Success Stories
Dogs M-Z

These are stories of the wonderful dogs that found their forever homes
because of AGSDR volunteers and supporters. 

To make a Memorial/Gift, click here

or send an email to jazz@austingermanshepherdrescue.org

Have you adopted from us and have a story and picture to share? 
We believe ALL of our adopted dogs are SUCCESS STORIES and would love to hear from you too!
Email us at jazz@austingermanshepherdrescue.org

And now the two girls write a letter to their foster mom, Megan, who raised them until the day they were adopted together...a dream Megan had wished and wished for, but was still amazed to see happen...

Mom,

We miss you, but we are getting used to this new life.  Mimi and Poppy have been treating us pretty well.  We met our cousin Colby and have been playing in Colby's backyard on some days.  We met our human cousins Berkley and Emerson and we absolutely love to kiss them, so you were right about us getting along well with children.

We went to the vet on last Saturday and got our heart worm medicine and a few "extras" one was up our nose and the other was a shot, but we were brave just like you taught us.

We have become very good a playing stick in the lot next door.  I (Casey) am so fast that I can run faster than the stick flies in the air.  I usually get there first!  I (MacKensie) am almost as fast, but I am the best retriever (even if sometimes I take the stick from my sister) and I am the one that always brings the stick back.

We have been to Town Lake twice.  We like to start off by ourselves and work off a little energy before joining the other puppies and people on the path.

New places, new toys...

We are very protective and we follow Mimi wherever she goes.

We have included some pictures to show you how we are growing and that we seem to be getting accustomed to our home (we do like sitting in the leather chairs!)

Poppy ordered the crates for us and they should be delivered soon.

We love you and miss you!

Love and kisses,
MacKensie and Casey

What, this old thing?  This one is MINE!

Thanks for writing.  I hope that you weren't up worrying about Mandi!  Here's some scanned pics that I took today. As you can see...she's settling in...faster than we thought in fact!

She did GREAT on the ride back to Dallas! No issues at all...very quite and cooperative and no issues on the potty breaks at the rest stops. We actually made great time and hit Dallas before evening rush hour, so we dropped by the vet's. He confirmed that she's
2 years old and in really great shape.

She's all that we could have hoped for and we haven't even heard her bark yet (even in the face of our Tortoiseshell Cat hissing and growling at her). Surprisingly, Mandi is the one that retreated in the face of our cat. Also, Mandi didn't even react to a couple of Schnauzers and Terriers yipping and barking when we had her at the vet's yesterday.

We wish you all the best with Gracie. We know that she couldn't be in better hands and will make a full recovery with your help! We'll be thinking of you and her and watching the website to see her when she's ready to be adopted.

All Our Best!
John, Ourania, and Sam!

I wanted to give you an update on Max’s progress.  As you know, after I adopted Max I felt that Max and I should sign up for some basic obedience training for both our sakes.  After talking with a number of GSD owners, I selected Dave Kroyer of Canine Headquarters to instruct us in the basics of obedience.  The results have been outstanding.  Dave was able to teach me how to correctly handle Max on the leash in a single lesson. Max went from dragging me around the neighborhood to an extremely well behaved dog on the loose leash, always at my side with no pulling at the leash.  We quickly mastered sit, down, place, and come.  

Dave has introduced Max to several other dog as part of his socialization, and Max has miraculously been transformed from a lunging, barking maniac to a well mannered companion that meets other dogs and humans without any intimidation or aggression.  Dave has helped me learn how to teach Max, being the leader, being consistent, how to make corrections, and praising to reinforce proper behaviors.  Max and I both really enjoy going to our classes and have formed a close bond during our training.

Max and I did so well we finished basic obedience a little ahead of schedule, so we thought we would have a little fun and play around on the agility course.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect what happened next.  Max took to the agility course like a duck to water.  Through the tunnels, over the jumps, through the chutes having a great time.  He enjoyed it so much that we have decided to sign up for a basic agility class.  Here are a couple of pictures of Max during the first 15 minutes of ever being on an agility course.

