You dont know me. As a matter of fact, Ive been on my own so long even Im not sure who I am anymore. My past is a secret; for too long Ive lived alone, no family, no home. I stayed on the move, always on the lookout for my next meal and what I did find was never enough. Pretty soon I was just skin and bone, hips and ribs all sticking out. I was so thin my own mother wouldnt have recognized me. I had an ear infection that really needed treatment too, but I couldnt chance a visit to the doc, so I learned to live with it. The itching got so bad I quit holding my ears up, which turned out to be quite a disguise. It fooled some people into thinking Im not really one of the elite not a true GSD. Had them thinking Im just one of the guys. Then, one day I was so far down on my luck that I turned myself in. Time behind bars seemed like a small price to pay for a little rest and a steady supply of food. Then, my luck changed. On a Tuesday that started just like the one before it, this lady came in and recognized me for what I am and gave me a second chance. In exchange for great food (and I have to admit I DO like to eat), a cool house to rest in and treatment for my ears, I take her for walks around the block, give her my paw to hold when she watches TV and bark a warning to anybody who comes too close to her house. Although its nice here, I realize this is just a temporary thing. Im looking for my true safe house - the one where I will be loved and where I can keep my people safe. Ive had a rough life, and look older than my years, but Im quick on my feet. Throw a ball and Ill get it. Rub my belly and Ill roll over and wiggle like a pup. Given a chance, Ill lick you clean as a whistle. I know how to sit and lie down, love to go for rides in the car, never pull on my leash and, even though its not my real name, I always come when Im called. Im still a bit thin, but Im gaining weight and my fur is coming back and will be as full as ever before long. I just need one more chance. I dont want to always be known as Alias, I want a name of my own and a safe place to lay my head at night. Do you have a place for 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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