her life with us! She always sleeps in a bed as close to her human mom as she can get, as my late GSD, Elektra, always did. GSDs are extremely close companions to humans, and that makes them extraordinary dogs!!!
 
Zoe is our sunshine on the rainy days!!! 
 
-Alicja

Layla

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 Layla is now about 2.5 years old.  She was adopted 4/27/2014. I was not working due to chronic illness.  I wanted to use my free time to do something positive for the world … give back to humanity. I had a beloved German Shepherd that passed away of old age about 7 years ago. I loved Sheeba dearly and I fell in love with the German Shepherd breed so I decided to join GSDRGA as a volunteer. I went to my first ever volunteer event, Purina Dog Agility Challenge at Centennial Olympic Park and there she was. My eyes glazed over and I started interacting with her. It was clear after about an hour that she was mine and I was hers.

I think Layla’s foster hatched a secret plan to have me fall further in love with Layla and adopt her. She needed someone to keep Layla for a 4 day weekend. I of course said I could do it. Layla fit in so well in my home and with my other dogs plus I loved her like crazy so … she never went back ;-)         
 
Now, Layla has a wonderful life with me … she has aunts and uncles that love her … Grandparents (my parents) that are nuts about her and even my brother’s kids love her. She also has a beach house in Ponte Vedra Beach Fl with a built in swimming pool for her; a large lagoon off the back yard ;-). She is the queen of my town house. She has a sister, Jill also from GSDRGA and an older brother, Jasper a 12 year old Wheaton Terrier Mix. We go on weekly visits to her Grandparents’ house. I take her and my other dogs on long walks / hikes at The River and local parks.

Layla, Jill and Jasper give me a very good reason to get up in the morning. I have had my struggles with health issues and depression as a result. These dogs are my children since I have no human kids of my own. They cause me to get out and about into the world more than I would without them. They give me unconditional love probably more so than any human being would. They bring happiness and joy into my life on a daily basis, whether we are doing some sort of dog related activity like going to a dog park or just lounging around the house. Just watching them sleep while I am working on my computer give me joy. Taking care of them brings me joy as well. It is good for anyone to be responsible for something or someone other than themselves. I take care of these dogs and they take care of me more than anyone realizes. They help me with my mental and physical issues just by being by my side. My three dogs ARE my children and ARE my little family. I find that I cannot sleep well unless they are all three in my room in their self-designated spots ready for night.

​Although I have chosen a lot of words to describe how Layla and my other 2 dogs have changed my life for the better, there are really no words to adequately describe what my Layla and her brother and sister do for me on a daily basis. 

-Stevens

Mesaba

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Living in a small house with a small yard in Minnesota was not going to work for the big dog we were wanting.  As soon as we moved to Georgia we began looking around for our future furry family member and found the German Shepherd Rescue of GA.  Scrolling down through the list of available dogs we saw our sweet guy and knew it was fate.  His name was Griffin – the same as my husband's!  Having 2 Griffin’s in the house was not going to do, so as soon as we got him home we named him Mesaba after our Minnesota roots and ever since we have been a happy family.  We were so lucky to have found and can’t imagine life in Georgia without him.

Kristy Root
3/29/2013

Giroux - A refreshing cup of Vouvray

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I volunteer for GSDRGA and have screened hundreds of applications, done my  share of  home visits, and heard many sad stories about shelter dogs in need. It's a completely different experience to be on the other side of the process though. I suddenly lost Tretiak to cancer before the 2012 GSDRGA Rescue Reunion. To say was devastated is an understatement, and I hope I never feel that pain  again;  he was  my  whole world. To add to the tragedy, I had lost my precious Effie about 9  months earlier. Another dog  was  something I was content to wait for, maybe for a for a long time. Nevertheless, I told the community of volunteers I'd be interested in a  young male GSD, in case one was to come along.