 Tom, Susan, and Max

This little mix was rescued by a 15 year old girl who was on a deadline to find a rescue or she'd have to take it to the shelter.  She educated herself about shelters, euthanasia, and pet overpopulation, and decided she'd do anything necessary to get the dog into OUR rescue.  Her parents encouraged this responsible behavior but were enforcing the deadline (appropriately, I think) and they facilitated getting the dog into rescue. 

Even though AGSDR tries to let mixed-breed rescue handle the mixed breed dogs in general, a look at our website (both current dogs for adoption and forever homes sections) show that we make exceptions. 

So we couldn't turn Niki (the girl) down, knowing we were encouraging responsible animal stewardship, compassion, and community teamwork.  Maybe she'll grow up and volunteer her time to saving animals....

The dog (named Nikinoodle in her savior’s honor and renamed Saffron by her adoptive family) was (quickly, thank goodness!) adopted and is woofing "If My Friends Could See Me Now" from the wading pool in the yard and from the dog bed in the living room of her new home!

We enjoyed the pics, and hope you do too!

With some of our dogs, it takes a special  person and just the right set of circumstances for an adoption match to work.  Not every dog we get in to our rescue is a  dog that likes taking it easy, lying around the house or under the shade tree in the backyard.  Rommel was one of those dogs.  She was a dog that needed a "purpose."  A job.  And Paul Siwek of the Houston area was that special somebody that knew and understood Rommel and what she needed.  

Rommel, now known as Roma, had been placed with a couple of families but was returned.  It really wasn't the fault of the families, because they were like most of us... just wanting to adopted a rescued German Shepherd.  One we can love and would appreciate a home filled with "dog"  luxuries... a Kong-filled with goodies, a nice soft bed to lay on while we watch TV, and a perfectly manicured backyard to run and play in.  That's what most of us work towards in fulfilling what we perceive as the right kind of home for a dog to live in.  

But Roma had other ideas.  She wasn't willing to settle for the easy chair, shaded back yard and wading pool. She wanted to work and Paul gave her the kind of job many of us dream of having.  Roma is now the "top dog" in charge of a herd of horses that she considers her job to take care of.  Making sure they stay in the pastures they belong in... running along side Paul as he rides checking fences and feeding the horses.... Just what Roma has always dreamed of doing.  
 

Just a couple of pics we wanted to share of a couple of GSD mix pups we rescued in early 2006...

AGSDR received a call in Spring of 2004 about a dog that was left tied to a tree in a trailer park, abandoned by her owners. The caller stated that little kids were tormenting the dog, and that she was starving and scared. We were not prepared for the emaciated, parasite ridden, and terrified dog that we picked up that evening. Samantha cowered at the back of her crate when we met her, and you could see every bone in her body. Patches of hair were missing from her non-stop scratching due to food allergies. The first order of business was getting all of her medical problems cleared up-- intestinal parasites, heartworms, and a raging ear infection. Once she was back in good health and putting on weight, it was time to tackle her other issue - her extreme fear of humans. Samantha was enrolled at Triple Crown Dog Academy for lessons in Basic Obedience, but most of all for socialization and confidence building. Thanks to Triple Crown, Samantha began to trust humans and even earned her "Canine Good Citizen" Certificate!  Now came the hard part of finding this shy but deserving girl a forever home. Most people were not prepared to work with a dog that had come such a long way, but was still very shy. Until Samantha met Linda and family, they were smitten with her sweet nature and were willing to work with her shyness.

Samantha finally found her forever home, and here is a recent update on how she is doing ...

