Dear MAGSR,

Just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know how I'm doing. My new Mom changed my name from Ella to Sierra (I didn't really like Ella and would never come when called). I love my new home and my big brother, Dexter! We play non stop. But sometimes we nap together as you can see in the attached picture.

Thank you for all your hard work and love in finding me a good home. I am very loved - even the cats seem to like me too!!

Love always,
Sierra and the Renshaw Family

Hi MAGSR,

When we drove up to MD in July to visit the dogs of German Shepherd Rescue, we weren't sure we were going to come home with a dog.  After a long drive we finally arrived at Lucky Stars kennel.  Little did we know it was to be our Lucky day!  The first car arrived and out came Champ.  We ran over to meet him and fell in love with this guy immediately.  It was lucky for us because Champ was collected from an animal shelter that morning where his time had run short (I guess you could say it was also Champ's lucky day!).
We also have two kitties which we adopted about 2 years ago.  The kitties, Angel and Flynn, are adjusting well to their brother Champ.  For now peace reigns in the house because they let Champ chase them and slobber wet kisses on their heads.  We would like to thank everyone from MAGSR for our wonderful new addition to the family.  Champ has found a forever home!

Love,
Aelisa and Jimmy

Our handsome brindle boy is growin' up!  Apache is now a foster brother to Manny!  Thanks Apache (and mom), for opening your home to another MAGSR dog, until he finds his forever one too!

Hi MAGSR,

I saw my picture but not my letter so I wanted to write and let everyone know how I am doing 2 years after my adoption.  I am well trained on my invisible fence and even the deer have learned that I can only chase them so far. My mom and dad say I have no vices. I get full run of the house and I have a bed on every floor.  I'm not supposed to be on their bed, but sometimes - well no dog can be perfect.  I'm still not real crazy about other dogs, but I do have a best friend next door and he comes over and plays with me a lot. I am a very happy and content dog and I know I have found my Forever Home.   

Isis

Hi everyone,

This is a short note to let everyone know how we are doing in our new home.  Things have been great!!!!!!  Christmas was fantastic.  We got cookies, bones and pig ears in our new stockings that had our names on them.

We played in the snow and Dad made a big snow pile for us.  Jackie would jump to the top and play Queen of the mountain.  We made a tunnel in the snow pile and I would look in the back window.  My mom made me a coat and Dad bought me a sweater.  Jackie has some fur on her, she did not need a coat or sweater.  When mom was making the sweater for me I would stand still so she could do fittings.  They are pretty good "pets".

The grandkids came to visit and I just enjoyed them so much.  They brushed me and played with me.  Jackie was a little shy around all the people, so mom kept her outside, but mom would go and play with Jackie so Jackie would not be upset or lonely.

Jackie is doing much better.  She has gained a lot of weight and is now on a diet.  Mom can't believe how much weight Jackie gained even on a diet.  Neither can the doctor.  Jackie is doing much better going for rides and walks.  She does not panic as much and mom said it is because I calm and relax Jackie.  I do pretty good on a leash too.  However, I get so excited Dad sometimes has to raise his voice at me to settle down.  But then he starts to laugh.  He says something about my big ears.  Sometimes he calls me a "Long earred varmit".  Whatever that means.

The cats in the house are ok.  We are buddies, but sometimes we like to chase them and bark at them.  It keeps things kind of normal.  We don't want to think anyone know that we really like the cats.  We have to keep that dog cat thing going.

Mom has attached some pictures of us.  I like to play around when it is bed time.  Mom puts me on my back and poses me.  It is just a game.  We both love our new home and we are very lucky. 

Signed,

Smokey (who wrote this) & Jackie

PS:  The picture of Smokey was posed, he is a clown.

   

When I first volunteered at MAGSR almost two years ago, I was given an anxious dog named Julie to walk.  She was very nice, but a bit "distant" emotionally.  After we got to know each other a little better and I had walked her many times, she got much more used to me and started to consider me her own.  She didn't want other dogs to take any attention away from her and would let them know this in no uncertain terms!

I felt terrible every time I would have to take her back to the kennel, knowing she could have a nice warm safe place to stay at my house--so I fostered her.  On our first car ride she was so nervous that she threw up in the back of the car!  (I didn't know that she had just eaten--blech!)

I grew very attached to this girl as I fostered her and knew that I wanted to adopt.  My husband, never having owned a pet was a little more reserved, so we put it off a bit.  One day I got a call that there was someone who wanted to look her over for adoption and that brought it all home to me, I already considered her a part of the family and knew I couldn't face giving this sweet girl up--when I told my husband about this, I couldn't help getting all sniffy and teary and he said okay to adoption.

