German Shepherd Rescue - Las Vegas

Emails From A Few Adopting Families

Hi Scott! Its me Carmen, I adopted a white German Shepherd. She was unexpected, but turned out great. She goes with me every where. She is so smart and learns very easily. I take her every week to the senior citizens center. They all love her there. She has so much fun. She actually puts a smile on some of the grumpiest old people I know. She is always careful with them and my kids. We are so lucky to have her. She loves going to PetCo because she knows she is gonna get her favorite cookies. The kids love her. I actually traded my 2006 Chevy Malibu for a 2006 Chevy Uplander so she could always go with us, it's like a cross between a SUV and a van. I am working on getting her certified to be a therapy dog at the hospital I work at. I think she would love that. Thank you for all you do for these beautiful animals. Who ever gave her up lost big time!!!! Bye

It is a privilege to hold such a unique job as a horse trainer and riding instructor. For years I spent working the corporate grind and it was such a blessing for me to turn a passion into a full time career. Working with animals on a day to day basis is so uplifting, animals teach me so much and the experience has been fulfilling for me something which I found lacking in my former corporate life.  An opportunity arose for me to move into the guest house at the boarding/horse show facility that I teach and train at. With five acres of horse property I had the perfect environment to look into getting a working dog. Over the years I've been involved and supported many animal organizations in the Las Vegas valley over the year, so when the opportunity came up to allow me to have a dog , I decided to pursue a different route, rather than go through a breeder as I had done previously, I chose to go through the Las Vegas German Shepherd Rescue Adoption. Having had a German Shepherd Dog in my past I was sold on having another and one evening while surfing the internet came across the Petfinder's website. After reading so many stories about the misconceptions about animal adoption i found myself glancing through a few German Shepherds that were available for immediate adoption. One in particular really drew my attention "Dax" a three year old male German Shepherd already trained and house broken. I contacted the local rescue coordinator Scott, and then spoke with Dax's foster family after speaking for what seemed a half hour a meeting was arranged to meet my potential room mate. Upon meeting Dax I knew this 3 year old German Shepherd dog had to come home with me, it was love at first sight and we both bonded instantly. After a week, Dax accepted his new role as the barn dog and horse show mascot especially his role as as barn greeter and of course taking special care of some of the younger riders at the barn - the children. He's made such an immediate impact at the farm with his charismatic charm.  It truly breaks my heart to look at his face and know that someone abandoned this wonderful dog at a construction site?! Dax is no exception, so many wonderful dogs like him end up abandoned, in pounds or the more fortunate find temporary foster homes. There are so many other Dax's out there that have no idea what they did wrong to deserve abandonment. All I can say is give these dogs a second chance at life and you won't regret it, the unconditional thanks and love they give you in return is absolutely priceless and of course the rescue organizations and foster homes, what these volunteers do is so commendable and if were not for these people, many of these animals would not have a second chance!  Thank you Petfinder!    Esther & Dax  
 

Scott,  I called you one day about a dog on your website.  I was directed to Belinda.  When I talked to her she invited myself and kids over to take a look at the dogs.  I went interested in a specific one and was soon told to take a look at a large male she had instead.  I thank God that she new better than myself what would fit my family.  We instantly fell in love with Samson.  Samson is a wonderful, sweet, loving and protective dog.  She told us that he was dumped in a parking lot and it breaks my heart to think of him alone like that.  He is GREAT with my kids and is very patient with my other 15 year old German Shepherd.  My neighbors have even become attached to him.  He has become a huge part of this family and I thank Belinda daily for him.  Samson is a walking testament to what you do.  He is constantly commented on how gorgeous he is and how well behaved.  I am very quick to tell his story and to hand out your phone number.  I was very nervous to get a rescue dog but I was wrong to be nervous.  People need to understand that these dogs aren't with you and needing to be rescued because they are bad dogs but more so because they had the wrong owners the first time.  Thank you again for Samson, we will forever be grateful.

 Marci, Rick (Las Vegas Policeman), Darrien, Hannah, Mihija (our other Shepherd) and of course Samson!   