Hi!  Just thought I'd drop you all a note and let you know that Samantha is doing really well. She's become a real big part of our family and is more relaxed and confident every day. She holds her head up more when walking and I've even noticed her "prancing" sometimes. I can tell she's getting to know this is "home". She loves going to "work" in the morning and is always happy and excited to get home from work in the evening and go out in the yard and check things out. She lays at my feet most of the day and I occasionally get a "bath" for my toes. We take a long walk in the morning before work and a little walk at lunch to stretch our legs. She's really funny if we have to leave her because when we get home we get this very excited greeting and she "talks" to us. She makes all these funny little noises when she's really excited. We think she wants to talk like Scooby Do. She and the cat are beginning to work things out. The cat doesn't chase her anymore and she doesn't run in panic either. In fact, they've both been in the kitchen at the same time eating dinner--just for Sam to be in the same room as the cat is real progress.  Sending along some photos from last weekend when Bill and I and Sam took a long walk at Lake Georgetown. Sam loved wading in the water! If the leash had been longer she would have gone way out in the water.

Thanks to all of you for all you do!  Linda 

Here's a little of a note sent by Shadow's family when they had helped us with another dog, Tyler, whose story is below.

It is the least we could do. [help Tyler] At some point, we'd like to do a lot more when we are able. 

We adopted a dog from ya'll last year. Her name is Shadow (I'm attaching the only good picture I have of her---I owe ya'll several!!). She is a wonderful addition to our family and is such a sweetheart. We're truly glad that she picked us to come home with.

Every month or so, I stop by the website just to see who is up for adoption and to see what all is going on with the AGSDR. I've seen poor Tyler there since before Christmas. Out of all the dogs ya'll have in your care, he is the one who seems to need the most TLC.

Thank you so much for what you all do.  
Wendi

To Joyce and all the other AGSDR volunteers:

Pete and I wanted to give you an update on Sammie (formerly Star). We've had her for about a month now, and she has been a joy every minute she has been here. She is by far the sweetest dog we have ever known, and she has learned to be a great big sister to her "little" brother, Logan. She is pleased to correct Logan when he is misbehaving. The first week or so we had her she wasn't too happy about going in her crate, but now she and Logan "argue" about who gets to be in what crate. She certainly doesn't mind going in her (or Logan's) crate and obviously feels comfortable being in there. When Sammie has decided she's had enough playing with Logan, she will come over to one of us and climb on the couch and try to get as close to us as possible. Usually this involves crawling up onto our lap, up onto our shoulders, and then covering our face with her chest. As long as she is in physical contact with one of us, she is happy.

She and Logan have also recently started "talking" to each other. I'm not sure what to call it, but it's a cross between moaning and howling. It's pretty funny to watch. She has also learned to be very well behaved during bath time. We don't even have to hold on to her when giving her a bath, as she stands perfectly still the whole time. And speaking of water. . . she loves the pool. She and Logan get so excited when we get their pool out. They will start chasing each other at top speed around the yard, but because she is so much faster than Logan, it isn't really a close race.

I've attached some pictures so you can see Sammie and Logan at play (and at rest). For some reason, Sammie seems to be on the right side in all of the pictures. If you can't tell who is who, Logan has a more black on his nose, and Sammie has a purple collar on.

We'll make sure to send an update every once in a while to let you know how she is doing. We were so used to our 60 pound, 6 month old male GSD (Logan), that it's nice to finally get to see a "sweeter" and "calmer" dog. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about..

Thanks again for providing us the opportunity to add Sammie to our family.

