Smoky Needs Surgery! Can You Help?

Smoky is a large, very handsome young man, around 18-24 months old in a gorgeous, dark sable coat. He was an unclaimed stray from Modesto, so we know nothing of his background. He's a big boy, and tips the scales at just about 90 pounds. Smoky gets along with most other dogs and critters, he has an easy-going attitude about life.

Smoky's left front leg is severely twisted, and the x-rays indicated that he probably sustained a growth plate injury at some point while young, causing his front leg bones to grow abnormally long and crooked. Had this injury been treated when it happened, he wouldn't have a crippling injury and now have to live in pain.

He has arthritis starting to form in his carpal (wrist) joint, which was causing him considerable pain and to twist his body as he moved crooked. Smoky was just starting to fixate on his tail when we got him, most likely as a displacement behavior caused by the injury. Through a combination of anti-inflammatories, supplements, behavior modification and physical adjustment, his tail fixation is almost completely gone. His spine is now back in alignment, and he leads an almost-normal life except for the pain.

In order to complete his journey back to being a perfectly healthy, young dog, Smoky will need surgery on his front leg to re-break the bones and insert pins. We have a quote of around $2000 for this surgery, which is more than we have in our Rainbow Fund.

Can you help us help this wonderful young dog to fulfill his potential and go on to lead a pain-free life? Sign up to Sponsor or Donate today! Thank you!

 

Welcome!

Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is an all volunteer group dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd Dogs from unacceptable situations and finding them permanent, loving homes with qualified owners.

We serve the Greater Sacramento, Central San Joaquin Valley down to Merced, the North Bay and occasionally parts of the East Bay, including area codes 209, 707, 916, parts of 530 and, to a lesser extent, area codes 510 and 925. We don't adopt out or state or outside of our areas, and we require a home visit from one of our volunteers before placing a dog.

To find out how you can help us in these efforts, please see our How to Help section, where you'll find information about donating, volunteering, and fostering. We also have opportunities for Sponsoring a dog.

If you are interested in adopting one of our German Shepherds, please see the Dogs section for listings of adoptable dogs and our Calendar for a schedule of our Adoption events. The first step toward adopting one of our dogs is to fill out an Adoption Questionnaire. Click here for our Adoption Questionnaire (pdf).

See us also on Petfinder.

About German Shepherds

German Shepherds aren't for everyone. They're big, energetic dogs with long tails, and can clear a coffee table with one swipe. They have a lot of hair with a double coat, and that means they shed year round - and they shed a LOT.

They're active, alert, assertive, noisy and mouthy. They take work - a LOT of work. They need socialization, leadership, exercise and a job, or they'll find their own amusements, usually by chewing, digging, barking or escaping. They tend to get territorial and protective.

If you don't mind all that, if you understand and love the breed, and are willing to put the necessary work into one, you'll end up with a very intelligent, very devoted, and very responsible member of the family. There isn't a finer family dog or for all-around purposes than a good German Shepherd who is well trained and well socialized.

"The German Shepherd Dog is known throughout the world for his uncanny intelligence and faithfulness. This versatile breed has well-earned the reputation as family companion, guide dog, police dog, and, of course, herder."
– American Kennel Club

Donate

Our rescue dogs need vaccinations and other preventive care, and some need more extensive treatment. When we have more dogs than foster homes, we need to board some dogs in commercial kennels. Since our adoption fee covers less than half of our costs per dog, we need revenue from other sources. Checks, cash, and dog supplies are always helpful. Easiest of all, you can donate directly from this Web page, using PayPal!

Thank you! Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a public nonprofit (501c3) charitable organization, and your donations are tax deductible.

We also need a variety of supplies, including dog bowls and leashes. We are short on German Shepherd-size dog crates and choke, prong, and flat collars. We need camping canopies and a small trailer to support our adoption events. Donated supplies can be dropped off at our Adoption Days or by appointment, and we'll send you a thank-you note for your records.

For Memorial Donations, click here.

Adoption Days

Every Sunday in Santa Rosa:
Petco
2765 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 566-7900

First Saturday of every month in Modesto:
Petsmart
2100 McHenry Ave
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 574-0441

Second Saturday of every month in Vacaville:
PetSmart
1621 E Monte Vista Ave Ste B
Vacaville CA 95688
(707) 448-1872

Third Saturday of every month in Sacramento:
Petsmart
10830 Olson Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 851-1813

Fourth Saturday of every month in Benicia:
Pet Food Express
838 Southampton Road
Benicia, CA 94510
(707) 748-4477

See additional information and directions on our Calendar page.

Missing Dog!

“Noel”

Noel escaped from her new home (Dew Ct. in Rocklin, CA) late Monday evening, January 19, 2009. She is a German Shepherd, black and tan in color, may have on a purple collar and is very shy. She was newly adopted from Greater California German Shepherd Rescue, so she is not familiar with her new surroundings.
She is spayed and Micro-Chipped.
If you see Noel, PLEASE CONTACT
Dave@ 916-524-4946
or call GCGSR at 877-268-0255
SHE ALSO NEEDS MEDICATION, SO A QUICK RECOVERY IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP!!!