Greater California
German Shepherd Rescue
~ It's all about the dogs ~

Happy Tails Testimonials

Ladybug Smile

We love it when our adopters share their stories of the new members of their families. We hope you enjoy reading their Happy Tails and seeing their updated pictures as much as we do!

All of our dogs have their own page on our website, from the very beginning when first brought into our group to their most recent adventures the owners share with us! We're working on updating all of them as we get new testimonials or time. 

Please note that individual pages usually will have lots of photos so may take a few moments to load. But we promise, the wait will be worth it!

If you have an update you'd like to share with us, send your pictures and updates to WebShepherd@gcgsr.org. Thank you!




Kalina's Christmas Card

Kalina Christmas Card

We adopted Kalina in front of Modesto's Petsmart in March of 2005, and she has been a joy! We wish everyone at GCGSR a Merry Christmas and thank you for connecting us with such a wonderful dog!

Louis and Margaret MeMott-Feldman




Trixie

Trixie 01

Trixie is the best dog there is paws down. She is making an impressive foray into agility and seems to learn anything new in a matter of moments.

She loves to go for hikes at the lake, play with her lab friend in the water and loves to fetch her tennis ball, she is also very fond of her squeaky toys.

This girl is the best and she is ready to go whenever I am but just as happy to laze around too.

She loves her doggy door and likes to lay in the flowerbed in the sun and roll around on her back so I will give her belly rubs.

She is the best girl I have ever met and i am lucky to have her.

Erin Spilman

Trixie 02

Trixie 03




Vida

Vida 01

Vida 01

Vida 01

I have been checking your Facebook page and website and I thought it would be nice to show you some of Vida's (aka Anja) pictures.

Vida came to you in January 2012 and I adopted her in March 2012. She is amazing and it seems like she has been with us forever. She lives with my wife and I as well as 4 cats and Buddy an Australian Shepard mix in our house in Tracy, CA. We all get along very very well and have a lot of fun.

I can't believe how people could not want her. But lucky me somebody did.

On long walks and hikes people even have asked me from what breeder I got her from or if I would sell her. But there is no way I would ever give her away.

Well anyway, here are some of her pics.

Thank you all for the great work you do.

Frank




Haylee

Haylee 01

We fostered Haylee (formerly Akela) for a month and then we adopted her, so we have had her for 2 months now.

We couldn't ask for a better dog. She is a very mellow dog. Loves to sleep, but also loves to play.

She always has to know where I am and follows me around the house. She only barks when she is protecting the house.

We really got lucky adopting her and she got lucky also.

She has found her furrever home here with us and we Love her very much.

Sue Schuchmann


Haylee 02




Elke

Elke Head
More

On this her third birthday, Elke (formerly Helga) sends her gratitude and good wishes to the wonderful people at GCGSR who in 2011 made her second chance possible, and helped her Dad through her amazing puppy hood.

She also wants you to know she's very comfortable, feeling totally safe, and that even girls who just wanna have fun have to nap sometimes.

Carl Seymour
February 14, 2013

 





 

 



Mika

Mika Head
More

Although the adoption is not final yet we are planning to move forward to make her adoption final so hope the early Christmas card is okay.

We are happy Mika has chosen us and has enjoyed staying in our home as sometimes when a dog doesn't want to be here, you can tell from how they behave and act so we are happy to say we love that she has chosen to stay as I fell in love with her.

She has found her home and we love her very much. :)

Janie & Charles Mark
December 2012




Mika's 2012 Christmas Card

Mika XMas Card

 




Freedom

Congrats to Freedom!

Freedom Grad Night

Since adopting Freedom in February, she has graduated from beginner's and intermediate obedience classes at PetSmart. She will be attending the advanced classes starting in July. She was thin when we got her, weighing in at 69 lbs, and has filled out beautifully to 89 lbs. Her best friend (besides us) is our 10 lb cat, Quigley, and she loves to see her other feline friend, Scooter, who lives around the corner. She is a GREAT DOG!

