Adopted: December 22, 2014

Biography:

This handsome young male, about 3 years old, was seen being dumped out of a pick-up truck. The local Animal Control Officer was called, and it took 9 hours before she could get him into her care. Needless to say, he was scared and confused and looking for someone or something familiar.
He was given a name and moved to a GSRNE foster home to start a new life, and he gradually began to relax. He didn’t eat much for the first 5 days in spite of needing to gain weight; but once he began to eat normally, he definitely became an eager eater. Nova didn’t play with toys at first, but he learned what to do with them as time went on; and he became very excited about playing “fetch” and now gives the ball or toy back willingly so it can be thrown again. He enjoyed playing with the female dog in the home right from the start, and he is tolerant of the dogs they pass when out for walks.
Once Nova felt settled in his foster home, though, he became reactive to visitors and would bark and growl if they approached him. We decided to board him with a trainer who specializes in modifying this kind of behavior, and that has made all the difference for Nova. Instead of being nervous and reactive, he has learned to go to his “place” when someone new comes to the home. He will be adopted by an experienced German Shepherd person who is committed to continue the training while giving Nova the love, attention and exercise that will help him to thrive.

Adopted: November 29, 2014

Biography:

Sophie is a very pretty, small-medium sized, 2 year old spayed female GSD who is looking for her forever home. She is doing well in her foster home living with a male GSD and a cat along with her foster dad.

Sophie came to us from a home that also had another dog and three cats. The home owner had rescued Sophie from a neglect situation. Sophie was approximately one year old at the time and was emaciated, had little fur, and she had not experienced a lot of human interaction. This kind person cared for Sophie for approximately one year, helping her to gain some weight and recover her coat. She then reached out to GSRNE to help find Sophie a family of her own.

Sophie has developed into a sweet GSD who loves to please. She is a typical Shepherd, aloof at first, then warming up and bringing you her favorite tennis ball to throw again and again, dropping it at your feet. She loves walks in the woods and simply being with you. She also likes car rides and looking out of the window. She will bark at dogs as they pass by, but otherwise rides along nicely. On longer trips she settles in and enjoys a nice snooze.

This girl needs help learning her commands as she has not had much formal training. Her family will need to take her to obedience training to help her learn and bond with them. She will learn quickly as she likes to please her person. She is food and praise motivated. She is ok in a crate but usually doesn’t require one. Sophie is a little reactive when seeing strange dogs and will bluster until directed that she is safe. With good leadership Sophie will continue to gain confidence and trust.

Sophie has allergies and will need to be on high quality food for life. When her owner switched her to a less expensive food, she suffered hair loss again. Her coat is growing back and regular baths also help. With vigilance and proper care she should do very well. We also found that she is Lyme positive. She is being treated for that and is expected to fully recover.

Sophie had a horrible start in life but is still a sweet, loving girl. She’s beautiful with medium energy and wants to be with you. She would do well in a home with an older male GSD who can serve as a role model for her but will also do fine as an only dog. If you are committed to giving her the training, care and guidance she deserves you will have a wonderful, loving companion.

adopted: November 1, 2014

Biography:

9/8/2014 Update: Happy news for Winston! He is now heartworm free and the surgery to remove his damaged eye went very well. Winston was neutered at the same time. He is recovered and ready for adoption. Winston is a loving boy who is looking for his forever home.

Winston is a large, handsome, 4-5 year old (maybe younger) male GSD. He came into our program from another rescue that works with a different breed of dog and knew that GSRNE was the perfect rescue to help Winston find his forever home.

You have to meet Winston to fully appreciate how very special he is. He has a wonderful disposition and loves everyone – adults, children and other dogs. Winston didn’t have a great start in life. One eye was damaged and he lost part of an ear. We don’t know how that happened but we do know that he doesn’t let it bother him a bit. He is a very social and affectionate boy and always seems to be truly happy – the kind of dog that makes you feel good just to be with him! He is also an energetic boy that loves to run, fetch, play and explore new things. Winston has to take it easy right now because he is being treated for heartworm but that hasn’t dampened his spirit. He is as happy being relaxed by your side as he is racing after his ball. His heartworm treatment is being covered by GSRNE (about $1,700).