BLACKJACK IS A SUPERB DOG!  Words can not describe my feelings when I look at him. He makes all of us so happy! To whomever reads this please, please, please give a dog a second chance at love. You won't be sorry!!!
Sarah & Bill  - Mesa, AZ   

Hi Scott, I am sending you some pictures of Nevada, in her yard with her kids.  As you may remember we decided to adopt Nevada out of Dewey last winter, a couple of hours before she was scheduled to be destroyed.  Best Friends picked her up in Las Vegas and took her to Utah and she later hitched a ride to Phoenix with some cattle dogs being transported to the Phoenix rescue group.  I drove up from Tucson and retrieved her.  My daughter fell in love with her and we agreed to let Nevada live with the young family where she could be the only dog, instead of one of three.  A little over three months later (Feb 16th) this shelter dog was fearlessly at the window of my daughter's home warning off a deranged man who was trying to break in to her home.  My daughter was alone with her baby at the time on the phone with the 911 operator.  Nevada, still barely more than a pup herself, was between the intruder at the window, and the young women with her baby, warning the man off and prepared to attack him if he got in.  The man elected to break into the town home next door, going through the window with a rock.  He was caught by the police.

Nevada has been all that you said and more.  She is very gentle and nurturing with the children, she has never had an accident in the house, and no dog could be braver.  The family has since sold the town home and moved to a large home with a big back yard, Nevada spends most of her time in the house though.  The large sore on her shoulder was removed and she is healthy and happy and very loved.  She has put on weight and people stop and ask us we got her when she is out for her walks. 

I know that the work you all do at German Shepherd Rescue, can be very hard and sometimes heartbreaking, but it does make a difference.  A difference not only to the dogs you rescue and place, but to those of us who are blessed by having these dogs come to live with us.   I am still amazed by Nevada's courage and loyalty in a dog so recently adopted and so young.  She is only about 6 months older than the baby she was protecting.  She and Benny (my grandson) share a special bond.  I am not sure if she is his, or he is hers, but they play together, eat together, and the two year old little boy won't go to bed with out kissing Nevada good night.  Our deepest thanks to you and all at German Shepherd Rescue.    Elaine  

Hi Scott! Just wanted to let you know that Lobo did great on the trip to Oklahoma.  He likes standing up looking out the windows, he is very attentive.  He loves to snuggle and give kisses.  He acts as if he has been around children before because he was great with our kids.  When my husband threw the ball for him, he ran after it but was very careful not to knock my son over.  He has adapted very well and seems very attached to us, lol, he follows me everywhere in the house.  When we would stop to get fuel, he would whine until my husband came out of the store and once he saw him, his tail would wag, it was so sweet.  And when Lobo and I were in the truck alone, if someone came by, he would get in a stance and growl.  I'm making him an appointment to take him in and get his teeth cleaned, they are a little yucky, lol!  I'm going to get him some pearly whites!!!!!  Tomorrow I'm going to get him a "manly" collar, lol!!  Thanks so much for bringing him into our lives, he's great!  I'll update you often on how he's doing.  Take Care.     Jennifer & Cougar  