John & Diane K
6/3/12

Freedom

My wife, Diane and I adopted Freedom from you (foster Mom; Kim D) at the Vacaville PetSmart on Feb 11, 2012. Your website doesn't include her, but I wanted to let you know she is a GREAT DOG! She has rapidly become an important member of our family and loves all three of us (including Quigley, the cat). We have been teaching her social skills, and she is the star pupil at the obedience classes we are attending. She loves being an indoor dog, and has excellent house manners.

Thank you for not cancelling your Vacaville events before we found her! Keep up the great work you are doing.

John & Diane Kraft

Freedom





Trekker now Tucker

From Problem Child to Living the Good Life!

Tucker Head
More

Thought you might like to see Tucker aka Trekker. We adopted him about 2 1/2  yrs. ago. I think you may remember I mentioned he would be the lucky dog of the year with summers on a lake and winters in the foothills.

I think he may have been a problem child and hard to adopt with a few annoying bad habits. These pics show he did indeed adapt well and enjoys the good life. He loves his stuffed bears and loves to sleep in front of the pellet stove, even better with the sun shinning on him.

Phil & Carole J
11/19/11




Zack - Mr. Love on Loan

November 6, 2011

Zack now resides with two humans, a female GSD, an old male shepherd/husky mix, six cats and occasional foster dogs and/or puppies. He has become the play toy for the puppies fostered here and helps them release their energy and biting that would otherwise be released on the humans. He is also a volunteer through the Sacramento SPCA's "Love On Loan" program, which means he provides pet therapy at a convalescence home. I bring him to UC Davis regularly so he can donate blood (see picture) and save other dogs's lives.

See more.

Zack's Love on Loan



Dante's Vita Nuova, UD, GN, GO (formerly Connor)

October 14, 2011

Earlier this month, we debuted in Open (the intermediate level of AKC Obedience). Dante went 3-for-3, earning his Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title in 3 straight trials across 2 weekends, winning a 2nd place and two 1st places along the way. So, the next weekend we moved up to the Utility level (the advanced level of AKC Obedience). . .

See more.

Dante Scent Work




Blanca Turns the Big Oh-Five

September 12, 2011

We finalized Blanca's adoption 2 years ago September, when she was around 3 years old. We made Sept 12 her 5th birthday.

She got a cake made from ground beef and peanut butter topped with parmesan cheese and salmon treats. She also got a new toy and a ham bone. Blanca sat and waited for about a minute while we took pictures. Very well disciplined. 

Two whole years. I remember Jody came to do the home visit. I'm guessing we were not ideal adopters with basically no experience. Stan described Blanca as "Level 2 . . . barely" which got us approved. She lived up to that low level 2 except for a great deal of talent escaping from her crate . . .

More

Blanca Oh Five





Starr now Stark

September 17, 2011

Stark & the BoysSee more

Hello,
I wanted to give an update for Starr (now named Stark, after Tony Stark from Ironman) We just finalized his adoption after the 30 day foster-to-adopt program which is such a great idea! It took him a few days to adjust and now he is a happy, sweet dog who loves everyone he meets - people, big dogs, small dogs, and even cats (although they don't feel the same way about him!)

Our boys love to feed him and throw squeaky toys for him to fetch. He has learned sit, come, down, stay, "drop it" and is 99% house trained. We are still working on "leave it" and off. He is a wonderful addition to our family and we are thankful to Kim and Barbara and the rest of GCGSR for helping us find him!

Rick, Rebecca, Mateo, and Gabriel B.





Nani

September 13, 2011

An update on Nani . . . (adopted in March this yr). This past weekend I walked along with my trusty sidekicks Luke and Nani for the American Heart Association Stanislaus Heart Walk. They won the Best Dressed Dog Award for their get-ups. It's kind of hard to see in the pix but Luke is wearing a Hawaiian shirt and Nani has on a bikini top and flower necklace. They even let three of my co-workers and I trade off on walking them.