Alison and Pete

Taz

This is Taz's before pic.  He came to us unimaginably thin for his size.  It's hard to see because of his hair, but if you click on the pic to open the larger version and look carefully, you can see the ridge of his backbone, his rib cage (just in front of the blue leash) and his prominent hip bones.	Taz came to us having been dumped at the shelter by his previous owners at the ripe age of 8 years old, along with another dog (Tasha) that was 9 years old. Oddly enough, that's likely what saved his life...he was so thin he was weak, he would not have made it much longer.  The other dog was the opposite...grossly overweight.  We guessed that his previous owners were somehow oblivious that Tasha was stealing Taz's food...or yet another dog they didn't dump.  Still, how they could have missed his emaciated state is unimaginable.  In addition, he had an ear infection and neck sores that were so sensitive he yelped and panicked if you touched him above the shoulder.  In the pic you can see a wound on his front leg...there were others on his neck, likely from a dog fight.  All this, and he had a growth on his foot. Still, his chances of being adopted were slim, especially given his health issues.  That day, our intake coordinator decided there was no way she was letting these two pass their end days on cold cement.  So Taz and Tasha came to AGSDR. Below is a story from the people who adopted him.  The most amazing part isn't even in their story.  You see, they lost two dogs from cancer.  Yet they wanted an older dog.  And they were careful to do bloodwork ahead of time.  But what they also were told was that the lump on Taz's foot may have been cancer and despite it being removed, there is a potential it could come back.  Yet they took that risk and love him dearly.
Read their story for yourself and reconsider how you might feel about adopting an old dog.  They have something about them...something that touches you in a way that is unexplainable.  Maybe it's the selflessness of it...after all, you could adopt a younger dog, have that dog for more years, and spare yourself losing your best friend as soon.  To risk yourself emotionally to make them happy and give them the best "rest of their lives" they can get is a noble thing.
When Doug and I lost our sweet 11½ year old black and tan German Shepherd named Tiki, to cancer on October 15, 2006, we weren’t sure anything else could hurt as bad.  May 21, 2007, proved that we were wrong as we held her sister, a spectacular 12 year old black German Shepherd named Inka, while our vet gently helped her seizure ridden, failing body find peace. Our house was so silent, and so very empty.  Angry that cancer had taken both dogs, be it cancer of the spleen and the subsequent emergency surgery that Tiki would not return from or the brain tumor that robbed us of hearing Inka’s snoring at night; I promised myself I would not endure this pain again.  It was an odd promise as it went against everything the dogs had taught me about living in the present, the value of caretaking, and about being grateful for the moments we do have. A few weeks later, searching the Internet one Friday night, I found Austin German Shepherd Rescue.  Just a peek I told myself…and there he was, our Taz.  His picture captured how beautiful he is and his story told of an owner surrender of this 8½ year old gentle giant.		This are Doug & Cheryl's beloved dogs, Tiki (left) & Inka (right).
This is Taz now...filled out and regal.  Like any good king, he loves to survey his kingdom and ensure his borders are secure from intruders!	Still grieving for Inka and Tiki, it was surprising to discover there was still room in these broken hearts to reach out to Taz- knowing we could offer him the love and care befitting of an older dog, likely with tired and aching hips.  I immediately called my best friends who reassured me that although only a short period of time had passed since my dog’s death, having another dog in my life did not mean Inka or Tiki were any less loved.  With that comfort and summoning up the strength to take the next step, Doug and I filled out the application and scurried around nervously tidying up for the upcoming home visit.  My friends, family, and vet called that week to advise they had been contacted as references.  Stomach tight, I asked about their conversations.  I began to relax when one friend expressed a desire to come back in another life as one of my dogs.  Our home visit was scheduled for Saturday morning and it was Taz and his foster mom coming for the visit!  I changed outfits twice before Doug chuckled and asked if I was going to hide dog biscuits in my pockets.  Hmmm, not a bad idea. The door bell rang, and there he was--suddenly filling the house with such presence.  I think I knew in that moment he was ours, but I forced myself to ask questions seemingly in an effort to make an “informed” decision.  Yeah right, he was awesome!!  We had some blood work done “just to be sure,” and again, yeah right--I think we knew in our hearts that we wouldn’t turn him away no matter what showed up in those tests.  We were approved to adopt that week and Taz has been here ever since.
Getting to know Taz has been one of life’s true delights.  He is amazingly sweet and is just perfect in every way.  Half a tab of an anti-inflammatory a day does just the trick to make his daily neighborhood jaunt easy and fun.  He’s a big hit at PetsMart--everyone wants to pet him because he is so gorgeous; well, except for the time he wanted to make sure a particular display smelled of him long after we were gone… never had a male dog before, so I’m still learning certain things.  Taz has decided that a bit of warmed canned food on top of his Wellness dry food is definitely the way to go.  One evening as I prepared his dish, he snuck up behind me and squeaked his toy so loud, I about knocked over the bowl- yes, the one with the hot food in it. Every night, Taz lays his big head in my lap or lays at my feet soaking up the pets and rubs as we watch television.  He loves to be brushed and falls asleep during his weekly back and hip massage.  His loyalty and trust in us, even at this early stage, is not only testament to the beauty of resiliency, but also a lesson in that there is always more love inside one’s heart (dog and human alike)- more than we believe can be there, even when hurting over a loss. Some were surprised Doug and I would opt for an older dog, given we had nursed Inka in her failing health for many, many months. But for us, one of our
greatest honors is to provide the best we can for these older creatures who have given so much of themselves without question and without expectation.  We are committed to making Taz’s life easy and full of love--interestingly, it’s effortless because he is so grand.  We don’t know how long we’ll have with Taz; we’ll take as many years as we can get.  What we do know is that whether one has them 12 years or 3 years or 3 months, these dogs change our lives forever, and amazingly so. With Taz at my feet as I type, I send a final note to Inka and Tiki:  We are trying to live up to the paw prints you left behind.  You both are missed every single day and loved so very much… Cheryl and Doug

