Hi, my name is Sparky. My previous owner had a stroke and was taken to hospital. I guess nobody remembered me and my 7 buddies out at his place. We were all alone for a long time without anybody to take care of us. Some of my friends were in their kennels with runs but I was in a crate outdoors. I have mostly been outside but we still got food and water. One day people from the animal shelter came to visit and took us all away. Somebody said that they were amazed that we were still alive. They said something about 3 weeks without food or fresh water. One day, the shelter people told me that a rescue was coming to get me. I thought that meant that Dad was okay but it didnt. That afternoon, I met my foster dad. He came in and said Hi, buddy whats your name? I was afraid and confused but my new foster dad gave me some treats and took me for a walk and talked to me and sat down beside me until I wanted to say hi. Then he said: Okay, buddy, lets go home. He was very gentle and helped me into the back of his SUV. I enjoyed the ride but we both realized that I needed a bath, soon! We got to my new home and after I ate a real good dinner, we had a bath. My foster mom was great! She fed me cut up hot dogs while I got my bath. It was over in no time and I smelt good again. I saw a cat and when it ran away, I wanted to chase it but dad said No pretty loud and I stopped in my tracks. Then he said I was a good boy and petted me and scratched my head. It was nice to be told that I was good. He sat on the floor with me while I relaxed and finally fell asleep. Two days later, I took another ride to the vet. I had some tests done to make sure I did not have Heartworms or something called Lyme. No problems there. I am about eight years old and I have a bit of grey on my chin now and my ears are scarred from being outside most of the time and getting bitten by flies. Now a days, I play with my new buddies. And, I got a name too! Sparky is my name now. My dad said that I have a real sparkle in my eyes and that I have a good warm heart. I have been to several adoption days and have done pretty well. I am still kind of scared about new people except the little ones. I like the way they smell and I am very gentile when they pet my head. I have been back to the vet a couple times for checkups and every time I go, the vet says that I am more relaxed and seem to be easier to meet people on the staff. I am really good with other dogs and like to get to know all the new dog friends that I can. I dont have much training but my dad says I am very smart and I like to learn, especially when I get good liver treats. I am at a good weight now and am feeling pretty good. My foster dad says we are doing well and I know he is working hard to find me a great home where I can be with a forever family. But, he says that he wont rush me. He knows that when I am ready, I will pick the right family. That family could have kids and dogs and maybe some cats that know about dogs, but we would need to meet. The house does not have to be too big since I am not a real big German Shepherd Dog (I wont take up your entire kitchen.) Id like a nice yard to play in and trails to go on walks with my family. I am learning how to do better on the leash but right now, if we get going I want to go! Id be okay if my people left during the day but I prefer to be with them and love it when they are home. It may take me a while to sort things out but before long, I will be wagging my tail and being a part of the family. I know when my foster dad comes home and that is about the only time I bark because I am so happy to see him. I hope that you can come to an adoption day and meet me. 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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