Kirk and I also took Nani out on her own adventure with us on the boat this summer. She LOVED the water and is definitely a beach babe! There's a few pix of that too:)

We're having lots of fun with this crazy girl!
Kirk and Tina

See more

Nani & Luke Hawaiian




Knox

September 13, 2011

We had a couple of pictures of Knox and Yada that were too cute to keep. Enjoy!
Bruce

See more

Knox All Grown Up

Knox All Grown Up




Magnum now Dexter

September 13, 2011

Hello guys,
This is Cynthia and Lance with Dexter. He is doing wonderful and having a great life. He is learning a lot and playing with new friends every weekend at the doggy park. He has been camping with horses and boating too. We have been playing in the snow and just lounging around in the pool.

Here are some pictures for your album too. Thanks again!
Cynthia and Lance.

See more

Dexter and Candy at Oroville

Candy and Dexter (formerly Magnum) at Oroville




Harley now Teddy

September 5, 2011

I adopted Teddy one year ago when he was 8 weeks old. Just thought you'd enjoy the picture of him THEN and NOW. (I can't believe he was ever that small!) He's such a great dog!

Thank you to Greater Calif GSD rescue for matching us up perfectly. He's a good boy, at the studio with Lil Bear, and at home with the bunnies!

Hugs-
Rose

THEN . . .

Harley now Teddy THEN

. . .and NOW! For all of the in-between pictures, see Teddy's page.

Teddy NOW




Falko now Reighnger (Ranger)

August 30, 2011

Hello Friends, I wanted to tell you how happy we are! Reighnger is a perfect fit. We all just love him and so do our friends. It took him a few weeks to really realize that this is his forever home and when he did he seemed to be able to relax more. He's gotten into the groove of how his new family works and loves his new Grandpa "Rusteigh."

  See more

Falko Crossed Legs




August 2011
Hi Nicole, below is the video that I took of Sammy having a great time playing in the water, what an awesome dog, love him sooooo much!!!! He's on YouTube now, he's famous, LOL!!!

Sammy Playing in the Irrigation Water at Papa's

See more

Sammy Bubbles




Dante (formerly Connor) Goes High In Trial - 2nd Time!

August 2011
Just wanted to say "hi" and to give you the latest update on Dante's continuing Obedience career. Last weekend we were competing in a regional Obedience event in Reno. On Saturday, Dante took High In Trial (HIT) with a 198.5 in Novice B. That day we beat a former National Obedience Champion (again), as well as a number of other strong competitors who have previously gotten OTChs and perfect 200 scores. So, it was pretty tough competition. . .

Read more

Dante HIT

Photo by Jack Hill - used with permission




Angus & Dolly (formerly Tango & Dahlia)

July 2011
We took the dogs and stayed a few days at Bodega Harbor with the grandkids in June. It was Angus (Tango) and Dolly's (Dahlia) first time at the beach. They were not too impressed with the ocean, but they loved the easy digging in the sand and made themselves a little dog fort under a driftwood log. I've attached a couple photos for you.

Angus is about 80lbs plus now and Dolly is staying at about 50lbs. . . .

Read more

Angus & Dolly at Bodega Bay




Lilly

May 2011
I just wanted to drop you an email to let you know how Lilly is doing. Today we took her to the beach (she loves going to the beach as you can see).

We are so happy with Lilly, we couldnt have asked for a better dog!!!!!! Her and Jackson are now best friends and they spend all day hunting moles and making sure the horses and sheep stay on their side of the fence. I honestly wasnt sure if they were ever going to bond . . .

Read more

Lilly & Jackson by Golden Gate Bridge




Jerry Lee (formerly Hondo)

April 2011
Just wanted to send an update. Match made in Heaven. The "boys" are best buddies and Jerry Lee even shares tiny sticks with Alex. Couldn't have asked for a better match. Again many thanks for letting him join our family.

Read more

Jerry Lee & Alex




Yogi

March 2011
Thought you would like to be updated on Yogi. Yogi and my grandson are the loves of my life, Yogi has passed level 1 of the puppy kindergarten and is in level 2. He is doing really well, sits, stays, downs....Having a little trouble with Off, and Leave It but we are working on it. As you can see by one of the pictures, he is not sure if he wants his ears up or down, hehehehe . . .