Dear Scott,  I wanted to update you on "Jet", he is absolutely wonderful!! It's funny how you said people expect them (dogs) to be like appliances and just work, because that is really what has happened with him.  He gets along great with my Rottweiler, Tank.  They chase each other around the yard, its really fun to watch them.  I honestly have not had a single problem with this dog since he's come to live with me.  He's been sleeping inside with me, right next to my bed at night, and is outside during the day.  He likes my cats, and lets me know when he has to go potty. It's like we've had him since he was a puppy.  He just fits into our home so well.  He already knows his name and does not hesitate to come when I call him.  At first he was a bit shy and wanted to do nothing but follow me around the house.  He is now playing with the ball and chasing frisbees.  My husband likes him alot, but he is a bit timid around him.  I really am starting to think he may have been abused.  (He probably just prefers females).  He's bonded with me very well and if he's inside and I leave the house, he paces the house until I come home.  We really do not have a single complaint about Jet. I'm so glad we got him from the other family. (Who got him from Dewey, and should not have had a German Shepherd).  He has a good home where he'll be cared for, fed good food and loved very much.  He's already starting to show a protectiveness around our 6 month old son.  I watch him very close and he is just perfect, when the baby cries he immediately goes to where he is and sets down and waits for me to come and get him.  He is very protective of our home and will bark at strangers who are near our property, but he is very very good with guests we have in our home, very kind and a real joy to be around, which I love.  Jet is a perfect match for our other dog, I don't worry about our home a bit when were gone, yet I know if I have friends over, I have nothing to worry about with him.  I really can't express what an amazing animal Jet is.  Ever since my female Shepherd passed away, I've felt that there was a small piece missing, and Jet certainly fills that void.  I really believe that he was meant to be with me.  I've enclosed some pictures of him and I promise before we move to Vegas, (They are in the Air Force, living in Utah) that I will send you a picture of Jet and myself.  I would absolutely love to volunteer and help with some of the Shepherds you rescue.  As I mentioned earlier, we are due there in September.  I will contact you after we've settled in to see if there is anything I can do to help, walking, brushing or playing with the animals.  Again I thank you very, very much, Jet has a wonderful permanent home!  Thank you!    Brynnda & Howard

I adopted a male German Shepherd from Dewey last October. I just wanted to let you know that he is a great dog. He fit in fine with my two cats and my female German Shepherd. I was a little nervous about the female, but she treats him like an "annoying little brother." He is protective without being aggressive, which I need since I live alone. I am very glad I brought him home. He is a wonderful addition to my life.    Stephanie

Dear Scott, On May 24, 2005, I met you while looking for a dog.  You pointed out to me, a brindle Mastiff Lab mix.  You said it was a great dog.  Well that dog is a great dog.  His name is Charlie, and he loves my other dog.  I wonder what life would have been without him?  I know I can never thank you enough for finding my dog for life, but he is happy and I am thrilled. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.    Judy

I just wanted to let all potential adopters, that adopting a dog from the pound is a wonderful thing.  I adopted a German Shepherd from Dewey Animal Shelter in September of 2003.  Scott from German Shepard Rescue told me there was a male there, and it was his last day.  I took him home and he is the most wonderful lovable dog. He fit right in with my other two dogs.  They all play together and they love each other. When the time comes that I need to adopt another dog, I would do exactly the same thing.  The pound is filled with wonderful dogs of all breeds.  Please take a look at the pounds before you look any where else for a pet.  Thanks.    Lori

Hey Scott... It's Jim & Riley Russak!  Just wanted to give you a few pics...and to also tell you thank you always for what you did for me in my life.  By giving me the chance to have my Riley back.  May God always shine upon you Scott.     Jim & Riley

Hi Scott. CoCo is now known as "Ilka" She's learning her new name!  This message is going to be a little long winded so you may want to read it when you have a few extra moments...