                               Tex

I have had the wonderful pleasure of raising a few puppies in my life, but none have compared to the fun of watching our new GSD puppy (Tex, one of Tasia's pups) grow up to be a big boy. I must say that I feel sorry for Kim (our San Antonio contact and Tex's 1st mommy) because I'm constantly asking her questions! But, he is such a little joy...soon to be big joy :-).

Our latest challenge is leash training. He really REALLY does not enjoy that. But, he is getting there slowly. He seems to have basic commands down pretty well if he can keep from getting too excited. Also, we've had a bit of an experience with his ears. One stood up for about a few days, and then the second one popped up. Both only stood up for a week after that, and now they flop out to the side. I have never owned a dog with 'stand-up' ears, so this is a new experience for me. They have quite a personality! What do GSD puppy ears usually do?

Anyway, I just wanted to write a little update! Beaumont says 'hello' as well...he and Tex adore each other!

I am a classical/jazz pianist and am always playing music on my computer. In this picture of our office are the two shepherds that we adopted, Lady (now TexAnna) and Teddy (now Dakota Rocky). The dogs' favorite channel to relax to is Sirius Jazz Cafe, and they also like country music. Since the two shepherds are now in Texas, rather than Louisiana, they have joined the "Texas Hill Country George Strait Farm & Ranch Animal Fan Club", an unofficial club of critters who listen to country music played over speakers. When I play my piano, they all gather around the same way, and I have the most appreciative "audience". They make me feel like I can never play a bad song or a wrong note!

Carol & Mac McIntyre
 

That's what I was looking for. A quiet, laid back dog that would lay by me feet, never demand my attention, and do anything I asked him to. Well behaved, both at home and in public. Never, ever challenge me and just be a passive companion. And that is certainly what I have.  NOT!!!!!

This dog is anything but! He pushes me, tries me, and rewards me. I took him to the park again today (I know you don't like dog parks, but it's the only place where I can get him the exercise he needs). He played and played with other dogs. One dog got a little aggressive, and Thor just backed up, lifted his head and stuck out his chest as if to say "are you really that stupid?" The other dog got the message!

I went to the vet today and he  weighed 96.9 lbs. I don't think I need to coax him to eat anymore. He is very happy and healthy. SO WELL BEHAVED! He just brought me the trash basket from the bathroom!

Joyce, I can't tell you how happy I am with this awesome, wonderful, piece of crap dog! He keeps me laughing, and cursing. I've never seen a dog with so much personality. Thank you so much for your patience with me in the adoption process. He's all, and more, than I ever hoped for. I hope to see you again soon, at the next "Meet and Greet".

Sincerely, John Cole

John & Thor (then Klein) visiting at our November 2005 Meet & Greet

Fond words from Klein's foster mom...