Read more

Yogi Let's Play




german shepherdKT (formerly Brittany)

I'm glad that you enjoyed the youtube video of KT and her "stick" and had a chance to see how well she is responding to basic commands. She is so smart and eager to learn. I've attached a couple of pictures of KT from her first Christmas with us. We just adore her!
 

german shepherd

 

Thank you for seeing the potential in this wild child and trusting us to provide her with a good home.
 
Bye for now,
Susan

 

Here is KT on the treadmill!

 

Brian & Sue
December 2010


Kona

Patrick and I adopted Kona in September and she immediately stole our hearts.  She keepsgerman shepherd us on our toes and laughing with her non-stop energy and antics.  We are very happy we chose to adopt and are so blessed to have this new addition in our lives. 
 
She is doing well and enjoying having all this land to run around and play in with her brothers Tucker and Bear. She has no fear, so it is never a dull moment around here.
 
Here's some pictures of her we wanted to share.
 

german shepherd

Thank you so much and have a wonderful Christmas holiday!!

Josephine & Patrick
December 2010 


Bamse (formerly Skylar)

We adopted Skylar in Oct. She is now known as Bamse (which means teddybear in Danish) and everybody loves her. She is enjoying life with her sister Petunia - a 4 yr oldgerman shepherd schnoodle (also a rescue - and oddly enough also from Modesto)
Bamse is still a pup - and since she does not realize that she lives in that big body of her's now - she can be very entertaining at times - I don't think we can call her graceful! But we can call her wonderful and we are so happy and grateful to have her as part of the family!
german shepherd

 

 

Thank you to everyone in your organization for all the work you do to save these terrific creatures! I have attached some pictures of Bamse in her new life in case you have room for a big eared calendar girl!
With kind regard and wishes for a happy holiday!
 

Annette & Bamse, Napa
December 2010

 


Shep (formerly Dasher)

We decided that we should send you the latest pics from our "family." Almost two years ago inxmas card January 2009, we adopted the 10 week old puppy that had been found in a culvert within a gravel pit. His name at the time was Dasher. He has now grown into the most handsome, sweet, lovable adult German Shepherd Dog that you can imagine. Since we adopted him we have adopted two other rescue boys......the black one which is a Boston Terrier/Boxer mix and the little Rat Terrier/Chi mix. We already had the one-eyed Lhasa Apso. They are just the most delightful little pack and there is actually one more that is not in the photo. She is a Chow mix but she belongs to our employers and is not really our dog even though she lives here. We would have gladly tried to get her in the picture but it was all we could do to handle these four and make it look like it was easy.

xmas card

Believe it or not, we had taken about one hundred photos to get these two that were just right. And one of these is even a little out of focus because our photographers were shooting so fast to catch the right moment that it was hard to focus the camera and get us all looking in the right directions. It was hilarious really! You have always been so sweet to keep sending us emails and updates so it was time for us to reciprocate. Do you have any updates on Shep's brother, Donner? It would so fun to compare and see how he turned out. Well, hope all is well in the shepherd world and that you are still able to find all these wonderful dogs all good homes.

Good night, take care, warm regards, Julie and Craig
December 2010


Pantera

german shepherd

 

Hello GCGSR

Just alittle update on Pantera. She settled into our house wonderfully. She is a happy girl and so is Chip. She and Chip are buds and play together wonderfully. Attached are some pictures of her. Thanks again for a GREAT family member. Please let everyone know how much we love her thanks.
 
Margaret

german shepherd

german shepherd

 

 

 

 


Carson aka Cooper

german shepherd

Hello GCGSR

Just thought I would check in and say hello. Our Cooper (Carson) is such a joy and great dog. Our Sadie girl and Cooper are pretty much joined at the 'tails', playing, chasing, water splashing…just like kids. He has learned so much through training and following Sadie's lead.

german shepherd

 

Thank you again for bringing Cooper (Carson) into our lives.
 
Best to you and yours.
 
Hugs
Stephanie