 
1.  Prior to bringing her to the mountain on Monday 7/19/04,  Dave stopped at the vet and got the Lyme shot and we also got a flea & tick collar.
2.   I'm thinking she must have spent much of her life in "jail" so she is seeing and experiencing a lot of new things with great excitement.  Ex:  She loves having the run of the house (we're working on the "rules"), spent her first night on a giant featherbed on the floor next to our bed and probably had the best night's sleep of her life!
3.  She absolutely loves the dog door and uses is constantly...She has not made one single mess or accident in the house!
4.  Our .61 acre yard is fenced with cattle wire so she can see forever.  Her eyes turned to pancake size when she saw a horse for the first time and found the chicken walking down the street to be quite interesting!  All our neighbors are stopping by one by one exclaiming what a beautiful dog she is (they're jealous - ha ha).
5. She understands Sit, No, Good Girl and we're working on the expansion of commands.  Training is soooo important!  We have time to work with her and there's no doubt she'll get it all!
6.  We will be taking her back to the vet in a few weeks for the booster shots at which time I will have him investigate getting a rabies tag with the right number.  We will also follow up on the micro-chip.  If we run into any difficulties we will contact you. 
7.  We want you to know how very much we appreciate your choosing us to be her new parents!  The "princess" has found her palace - thanks to your good works.  If you would be comfortable in letting me know your address and last name I would like to possibly send you a donation now and then to perhaps make your quest a little more comfortable in the finance dept.
8.  When you and I talked on the phone the very first time we discussed "gut feelings" and "intuition".  My friend, you have those qualities in the way of a very special gift!  This dog has been introduced to heaven on earth solely because of your instincts and perseverance in finding the right home.  I cannot imagine her having a better life and she knows it and we are eternally grateful to you for the connection you offered us with her.  You are a great person.
9.  One thing that I must share with you:  I had told you about the dogs we had to put down a year ago (and will always miss them) the date for Coco's last day at the shelter before you rescued her is the exact same day we had to say good-by to our friends - to me, that has a meaningful impact! 
10.  We were serious when we invited you to visit Cold Creek Canyon.  If you would like to take a trip up here we are about 42 miles north and west of the Sante Fe Hotel - it's cooler and it's beautiful.  We would love for you to come and visit Ilka and see her wonderful progress and happiness!  Just let us know and I can send you directions.  If you would like to bring a canine friend that would most certainly be a wonderful outing and a human friend would be great too.  Just let me know.
***In closing for now, please have a great feeling in your heart for what you do.  Always follow that gift of intuition "gut feeling" because it is a gift!!
 
We cannot thank you enough for choosing us as her new parents, it was a God-send to us and one I will never forget.  I don't know a better way to say THANK YOU - than: Love and Prayers for your Great Work!!
 Warmest Regards,    Michele & Dave

Hello Scott. Wanted to give you an update on Apollo. He is the greatest dog on this planet!!!!!!!!! Tom and I have re-named him, his new name is Bogey. It took about 3 days for Humphrey, our Golden, and Bogey to establish their hierarchy...Humphrey is the Alpha male. Bogey has slept in our room since the first night without a problem. He follows me wherever I go, he is my shadow. He has not soiled in the house. Bogey is getting lots of exercise
and is enjoying this mild weather as are we. We are continuing to work on his obedience, but for his age he is doing great. It is hard to believe he is only 7 months old!! Tom and I want to thank you both for bringing this gift into our lives, he is truly our companion and best friend. I will send pictures later. Thank you for the great work you do for our four legged friends. Sincerely, Tom and Diana

Sally and Scott - I called you yesterday about a dog at Dewey. When I went down there the dog was a little barky and unsocial. DJ got him out for me and she was very shy. I decided to give her a try and take her home. We love her!! She is great with my children and other dog, and pays no attention to our cats. We named her Jessie and I just wanted to say thank you!    Kim

Hey Scott.  We love Jake.  We have told him you are his god father, if it weren't for you we wouldn't have found him.  He is the best dog anyone could ever hope for.  He is doing awesome in his obedience class, our trainers can't believe how good he is in such a short time in the class.  We've been in class now for about a month, and he has surpassed most of the dogs in his class.  We are very proud of him.  I know this isn't a great pic, but you can see the major difference in him from when you saw him in the shelter.  Have a great weekend, we hope to meet you face to face soon.  Thanks again for the best dog anyone could ever hope for.   Roger & Cyndi 
 

Hello Scott. I took Mojo to the vet last weekend, and she gave him a clean bill of health and me some suggestions as to more dog-attractive brands of dry food.  I followed her advice, and Mojo's eating much more now and is putting on much-needed weight.  He's also perking up more and more; he acts almost like a puppy right around meal time and when I come home from work (aka: walk-time!).  All in all, Mojo is a GREAT dog, and I can't thank you enough for kicking me in the butt to check him out at Dewey.  Once I get some pix scanned, I'll email them to you, and thanks again for all your hard work!    Craig
 

