Gunny is a beautiful, long-haired GSD that is a big teddy bear. He loves to follow his family around and to be where they are, yet he is good when left alone too. He enjoys walks, and other than some pulling on the leash, he does well. It is obvious he has had some training in the past, but a refresher course would do him good. He walks every day to the bus stop, and we think he tries to herd the line of kids on the bus! He does not need a lot of activity during his day, but is happy to join in outdoor play - especially if the kids are out. Indoors there are times I have to go look for him to make sure he is inside. He is usually found curled up in his bed or laying at the foot of one of the family members. He only barks when he feels it is necessary, usually if someone is at the door or walking past his fence when he is outside. He is fine with all dogs, and impresses the vets with how calm he is in the waiting room. We are unsure of him with cats, although he used to live on a farm and was exposed to other animals. He has been great with all the kids, ranging in ages. He absolutely LOVES car rides, and rides so well. If a car door is open when he walks past he will jump right in! He is on thyroid medication, which costs about $15 per month, and he is pretty good about taking his pills. Overall, Gunny is a gentle giant that is well-mannered, easy to handle, and will adore his new family. 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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