Winston is being fostered in a home with a female GSD, one human adult, and two male children. He is very social and affectionate. Winston loves to be by your side, will come lay at your feet and wants to be with you at all times. He still acts like an adolescent Shepherd and seems to still be growing and learning as a young dog would. With all that Winston has gone and is going through, this pup still has an excellent temperament. Nothing fazes this boy. Winston should be finished his heartworm treatment by the end of July and if all is clear, he will then have surgery to remove the damaged eye.

We are hoping that at the end of August when Winston is recovered from his surgery, he will be ready to go to an adoptive home. Winston will make a truly great family dog —in a home with children—with or without another dog. Since he is currently on limited activity, the foster home has been unable to work on his obedience training. While that means you and Winston will have some work to do, training can be a great bonding and rewarding experience. If you are committed to going to dog training and can handle a large, active loving pup, this is the dog for you!

UPDATE 02/21/2016

Titan and Greta are best friends and love to snuggle together!!

UPDATE 8/30/2015:  

Titan has been checked from stem to stern.  Tests showed that he may need enzymes and a special diet in the future.  He’s holding his own in all other areas.  We are grateful to our supporters for donating the means to take care of him. Also thank you to his foster family for giving him the opportunity to grow and shine!   He beams with personality and loves to meet new people and dogs.  Everything new is an adventure.

UPDATE 6/4/2015: 

Our sweet boy Titan just celebrated his first birthday. He is having a great time in his foster home but has had some recurring urinary tract infections. He is having some tests done that will cover a three month period. We need to keep Titan with us until the testing cycle is complete. We know you are all sending good thoughts his way.

Titan’s original write-up:

Titan is a handsome young boy who came into our program from a shelter. His original owner adored Titan but was not able to provide the care he needed and knew the shelter would contact us for help. Titan is currently living in a foster home with an adult male GSD, a female Jack Russell Terrier, and a 12 year old child.

Titan is a gentle, kind, loving pup and has a shy, sweet innocence about him. He is extremely calm. He enjoys playing ball (soccer balls are his favorite). His sweet face and the way he looks at you, steals your heart away. He likes to be cuddled and loves snuggling but is not big on kissing. He is not pushy with other dogs at all and waits patiently for his turn, treat or love. When the water bowl is empty, he carries it around so someone will fill it. He sleeps upside down in his crate. Even though he is a big boy, he will wear hats and clothes because it makes his foster mom happy. When Titan first meets you, he can be a little aloof but once he warms up, he is your friend for life.

Titan loves going for car rides, going to the dog park, meeting new dogs and his favorite is shopping at the local pet store. Although he loves his outdoor trips, Titan is just as happy staying home with you watching TV. His squeaky toys are his favorite and he seems to enjoy all kinds of music, especially when he is in his crate.

Titan has a few physical challenges, but his disposition and sweet personality seem to make the obstacles less important. Titan’s jaw was damaged, likely by his canine mother shortly after his birth. It’s not really noticeable except that he chews his food a little differently. He also has a joint problem so he wouldn’t enjoy doing jumping or agility sports, but he definitely loves playing in the yard with you. We thought that Titan may need eye surgery to correct a cataract but his veterinary opthamologist recommends that we don’t do surgery now but to continue to have his eye checked periodically.
Although Titan does well with most other dogs, he has had no experience with cats. He would love to have a GSD sibling or two, especially if they are not too bossy. He will do well with most families, but he will thrive in a home that wants to include him in daily activities like going to the bank, going to the store, and running errands. Because of his physical challenges, Titan will never enjoy hiking or highly physical activities like agility. He is a sweet, happy, well-behaved dog with medium energy that is definitely food motivated. He will be shy at first but once he knows he is home, he will love to be a part of your family. He wants to please his handler and is a happiest when you are happy with him.

If Titan sounds like the perfect GSD for your lifestyle, please click the link below for more information about adopting.

Update on 02/16/2016

Greta (GSRNE #408) and Titan (GSRNE# 434) have become best buddies

and they love to snuggle with each other. 

Adopted on 2/12/2015

Biography

Greta is a smart, spunky, sassy, super playful and active puppy who loves exploring new things with her family. She came into our program when she was only 10 weeks old and had been left at a shelter.