Scott, I spoke to you last weekend regarding some available German Shepherds, and you asked that I get back to you.  We found a beautiful 3 year old shepherd at Lied.  I'm not sure she was one of the dogs we spoke about or not.  Kathy indicated that she was one that had been removed from a negligent/abusive situation.  She's about 50 pounds, where she should be about 75 pounds, and boy did she smell like a dog!  However after a week and a few baths, she's adjusting very well, has already become somewhat protective of the family (especially my 4 year old daughter, which I really wanted) and is settling in very nicely.  Also we've found that at some point someone has done some training with her, she sits, lies down and when inclined will stay.  A very smart and loving dog!  Thanks for your help!     Lisa

 

Other Types Of Emails I Receive

 

I am trying to find a good home for a dog that a friend of mine does not take very good care of.  He doesn't visit her very often, as she has been at another of his friend's home for over 3 years.  He works on and off, and I am the one who makes sure she has food to eat, as he tends to forget to buy her food.  She is approximately 3.5 years old.  I have taught her how to sit, lay down, belly rubs and she is extremely gentle when I give her treats.  When she was a puppy, she was allowed in the house, but for the past 3 years she has been strictly an outside dog in a backyard.
She is starving for affection.  She is not spayed, but he does remember to take her for shots once per year.  I will even give someone the money to take her and get her spayed, as long as they promise to use the money for that purpose, and give her lots of love or even another dog so she isn't so lonely.  No, I don't have permission from the owner but I have asked him several times to allow me to find her a home, and he keeps saying "no I want to
breed her and sell her puppies."  This is not acceptable to a dog lover like me.  He will not buy her food or spend any time with her, but he will breed her and make money on her....I will not stand by and watch that...I am sorry.
 

Good morning: (12-22-04)
We have a 14 week old german shepherd puppy. We adopted her from a family in Indian Springs. She is a beautiful dog. Unfortunately , the dog's temperament and responsibility are not conducive to our family.  I do not want to take her to the dog pound. Would it be possible for us to give her to you? Thank you.  Sincerely, Abbe

One hour after they actually sent the above email to me, I called and left a message on their voice mail. A couple of hours later this puppy was dumped in a local pound to spend the Christmas holiday, guess she lied about not wanting to take the puppy to the dog pound, huh? What does "the dog's temperament and responsibility are not conducive to our family" mean anyway???

 

Scott, thank you for visiting with me this morning....even though I interrupted your sleep! (called at 6:30 am).  I am looking for a German Shepherd, male probably since I have a 4 year old female Shiba Inu, Chee.  I want a calm dog, housebroke, well mannered in the house, as well as with my dog, my 3 cats, and is not human aggressive in anything other than a threatening/protective situation.  It is just me and my pets in the household most times.  I am self employed (painter) and work at home.  I will have a 6' fenced yard...as I am remodeling the house I am purchasing (part of the fence now is 6' but some is 4'.  I will be living in the country. Presently, I live in central Colorado, but will be relocating to SW New Mexico in about a month. I was office manager for a well respected vet in Fort Collins, Dr. xxxx xxxxx for 1 1/2 years, as well as a client of hers for 4 years.  I am sure she would be glad to provide you with any references to my pet health care.  I also owned/managed a 200 head cow herd for 15 years.  I had to be very conscious of health issues, and preventive care. Two of my cats are Rag dolls, Cream (6), Chuck, (5) & Jjujju, a 1 1/2 year old humane society adoptee. My pets are very trusting of people and other animals...I do not want to jeopardize their well-being, by adding an unsuitable dog. Also, I hope to not adopt a chronic health problem (Chee has allergies and is on desensitizing shots, and Chuck is asthmatic....so I really would prefer not to add to my vet bills (other than their regular, wellness exams/shots an of course, unforeseen health issues).  I would prefer a prick-eared dog, heavy in bone, good conformation, and if possible, the older phenotype, standing more square and not so sloped back.  He needs to be calm, observant, cheerful (after settling in).  Shorthaired would be my preference. If I had my first choices for coloring, the dark black and sable (?), black, darker colors. Thank you for your help in my search.  I look forward to hearing from you, when you have possibilities.  Respectfully, Xxxxxx   3-17-05