Look into my eyes. Look deep into my eyes. Hi! Im Smokey. I love to play, Im quick and smart. House trained? You bet - I will let you know when it is time for a walk. Car rides? Lets go! Leash skills? Working on it. Im good until I see a fellow canine and then I pull because I want to say, Hi, lets play! I have many talents. To name a few: sit, down, come, stay and shake. Im great with other dogs and did I mention that I love to play? I like cats and am very kid friendly. I enjoy toys and I REALLY like puzzle balls filled with treats. Belly rubs and ear scratches are awesome. I return the love with kisses. I dont even mind being bathed. Thunderstorms? Not a fan, but will find my own place to duck and cover until it passes. Do you enjoy hitting the snooze button? Well, I can help with that. After the alarm goes off and you hit snooze, I spring to action. I bump your hand or poke your nose with mine I know you are awake and can scratch my ears! I will help you keep your kitchen clean, too. Really! I am just trying to help. You didnt leave that delicious food on the counter for me? Sigh, Ive learned that the counters are not mine. I will still let you know if youve forgotten to put your food away, though. Ready to play? 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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