She is currently living in a foster home that has an adult male and an adult female German Shepherd who are helping her learn the ropes. She is learning some puppy manners and commands and has become a real star at “sit” and “come when called.” She will bark at other dogs while on leash, but that’s from being enthusiastic and wanting to meet them. If allowed to get close, Greta is submissive and will lick the other dog’s face. She goes to doggie daycare while her foster Mom is working and loves playing with the other dogs. She also loves meeting people while she’s out for a walk and when visitors come to the home and is a very affectionate girl.

If you are committed to going to dog training and can handle an energetic, inquisitive German Shepherd pup, Greta might be the new family member you’ve been looking for!

Update on 02/04/2017: Diesel is doing good!

Diesel with Anya

Adopted: October 5, 2014

Biography:

Diesel is a gentle giant whose greatest joy is being with his person and doing everything that he can to please you.

Diesel came to GSRNE through an Animal Control Officer (ACO). This handsome boy had been brought to a town pound, dragging a chain. When the local ACO contacted the owner, he learned that the owner tried leaving Diesel in a crate in the house. Diesel broke out and did some damage so he put him outside on the chain that day. Clearly, Diesel did not think that was a good idea!

The owner had not had Diesel for long and it appears that he was Diesel’s third owner in his short life. Diesel is about two years old and currently resides with a foster family that includes three adults, one teenager, two cats and another dog.  Although the family dog is only about 30 pounds and Diesel is over 80 pounds, they love to play together. His foster dad describes him as a big kid who sometimes doesn’t remember how big he is.

Diesel loves everything! He loves toys, play, belly rubs and being with his family.  He loves long walks and gets along very well with other dogs at the dog park. He enjoys exploring the world with you and is friend to almost all the humans and canines he meets along the way. Diesel has a natural curiosity towards cats.  He tries to play with them but the cats he lives with reject all attempts to make friends.

Diesel is very social and curious with people he is introduced to. He loves to be petted and when people he does not know approach him, he will submit and enjoys the attention he is given. He is protective while inside the home or out in his yard. He does alert when he does not recognize people. He stands his ground until corrected and he will stop.

Diesel is also an escape artist – which is how his journey to GSRNE began. He needs a crate with a strong enclosure as he is anxious when left alone. He has also been successful at digging under a fence and getting over a fence so he does need to be watched closely until he knows he is at his forever home.

Because Diesel has separation anxiety, a home where the owner is not gone for long periods of time would be the best fit for him. We think he would be happiest in a home with another dog in it.  He needs someone who is willing to walk, exercise and socialize him.  He knows his basic commands but will require additional training since he is a big boy who has no idea how strong he is.

Diesel is a lovable GSD who just wants to have fun! If you can give him the time, training, and attention he thrives on, you will be rewarded 1,000 times over with the best friend a person could ever hope to have.

Adopted: October 7, 2014

Biography:

UPDATE 07/10/14 – Daisy gets more beautiful every day and is a very sweet and gentle girl. She has been going to obedience training each week which helps her become more confident. She also goes on three-mile walks, sometime with her foster brothers or with other visitors and their dogs. She has even gone on hikes and is enjoying the outdoors. Daisy has been with us for several months while her EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, was being confirmed and brought under control. It is now time for this sweet girl to find her forever home.

If you are concerned about caring for a dog with EPI, we want to share some important facts with you.  She plays and enjoys all the things that GSDs love to do like going on walks and fetching her tennis ball. To keep her healthy and happy, her forever home does need to take one extra step at mealtime. She gets a 1/4 teaspoon of crushed enzymes mixed with her kibble and water twice a day. After her food sits for 20 minutes to activate the enzymes, she is given her meal. She has gained weight and is keeping the weight on. She is on a regular potty schedule and does not have “accidents” in the home. Her enzymes can be purchased online and Daisy is on a generic form which costs about $20 per month.

Daisy is an amazing girl who has made the transformation from an undernourished, absolutely terrified dog into a beautiful, loving and happy German Shepherd who will steal your heart away. If you want to learn more about this great girl, contact us today at 978-443-2202.