As I was updating this page, I asked Joyce a question about Klein.  She responded back that he was one of her most memorable foster dogs.  Of course, I had more questions.  And here were some things she had to say about Klein...

• DROP DEAD gorgeous that boy was... but was a handful in a goofy kind of way.  He was one that was very, very sick when I brought him home.  Gave me a scare one night and thought he was going to croak on me!  

• If he hadn't been one of those dogs that I loved, but drove me insane, yep, could have kept him... but he was WAY too busy!

• He would walk around constantly looking for things to carry around in his mouth!  Including one of my 12" porcelain angels...that he did unfortunately drop when I told him to... among many, many other things

 ...he was and still is a hoot of a dog!

Joyce Martin
November 2006

An even more recent update from John in June 2007...

Last year about this time, I had back surgery, and my Sister came to Austin to help me for a couple of weeks.  I wasn't moving around too well, and Thor really didn't like going for walks without me. So, we took him to the Bull Creek Park to get him some exercise.

There really weren't any dogs for him to play with that day, but after about 15 minutes, a bus load of children (1st or 2nd graders) showed up.  The kids all went into the creek, and were playing and splashing around.  That was all that Thor needed!  He charged out into the water with them, and started rearing up slightly on his hind feet, spreading out his front feet, and splashing right along with the kids.  It was probably the cutest thing I have ever seen.  You could almost hear him giggle along with the children, who were absolutely loving him and his behavior!  I regret that I didn't have a video camera, because I've never seen anything like it!

He's still really great around children.  I was walking him around the apartment complex a week or so ago, when we approached a woman walking her sheltie pup.  She immediately said "Oh, this must be Thor!"  I was somewhat surprised, but then she told me that he's all that her kids talk about.  He's well known here, and loved by all (or, at least, most!)  I am constantly amazed at what a great dog he is.  I love him with all of my heart, and my love is returned 10-fold.  I can't imagine what I will do when he is gone, because there will never be a replacement for him.  He's the GREATEST!

Sincerely,
John and Thor

We placed a call to Austin German Shepherd Rescue in early September 2003 because we were interested in expanding our family with another wonderful dog. Anne had just picked up a 3-year-old male dog, named Titan. His former family did not want him anymore and said that he did not get along with the other dogs in the house. Titan came to us with an ear infection, a skin condition because he was allergic to fleas, and  poorly developed back leg muscles because he had been confined to a very small space.

After Titan was neutered,  we set up a time to visit him and his foster parent. Titan's foster parent had good things to say about him. He was a gentle giant and a very sweet dog that just longed for attention and love. For the first introduction,  we also brought our dog Lacy, who was adopted via a referral from AGSDR. Immediately Lacy and Titan began playing with each other, and Titan was playing with the other dogs that were there. Titan walked extremely well on a leash and did not show signs of aggression towards humans or other dogs

We decided to take Titan home that day. Lacy was thrilled to have a playmate, and our cat couldn't believe another dog had joined the family. Titan healed quickly from his ear infection and skin condition,  and after a few weeks on Nutro dog food,  he looked like a brand new dog. Within  a few weeks, Titan had gained weight,  and his back leg muscles  had  developed well from running outside and running up and down the stairs in our home. Titan thought he had died and gone to heaven. Titan was spoiled with his own bed, a huge backyard  in which to run and play, bones, treats, and lots of love. He and Lacy love to give each other kisses and often share their bones and toys. Lacy is often found hiding her bones under her bed so that Titan doesn't find them.

Titan is a good boy at the vet and when he gets a bath. He has started to bark and be protective of us, but oftentimes when someone comes to the door, he sticks his head out for a quick pat. Titan gets along great with our cat and loves when we have company because he gets even more love and affection.

We love our new family member and are glad we could give Titan a new life. Titan had so much potential and just needed the right home. It's a wonderful feeling to rescue a dog, because no matter what their past is, they still have a lot of love to share with someone who will return love to them.     

Jeanine & Jim Rains

Jeanine in fact supports dog rescue so much that she went on to become a volunteer for AGSDR. 
She still serves in a very active capacity as not only a volunteer for AGSDR, but as board member and officer.  