About a week  later that  happened! Our foster coordinator, Vickie, was headed to Hall County shelter to pick up a female GSD. They  had called back to say a male  GSD  about 1-year old was just returned. He barked  at  cats, but was GSDRGA  interested? She  let  me know  right away, and I had to  adopt  him. A few days  later,  little Giroux  was mine. He is named for a Canadian hockey player, and  his  name  means "raised  by  wolves." The volunteers met  me  halfway home from the  shelter. Katie & VIcke were just as happy as I was when they dropped Giroux  off.  He was  small at  70 lbs., but  adorable, and leaned on the car window in my backseat the whole ride home. He  pranced around for the first time in our living room, and it felt really good to have a dog in the house again. Constantly wagging his tail and prancing, he's  one of the happiest dogs I have ever seen. That's why I  wanted to name  him Vouvray,  a  light,  fruity French wine, so that's his  middle name;)

His tail has not stopped wagging in the 11 months I have had him. Everything is fun to him! He loves going to lunch and dinner, he serves as an ambassador for GSD Rescue of GA, and there are many more adventures to come. Every time I  have wanted to cry over Trets, this  little guy makes me laugh. He's  like a nice cold Vouvray on a warm summer day.  I'm asked all the  time, why  do  you volunteer with  rescue? Yes, it can  be  sad and yes, it can  be challenging, like any job. But the reason I do it is because I know firsthand how much a dog means, how  empty you  feel  to lose them, and then how happy you feel when a new friend  comes into  your life. We change people's lives. That's why we do this.    

Monica,  GSDRGA  Volunteer,  2012

Della

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"Della" came to us through German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia. She is 2 1/2 years old, house and crate trained and "little"–only 60 pounds compared to Eli at 90! We have named her for our very dear friend, who died a year ago last April–and I'm certain she is smiling down her approval from above!!!

Della is a very sweet little girl and very playful. Eli isn't quite sure what to make of her yet, but know he will soon learn she will provide a lot more fun/activity than we do.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Monica and all the volunteers with the GSDRGA organization for all their hard work and dedication to the rescue and placement of German Shepherds. Special thanks goes to Julie who opened her home to provide a loving and caring foster home for Della until a "forever" home could be found. Through all their hard work we have been blessed with yet another extraordinary GSD (Shafer, Hoosier, Dixie and Rebel) who will add a great deal of joy to our life.

Della's Mom & Dad
August, 2010

Dakota

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Dakota came into my life when I most needed her; my ex husband was moving out and I was dealing with natural "old age" illnesses with my two dogs and wound up losing them the same month. For the first time in 14 years, my house was silent, no footfalls behind me, no pitter patter of feet beside me, no shadows anywhere following me around. I was deeply saddened, depressed and at a loss by the loss of my pets and my marriage, and couldn't stand the emptiness when I got home.

I was already looking for Dakota, or "Coda" as I affectionately call her, when I placed the last call to the nice doctor who came to my house to administer the peace my 14-year old Shep Mix from the pound so desperately sought. I was actually looking at a male dog at the time but the rescue took note of my situation and placed Dakota with me instead. Dakota, as you can see, is the most beautiful GS on the face of the planet. Found wandering, starving in Atlanta, I went to meet her three weeks after sending my last angel up to heaven. I met this skinny, scrawny 8-9 month old GS, but she has this way of wrapping herself around you that I can't really explain: she lays her head on your knee and lays against you with her body - as soon as we met, she did this to me and that was all it took – I knew then she was mine. And most fortunately for me, that most endearing of gestures on her part still remains with her today.

I know you aren't supposed to have favorites– this is my third GS in my life– but Dakota is my absolute favorite dog! She is incredibly smart, agile, fearless, stubborn, funny, goofy, sweet and naturally protective. Coda is about 7 now and we have since moved to Coastal Georgia 2 years ago now where she has found her love of going to the beach early in the morning some weekends. I take her to PetSmart for treats and grooming and people flock to her and cannot believe she is a rescue. I tell them about GSDRGA and to check their shelters b/c people don't realize that even purebreds as magnificent as her are given up by some.

I cannot imagine my life without Dakota. I look forward to the years we have left together playing, walking, talking to her, watching her, watching her watch me, I have learned that life can just be about that silly pink sqeeky toy sometimes or playing chase. She is an angel that was sent down from Heaven when I needed her most. Funny thing is she thinks I rescued her but she really rescued me.

