Axel isn't quite a year old according to the paperwork that came with him. He was given up by the owner who realized he didn't have time to give this dog and training and socialization that he needs. The good news is that Axel has been well cared for and well treated by his owners. The bad news is that he hasn't had much socialization with strangers. He has been in two homes prior to coming into rescue, so he doesn't have any long term experience with anyone yet. He has the biggest and fiercest bark I've ever heard from a German Shepherd. It's an intimidating bark, he knows it, and he uses it when he's scared. He's not aggressive, but he is distrustful and scared of strangers even though he is craving attention and affection. However, he gets over his fear and warms up pretty quickly and then is very affectionate and even submissive, as a dog his age should be. There were children in the household that he came from and he was fine with them. He had been a housedog at one time, but has been living outside for a while now, so I can't vouch for his house manners at this time. He's a gorgeous young dog, but he is going to need an experienced handler who has time to work with him. He is not an off-the-shelf suburban family dog, so please be realistic about your own situation before inquiring about Axel. You can contact Axel's foster home at vadogrescue@aol.com if you have any questions. 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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