Daisy is a gorgeous, large, white, 1 year, 9 months old, spayed, female GSD.  She is being fostered in a home with one human adult and three male GSDs.

She came into our program from an owner-surrender situation.  Although they took great care of her, they could no longer financially afford to keep her.  They were also concerned about her health as she continued to lose weight while in their home and they were not sure what was going on.  She was being treated for EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, but did not have a test to confirm this condition.

She is super sweet, super gentle, and a little lady.  She is also a very smart and loveable dog with a medium energy level.  When she first arrived in the foster home, she was terrified.  The only place she felt safe was in her crate.  She would crawl through doorways into the house.  If you went to grab her collar, she would yelp.  Riding in an SUV, she would scrunch her body to the very back of the tailgate door and hunker down.  She would not go up or down stairs, but eventually started to go up, but not down.  By the end of the the second week in her foster home, she was going in and out of doorways, running up and down the stairs, playing with her foster brothers by chasing them around the yard, and riding in the SUV like a pro.  She comes out of her shell more and more during her time in her foster home.  We believe that she would be best in a home with another dog that will help her gain the confidence she needs.

We took Daisy to the vet’s to be seen and to confirm that she has EPI.  She weighed in at 47 lbs.  After confirming she had EPI (This is the inability of the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas to produce and secrete the necessary enzymes needed to digest food.), we continued to treat her with the Pancreazyme tabs she was being given from her previous owners. Those should have been crushed and allowed to soak on her food for 20 minutes before feeding. That is important because in order for the enzymes to work, you must crush them up, add warm water and mix in with kibble and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes before feeding.  She started to gain weight and once we used all her pills, we changed her over to a generic, powdered enzyme (Enzyme Diane) and followed the same preparation for her meals.  If she is not given the enzymes properly she will lose weight and have very loose stools. She will be on the enzymes for the rest of her life, but this does not impede her activity level or personality. Since being in her foster home and given the enzymes properly and consistently, she is now up to 59 lbs. She can use some more weight and will fill out as she is still growing.

This is how Daisy looked when she first came to GSRNE:

adopted: November 22, 2014

re-named ‘Leigha’

Biography:

The first thing you notice when you meet Leigh is that she is absolutely gorgeous! Her shiny coat is a rich black with a little tan on her legs. Her eyes are beautiful and when she looks at you, she will capture your heart.

Leigh came to us from a shelter where she was turned in as a stray. Seeing how unhappy she was in a shelter environment (it can be noisy), they called GSRNE to see if we could find her the perfect home.

Leigh is approximately two years old. She is sweet and gentle – maybe even a little cautious around new people and things. She seems to be very comfortable with other dogs but shies away from cats. She would not do well with a reactive dog because she might not protect herself; she does know basic obedience and seems to enjoy learning.

Her foster mom describes her as being like an old soul in a young body – she likes calm and quiet time with her person and will easily bond with you if you give her the stability and love that she craves. Leigh also has a playful side and enjoys chasing a ball as much as the next dog.

In the shelter she had so much anxiety that the vet prescribed Prozac to help her cope. Her first few days in a foster home were also stressful because everything was unfamiliar, but her foster mom knew exactly how to deal with her separation anxiety. She didn’t give in to it, and Leigh learned very quickly that whining got her nothing while being a good girl had its rewards. Her adoptive family will need to reinforce this good behavior as Leigh is a smart girl who may try her old ways to get attention when she moves to a new environment. Her Prozac dosage is being reduced, and the expectation is that she will soon be off it completely.  Leigh can also leap tall buildings – well not tall buildings but she came close to getting over a 7’ chain link enclosure. Once she feels safe and secure in her new home, that is not likely to be a temptation; but in the early days, she will need to be on a leash or long line when she is out with you in the fenced yard.

Because Leigh does have separation anxiety, she will do best in a home where she is not left alone all day. If you are retired or you work from your home, Leigh would consider your house to be the perfect place for her. She has learned that good things happen in her crate, and she is able to wait calmly when someone has to be out for a few hours.  Although she doesn’t react to children, we think that a home without children would be a better fit because there would be less noise and confusion.

Leigh is a very gentle girl with a lot of love to give. She is looking for her special person and her forever home.  If you are that person, Leigh can’t wait to share her life with you!