Jeanine invites others to support a rescue of their choice and make a difference in the lives homeless pets.

Tyler

Tyler joined our rescue in 2006, middle-aged yet looking old beyond his years.  He had thinning hair, skin infections, and a tummy grumbling for food to put meat on his emaciated frame.  That was on top of the heartworms.  And he had deep brown eyes that told a tale of years filled with sadness--a life devoid of love, gentle touches, and the soft doggie bed that his tired body so desired.  AGSDR decided that this boy deserved a chance at those things.

Months later, he had gained weight, but still had the remnants of his horrid start.  Tyler’s sad eyes gazed at the world, searching for someone with a soft hand and a kind voice. Someone who would gently bathe him until his skin heals completely and his thick glorious coat all grows back. Someone who would mumble sweet nothings in his ear to heal his heart; who would let him sleep by their feet and curl up next to their bed each night; who would cherish his warm gazes even if he can’t make his body run and play like younger pups he so graciously lives with. 

Tyler was a gentle soul who gave love in exchange for neglect. AGSDR desperately hoped Tyler would find a warm home and a loving heart he could claim for his own last Christmas…and into this whole first half of this year.  Hope faded and his loving foster settled in for the long haul.

Then in mid-July 2007, a miracle came.  A wonderful family was interested in Tyler.  After his foster talk for an hour about all of his medical needs, they still wanted to drive to Austin all the way from Houston just to meet him! After three hours of visiting, they knew for sure he was meant to go home with them and they committed to his long term needs…no matter how long they take.  Mom and Dad were both on board, and even more amazingly, the boys (10 and 17) were excited about welcoming him home as well.  This family adopted him not because they wanted or needed another dog, but because they have love and time to share with a dog in need. This family is Tyler’s miracle.

We got a call the other night, and Tyler is doing great with his new family!  He has been to his new vet and she had high hopes for a near full recovery (may never grow all his hair back but the infection should be curable)!  She put him on a much more aggressive treatment plan now that his weight was up and he was feeling better.  With this heightened level of treatment, he should be a new dog in about 6 months time!  His thyroid test came back good, his heart sounded good even with the heartworms, and they are awaiting results from a few lumps and bumps.  Even his ears were not infected anymore… just the skin around them caused the soreness.

The family is in love with Tyler and the two boys adore him. Tyler seems to feel the same way about the boys as he lays his head in their lap, and when they go to leave, he looks up like, "hey where are you going"?  How amazing that these two young men can be so wonderful with Tyler, when many would want a young strong dog they could play chase and fetch with!

We think our boy found gold at the end of his rainbow!

I am sorry I have not sent you any updates on our hero sooner. Yes, the name stuck--Woodrow. He just looks too much like a Woodrow, but I do still call him my little shadow.

Woodrow is doing just wonderful in his new home. Honestly I feel like he has been here with us forever. He is so sweet and the funniest little guy. He has finally gotten his bark to an even kill. When he first came home, boy anyone would have thought he was 200 lbs. He and StarFire have become the best of buddies. I will say in the beginning I was worried, she was rather jealous of sharing her hugs and kisses more so her food. He sometimes go into his cage during the day and just lays in there without being told-we keep the door open. Occasionally they both go inside the same cage together for a short visit until they realize the limited space.

The kids love Woodrow with a passion and he is very gentle with them. He has the best manners ever. He understands his commands very well. It is a sight to see he and StarFire playing together. Woodrow must be about 40 lbs by now. When I take him in for his monthly grooming next week I'll find out. All I know is picking him up for his bath at home is exercise in itself for me. He does love his baths, makes him feel great to be clean. Last time I bathed both dogs it was just in time for the heavy rains. Came in covered from head to toe in mud.

Well he eats me out of house and home now. He reminds me of the dog on the commercial advertising "BACON< BACON< BACON..."  He gets so excited and just cannot control him self at times spinning around. He has a hard time sitting still a lot of times. He is so busy with exploring what everyone is doing.