Written By: Donna Teems
September, 2010

Dante

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We began our search many months ago for our next furkid. We had older GSD's to consider as well as Kayla, our young girl who needed a playmate. We were patient as we waited for just the right one to come our way. I will never forget the day I was contacted about Dante (AKA Marley). My heart leapt and I couldn't wait to meet this delightful boy. A surrender due to military deployment, I was immediately intrigued by his story. His foster Cherrie made arrangements right away for us to meet, do the home check and introduction to Kayla. Once through the process, the "GSD Stork" struck and we brought our boy home.

I have to thank Monica, Patsy, Cherrie and all at the GSDRGA for the time and effort they put it to help us find our Dante. They did not push or rush us into any particular adoptionee. I admire their dedication to the breed in looking for just the right home for each one that comes into their program.

Our boy is absolutely a dream come true. It is like he has always been a part of our family. Dante is a love and seems very in tune to us as his pack. He is a real goof, loves to play in the pool and runs for hours with Kayla. They are simply a joy to watch. Dante is growing by leaps and bounds and I call him my own Personal Gentle Giant. He is 70 pounds at 7 months old and still growing! Again, thank you to all at GRDRGA, we will always grateful to you for bringing our family together.

Written By: Kristi Porter

July, 2009

Abbie

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Abbie is proving to be a challenge. We can't stop giving her attention. Yes, my only complaint is that she is far to cute for her own good. She is already 99% house broken and even prefers to go potty in the area we have set aside for her and our other GSD Bogey. She gives Bogey a hard time every chance she gets but he loves it. They take turns playing hide and find with the chew toys, chasing each other, and wrestling all over the house. Not to mention, she likes to hide daddy's shoes, and play in water, especially our fish pond. Abbie has already learned to sit, give her paw and will get in her crate on command. (most of the time)
I can't thank you enough for allowing us to adopt her as she is proving to be an amazing member of our family!

Written by Chuck Kudary September 20, 2004

Stevie

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Words can't describe our love and attachment to Stevie. He is an amazing dog with an amazing attitude in spite of his near blindness. Stevie suffers from PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy. While we were willing to discover the world of loving a dog who is vision impaired, we had no real idea what obstacles we might face. Wonderfully enough, Stevie folded right into our family as if he'd been there for years. Our family has made minor adjustments to compensate for a vision impaired dog and today we almost forget that there is any problem at all. He loves to play tug-of-war with me and chases the kids in the fenced backyard. Occasionally there is a yelp from bumping into an unseen chair or open door, but for the most part Stevie navigates the house with ease. The bottom line - we cannot imagine our life without Stevie! I hope this note will serve as encouragement to anyone who may consider adopting a blind or vision impaired GSD in the future.
Once again thank you for saving Stevie! He has become such an integral part of our lives that it breaks our heart to think we came so very close to never knowing he existed.

Thank you for the work your organization has done to save such amazing animals as Stevie.

Written by Randy Garmon

August 14, 2004

Sergeant

Even as a young child, I loved dogs, especially German Shepherds. Any movie with a Shepherd in it was a favorite of mine. The GSD is a noble breed with very intelligent eyes. How could this not be everyone's favorite breed? After the loss of one of my beloved German Shepherds, Hanzel, I decided to contact the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia. I completed an application and began inquiring about some of the dogs on their website. After picking several dogs which had already been adopted, I was told to contact a foster dog home. She had a dog named Seth that she just couldn't say enough good things about. Seth sounded like the perfect dog for my husband, Richard, and me. GSDRGA then sent someone out to do an in-home evaluation. The evaluator, checked over several things and said everything looked great. My application was then approved and I called about coming to meet Seth. When I got out of the car at Seth was waiting at the door. As soon as I laid eyes on this beautiful dog it was instant love. Only other animal lovers can understand this feeling that I had.

Needless to say, the meeting went well and my husband and I decided Seth was the dog for us. I decided to change Seth's name to Sergeant after my husband who is a police sergeant. When we brought him home, he instantly got along well with my other two dogs and they are all now best friends. Sarge is a wonderful dog that loves everyone he meets. He has never met a stranger. His only issue is a fear of thunderstorms, when he gets into his "storm shelter" closet or on the couch with his mom.

My husband and I both adore this dog and are thankful to GSDRGA for giving us the opportunity to share our life with him.

Written by Christy Riley

February 9, 2007
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