Boo, a German Shepherd mix who has just turned 5, is a gentle-souled fellow with two great loves: his family and the smells and excitement of hiking outside. At home he has mostly good manners: hes quiet, obedient, reserved unless a delivery man (or your neighbor) knocks on the door, in which case he becomes a very loud and intimidating sentry. Hell follow you around the house or at least peek around the corner to make sure youre still there (he does have separation anxiety, at least as a foster dog); defend against perceived threats with all his heart (even if you disagree with his assessment!); miss you terribly when youre gone; and temporarily forget his manners in the jumping joy he feels when you return. Though a mix, Boo is all German Shepherd in character. Hes very smart, knows what he wants, and will take the lead if you dont. His leash discipline is weak; were working on it -- he is trying hard to please but the eagerness to sniff out wildlife is strong. Boo does NOT get along with strange dogs walking by them on sidewalks or at the dog park brings out his fear and aggression; however he has lived peacefully with dogs as part of his family and attends dog adoption events without trouble. He needs strong, confident, experienced leadership to happily follow and an active family in the countryside or with a large, fenced yard in which he can romp and rejoice in the smells around him; a hike or jog partner with energy and stamina similar to Boos; and young ones to play ball with him. He has less anxiety if not left alone for long periods. 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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