Well I just wanted to keep you posted. He is so wonderful to have here with us.

Take care,
Batina

I am a volunteer foster for AGSDR and have adopted 2 of the dogs I fostered and wanted to send pics of them and write a little about my interactions with this group.  Below is the story of my adopted dogs and how I got involved with AGSDR.

I had been searching German Shepherd websites looking for just the right dog to adopt when a puppy named Mr. Irish came up on your website.  I immediately put in an application and about a week later, on a Friday afternoon, was approved to visit and hopefully take Mr. Irish home on that Sunday.  At about 10:30 that evening I got a call from the director here in Houston and was told that Mr. Irish had become sick and passed away.  I was devastated and just cried and cried for a puppy I never even got to meet, but loved all the same. 

I was so depressed, but on July 3^rd I received a call saying that there were 2 puppies that needed to be fostered and since I was already approved on Mr. Irish, if I wanted to go take a look at them and take one, I could.  Well needless to say I was there in a flash and fell in love.  Attached are pics of him the day I got him and pics of him now at age 6 months. 

It was at that point that I realized all the good work and the dogs that are saved because of rescue groups just like this one and decided to get involved.  I love Shepherds and that is why I chose this group, but all groups are good as long as they work for the good of the animals. 

I now foster and have adopted another of our dogs, Baby Girl, a 5 yr old female.  Our happy household now consists of 2 German Shepherds, 1 Lab/Retriever and 2 cats (1 who is blind) and they are all rescued animals.  I have attached a picture of the dogs. 

If you have ever thought about fostering, I can tell you there is nothing like the feeling you get when you pick up a dog at a shelter and they lick you all the way home or when you come home in the evening and they meet you with wagging tails because they are just happy that you came home to them.  Rescued dogs are so appreciative of just the smallest bit of affection (pat on the head, etc.) and they return it 1000 fold to you. 

I have learned that it does not take all of my time to love these animals, but it does take some of it.  And when I see that dog go to a forever home and know that it will finally have the love that it so deserved from the time it was born, then I know what I am doing is a good thing and I feel good when me and my babies go to bed at night (plus I sleep quite well with my protectors laying next to my bed). 

I want to thank all the volunteers who give of themselves each and every day to do for these dogs what they do for no more payment than to see these dogs find loving homes.  Thank you for your tireless days and nights, your endless training and driving to and from wherever it takes to make things happen.   Without you, I would never have come across these beautiful babies that I am now blessed to have as part of my family.  Enjoy the pics.    

Thank You,
Jeannie Rolan
 

Zitta

Dear AGSR,

In November 2003, we adopted a beautiful 6-7 year old female German Shepherd from you named Zitta. She quickly became a wonderful addition to our family. We took her camping, on trips to the lake and loved her unconditionally as she loved us. We trusted her with our children and our home, she lived in the cool air conditioned house with us and we gave her everything we could.

Today, sadly, we had to put her to sleep. We found out last week that she had a bleeding tumor on her liver. We wanted to give her every chance, so we opted for the surgery. The vet called us during surgery today and told us the cancer was spread all over her liver and the bleeding could not be controlled. The most humane thing we could do was to let her go. We did not have her that many years with Zitta, but it still seemed like an eternity. Now, our life seems so empty without her.

When we adopted an older dog, we knew that we would not have her as long as if we adopted a puppy, but we never thought our time would be this short, unfortunately in life there are no guarantees. But, we would adopt an older dog again. Attached is a picture of our beautiful Zitta. Thank you for placing her with us.

The Martinez Family
 

We've had Kya for nearly a week and a half, and she's adjusting wonderfully. She's very well mannered and walks on a leash good for a pup her age. She loves to fetch in the backyard and she does her business outside in the far corner. 

We're crate training her and she's overcoming some separation fear. The cats are slower to adjust, but they'll eventually come around. We love her to bits and would like to send some pictures. We'll continuing giving updates.

Burke Family
2005