As these things sometime turn out, my husband is totally smitten with Julie and has even written several picture books about Julie for his nieces and nephews.  She has come so far in her training and socialization and knows that she is a major part of the family--we recently moved and she has a nice big yard to play in with her new best friend Gunner--see the picture.  She thoroughly enjoyed the recent major snowstorm and was like a giant bunny rabbit hopping around in it.

Julie & Gunner

Thank you, MAGSR, for saving Julie.  She's an amazing dog.

 Amy, John, & Julie

 

Hi MAGSR

It has taken two years to write the success story of Dalton.

He is doing great despite the rough start to his life.  On Easter Sunday 2001, we drove to Tail End Kennel only to foster an older dog.  We had just lost both beloved shepherds that previous winter and we not ready to adopt.

We were so impressed that the MAGSR volunteers were willing to meet us, even on Easter Sunday.  They were there walking the dogs, playing with them, giving them a bath.  We were having a hard time deciding between the senior dogs when a very, very thin young Shepherd caught our eye.

He had been recently rescued, could hardly walk and only weighed 55 pounds.  Not much for a 1.5 year old male purebred.  Dalton was the neediest one, so we took him home.  We had no idea what a challenge was ahead of us, both physically and mentally, to rehabilitate Dalton.  Of course, we adopted him months later when it became clear he would need on going help, and we were madly in love with him.  One of Dalton's issues was that he was dog aggressive.  A year later, our work paid off and we were able to foster other German shepherds.  To date we have fostered 40.  The picture here shows Dalton, second from right, with his younger brother Monroe, far right (another rescue).  The other 2 handsome boys were foster brothers of Dalton.  Thank you MAGSR.

Bobbie

Well, Now that Cassie has been with us for a year and she is about 13 months old, we wanted to let you know she has been the best addition we could have ever asked for. She has fit right in to our family and even the cat teases and tolerates her now. Although she still hisses when Cassie come running. Thanks again and here are some pictures from today's snowfall, which she couldn't wait to get out and play in. Although I do have to say she has a little bit of a crazy habit. She hates water, rain and bathes, but loves playing in the snow. But we still love her.

Thanks again MAGSR,
Jen, Mike, Tore and of course Cassie Forshey

  

Bailey is loving this winter weather here in Virginia! We've had her for almost 3 years now and this is the most snow she's seen! Just wanted to drop a line and let you know how Bailey (aka Brandy) is doing. Her little brother Logan (20 months) can't get enough of her. They really are best friends. She lets him pounce all over her and she never complains. Her temperament is exactly what we needed with a small child around. She is so terrific. Once again, we want to express our thanks to MAGSR for all the fine work you do placing these beautiful animals in loving homes. We thank you for letting Bailey join our family and be such a wonderful addition to our lives.

-Kathleen, Randy, & Logan Blodgett
Woodbridge, Virginia

 

Here we have a picture of Kenny and Christie Boller. They adopted Zena (in Oct of 2000) her name is now Harley, she is the black and tan beautiful girl. The white guy is theirs also his name is Zepellin. Harley was "dog of honor" and Zepellin was "best dog". They actually walked up the isle with their human counterparts. Christie and Kenney's wedding cake was topped not the traditional bride and groom figures but with one white and one black and tan shepherd figure dressed up just like the real dogs were with a little black bow tie and a white lace collar. They even had an outside wedding specifically so the dogs could participate.

Dear friends at MAGSR:

It has been 6 months since we welcomed Ella ("June") into our family.  As anyone can tell she has settled in and is a true member of our little pack.  Although the homecoming was a little shaky between Ella and our older GSD, Immo.  She has finally accepted who the dominant dog is "Immo" and for now enjoys wrestling and cuddling close with him.

Ella has also taken quite fondly to our one year old son, Trevor.  The two are inseparable and she is always looking over his shoulder.  Neither seem to get enough kisses.

We are very proud to say that Ella has excel in her obedience classes. In the basic training, she was always the first dog to learn the commands and at times got bored waiting to the others to catch up.  She is a prime candidate for agility training and will be signed up in the spring.  She has a love for training and playing catch. Our trainer says, "She is a very special dog".

Although she has been with us 6 months she is still establishing her personality.  She is becoming more secure with each passing day, and we believe she knows this is always going to be her home.  Many thanks to MAGSR for bringing Ella into our lives.  Many Thanks.

The Gleason's family
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Kele (in the back) and Laney resting in their favorite chair.

To everyone at MAGSR:

Thank you so much for introducing us to Laney.  She’s such a sweet girl.  She loves our three-year old shepherd, Kele, and the two are inseparable.  It took Laney about two days to figure out how to play Frisbee. Now, she won’t put the Frisbees down!  She’s a very loving dog and we couldn’t be happier!

