Hi, Im Duchess, although my foster mom often calls me cutie-patootie. My previous owners dropped me off at the animal control center. They said they didnt want me anymore because I stank. Well, yes, indeed I did stink but that wasnt my fault. I had a terrible ear infection and the yeast inside my ears had an odor to it! Unfortunately though, the severe ear infection was not the only thing I was suffering from. I was also suffering from an upper respiratory infection, whipworms, but the most threatening illness was the heartworm infection. I was extremely underweight and malnourished so my foster mom and the doctors said I needed to gain some weight and treat my ear and upper respiratory infections first before I could start heartworm treatment. Well, good news! It has now been 3 months and I am doing great. I have put on weight; my coat and skin is soft, and the only thing left is to get me spayed this coming week. I will then be ready to find my forever home. My foster mom says Im very submissive and I get along great with both people and other dogs. In fact, Im currently living with 2 fellow GSDs. I have to tell you I am much smaller than the average GSD, but that doesnt make me any less sweet. I am full-grown, but will always have that adorable puppy look. Of course, since my previous owners didnt take care of my health needs they also didnt teach me manners. So, my foster mom had to potty train me and teach me proper indoor behavior. I love being around my foster mom, so I wanted to learn what she was teaching me. I am well-rounded now. I can play, I can relax, and I am a snuggle bug. I am still learning not to jump on people upon greeting, so I should probably not go to a home that has young, small children. I will, however, get along great with a family whose kids are grade school age or older. 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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