Duke, aka Nelson, is mostly black and has some beautiful tan markings on his legs and underneath his tail. He knows how to open gates so my guess is he let himself out and ended up at the shelter. His owners decided not to come get him I dont know why. He is really smart, happy, loves the outdoors and is learning new things everyday. Since he has been with us, he has learned: sit, down, riding in the car is fun, going downstairs isnt scary, and being crate trained is comforting. He walks well on a leash and enjoys his daily outings. He still has a bit of puppy energy so he needs to be exercised regularly. Nelson only needs to know what you want him to do, and he will learn to do it. He is good around all the dogs, cats and people he has met.Duke, aka Nelson, is mostly black and has some beautiful tan markings on his legs and underneath his tail. He knows how to open gates so my guess is he let himself out and ended up at the shelter. His owners decided not to come get him I dont know why. He is really smart, happy, loves the outdoors and is learning new things everyday. Since he has been with us, he has learned: sit, down, riding in the car is fun, going downstairs isnt scary, and being crate trained is comforting. He walks well on a leash and enjoys his daily outings. He still has a bit of puppy energy so he needs to be exercised regularly. Nelson only needs to know what you want him to do, and he will learn to do it. He is good around all the dogs, cats and people he has met. 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 $200.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.

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