Robyn and Peter Sarrat.

Greetings to the MAGSR!

I just wanted you to know that I'm happy and taken care of. Since I came to my "Forever Home" I have become "The Boy" of the household. Mom is just crazy about me and Dad is too. I love riding in the blazer and going to the mountains for long walks.  Mom and Dad also insisted that I go to "doggie school" so that I listen to them, they said it would keep me safe to know when to behave.

I also have Jessie to keep me company when mom and dad are busy. We play ball and tug-of-war with the rope. Oh yes, the cats, I understand that I'm not allowed to hurt them but they sure are fun to chase. In fact the little one thinks my tail is to play with, she likes to see what I'll do if she teases me. The neighbors think I'm a "good dog" and often give me treats, I just like kissing the little kids but the treats are good too.

Well, as you can see by my photo it's time to go for a ride but I just wanted to wish everyone at the MAGSR a Happy New Year and thank you for all the work you do saving the GSD.

Breezor

Colby is the second senior dog we've adopted from MAGSR. His family was moving, and decided not to take Colby with them. He was 10 years old. His was a hard adjustment. He lost the only family and home he had ever known, and his dog brother too! Every time we took him out, he'd go to the car and look mournfully at us, as if to say, "Will you please take me home now?" He drank lots of water, whined and paced. His grief broke our hearts. And we wondered if he'd ever settle down and feel at home here with us. 

 

Far from the couch potato we expected, Colby was the captain of the Frisbee team! He loved to run and play, and take walks around the neighborhood. We played, we walked, we talked, we cuddled. And gradually, he came to accept that we were his new family, and came to love us. And we came to love him: his dignity and grace, his intelligence and protectiveness, his quiet love and acceptance. 

 

It's been almost two years now. Colby is part of our family. When he goes to the car, it is in hopes of a ride, which he loves. But most of all, he loves just hanging out with us, especially with his dad. His favorite spot is on his bed next to his dad's favorite chair. He supervises us when we cook, knowing that he'll always get a special treat. When we go to bed, he'll sometimes come up to snuggle, but usually chooses to sleep on his own bed in the bedroom. Sadly, he's no longer a Frisbee champ. Walking has become increasingly difficult, and we bought a special harness that will let us help support his back end, as his own muscles weaken.

 

I look into his eyes and see the healthy, active dog he once was struggle to understand what is happening to his body. And I wonder if, when the time comes, I will be able to accept my own aging with as much grace. What I don't wonder is if it was worth the trouble to give this wonderful, intelligent, loving soul a home to spend his last years with dignity, surrounded by comfort and love. Yes, it's been a challenge. But one look into his eyes tells me how grateful he is, how much he loves us, and how right it was to make him part of our family. 

 

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." -- Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

 

I wanted to take a moment and let you guys know how Kendall, now know as Sasha, is doing. My girlfriend and I have loved our new addition to our growing family and wanted to take a moment to thank you. We enjoyed coming out to the kennel in Hampstead Maryland and meeting all the wonderful volunteers, they were all so sweet. We wanted to send you a Photo of Sasha and her big sister Lady in front of our Christmas tree. Thank you so much for taking care of our baby, we are all so happy. Have a nice holiday, God bless all of you.

James Cherry & Lisa Kerr

(Sasha is the golden and black and Lady is the tan and black)

 

Hi all:

My name is Patrick and I was adopted by a really nice guy about 1 ½ years ago.  I have all the love and attention that any dog could ever want.  My owner even brought me a little sister named Mickey.  We love to play together and I have even attached a picture of us that was taken for Halloween.  I'm the one with the devil horns and my sister has on the  bone-head costume.

Patrick

 

We adopted Sting July of 2001.  He has become a very special part of our lives.  He is so wonderful around the house, not touching anything that is not his.  He loves to lay on his pillow and watch out the front door.  That has become his "post".  He spend most of his time on his post guarding the front door.  Sting is very smart and does well with his obedience.  We are getting ready to do some advanced (off leash) training.  Sting loves to play outside with his toys.  We would like to say thank you for our wonderful son.  Happy holidays to everyone.

Jerry, Peggy & Sting

Here is hoping you remember me...Inka. I was adopted in May, 2001 and I love my new family. I am attached at the hip to my new "mom", but she doesn't mind. Life is very good for me here in Pennsylvania. Talk to you later. Inka Brennan

 

MAGSR –

Thank you for all the hard work you do all year long.  Have a happy holiday.  Jarrid (adopted 8/2001) is doing great.  In this picture he has his shorts on!

Eric, Kelly & Jarrid