For All The Dogs in Shelters Everywhere

TWO LOST SOULS
by Shelly Guidotti

“Did you hear that?” the old dog shouted. They all ran to the front of their kennel doors to see if someone was coming to “pick them.”

“Sorry,” he said to the other dogs as his ears fell down from their perked position. “I could have sworn I heard voices saying, ‘Isn’t he cute? Can’t we take him home with us?'”

“You must have been dreaming again old man,” said the dog in the cage next to him. “Anyway, what’s the big deal about getting picked ? We’ve all been through that routine and look where it got us.” The word “home” meant little to these shelter dogs.

“Just once, I’d like to feel the warmth of a hand stroking my head,” said the old dog. “I’d like to be the one who kisses the tears off a sad face. I’d like to curl up next to a fire instead of this cold concrete. It hurts my bones.” He curled up and sighed as the others said, “The only place you’re going to find that is in your dreams old man.”

* * * * * *
Hank’s wife had only been gone a year but the pain was as fresh as if time had stood still. He was an old man now, alone and longed for the comfort that he knew no other person would ever be able to give to him again. What would his life become without her by his side? Hank’s cupboards were close to bare now and, although he didn’t want to go out, he knew he should at least pick up the basics.

He drove slowly down the side streets for freeway driving had become too challenging. Suddenly, the car started chugging and sputtering until finally the engine quit altogether. One of the basic needs he forgot was fuel for the car! So he coasted over next to the curb, spotting a building within walking distance. Hopefully, they’d let him use their phone.

He walked into an office area and rang the bell for service but no one came. He spotted another door going outside, failing to notice the sign posted “Employees Only”. As Hank walked out, he was overwhelmed by yaps, barks and insane jumping from dogs all sizes and shapes.

He then realized he had unintentionally gone to the dog shelter. Slowly he walked down the concrete aisle looking for an attendant.

Three kennels down on the right, the old dog calmly sat there. Why should the old dog get excited? No one would want him. But, he sensed a need and couldn’t resist offering a kind look and a gentle wag of the tail. As Hank neared the old dog’s cage, he laced his fingers through the chain link to steady his gait and the first feeling of comfort he’d remembered in over a year came from a wet nose and lick across his arthritic fingers.

Just then a voice of authority sounded, and Hank jumped. “I’m sorry sir, you aren’t supposed to be in this area!” she said. Luckily Hank didn’t know he had walked into the “final area” where unclaimed dogs were scheduled to be put down. There went the nudge and lick thing again. Hank looked down to the most pleading eyes he’d ever seen.

Ignoring the attendants order to leave, Hank asked if could he see the dog closer? Her demeanor changed completely and her sternness melted away. She had forced herself to be this way so she could do the part of her job she despised. She brought the old dog out and instantly the two souls — once so lost — found reason to hope.

Hank’s cupboards were now filled, a warm fire crackled and the old dog Smiled inside as he remembered “only in your dreams.” Closing his eyes he felt Hank’s hand stroking his head whispering “sleep in heavenly peace”.

Our Volunteers are Rescue Angels!

Administrative and Fundraising:

• Listening to GSRNE Hotline calls
• Returning phone calls or emails
• Creating and updating forms and documents, maintaining GSRNE databases
• Preparing correspondence and “Thank You” notes to donors, members, volunteers, etc.
• Soliciting donations (individual and corporate), grant writing
• Coordinating online fundraising programs with vendor partners and identifying new opportunities
• Maintaining website sections
• Desktop publishing
• Researching and writing newsletter or website articles
• Contributing posts, photos, articles for social media (GSRNE Facebook, Twitter etc.)

Staffing Events and Promoting GSRNE:

• Participating in GSRNE event planning (committee work)
• Staffing GSRNE events (local events and key events like the annual auction and picnics)
• Tracking event merchandise inventory, sourcing new inventory
• Greeting new GSRNE members
• Soliciting new volunteers and welcoming them to GSRNE

Dog or Adoption Related:

• Coordinating the evaluation and intake of new foster dogs (requires interviewing skills and good knowledge of the GSD breed)
• Evaluating dogs in regional Shelters (needs specialized training and experience)
• Being a Foster Home for GSRNE rescue dog
• Being a Buddy for a GSRNE rescue dog (pay for food, toys, supplies, microchip, etc.)
• Checking references (Foster Home Applicants or Adoption Applicants)
• Conducting Home Visits for Adoption or Foster Home Applicants
• Matching rescue dogs with Adoption Applicants or Foster Homes (requires interviewing skills and good knowledge of GSD breed and training)
• Photographing dogs available for adoption or at events
• Assisting with GSRNE foster dog training (must be certified professional trainer)

 Other:

• Have other ideas? Let us know what you would like to do.

There are many other jobs where help is needed. Many of these don’t take a lot of time, just someone dependable who can give some time as needed.

An Events Team Promoting GSRNE

Save-the-Date: GSRNE Annual Auction

We are getting ready for Annual Live Auction, which will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, 43 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960. Springhill Suites is close to I-95 and I-93 with a comfortable venue and fantastic staff.

Our Annual Auction is open to the public, so we hope you share the word with friends and family and spend the day with us! We would love to have your help as we prepare for the big day! Donations for the Auction are needed, and we are asking our members for their support. German Shepherd statues, jewelry, signs, clothing, and just about all things GSD are always a huge hit. Bidders also like dog supplies, such as beds, cookie jars, bowls and toy/treat baskets. People things are fun too! From trips to trivets, we all like to treat ourselves as well as our wonderful GSDs.

If you’re able to donate items, please use our Auction Donation form which is now available on our website, or you can email auction@gsrne.org if you have any questions. If you have something to mail for the auction, please do so by March 20. Send donations with an Auction Donation form for each item to: GSRNE, P.O. Box 4063, Westford MA 01886. We also have volunteers in different states that will be acting as collection sites. Please email auction@gsrne.org for more details and locations.

If you would like to help with the event itself or the preparation for the auction, known as the Tagging Party, please contact auction@gsrne.org.

Promote your business or your GSD by advertising in our Auction Catalog. Download the form here. All ads must be received by April 15. 

Download the flyer.

Please save these dates:
Tagging Party – Saturday, March 29
Auction – Saturday, April 26

Need Directions to Springhill Suites by Marriott? Go HERE!

On the first day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
A garland from the tree!

On the second day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the third day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the fourth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the fifth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Five golden rings…….four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the sixth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Six pairs of mittens, five golden rings…….four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the seventh day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings……..four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the eighth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Eight pans of shortbread, seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings……..four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones and a garland from the tree!

On the ninth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Nine bags of tinsel, eight pans of shortbread, seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings……..four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones, and a garland from the tree!

On the tenth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Ten chocolate Santas, nine bags of tinsel, eight pans of shortbread, seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings……..four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones, and a garland from the tree!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Eleven silver sleigh bells, ten chocolate Santas, nine bags of tinsel, eight pans of shortbread, seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings…….. four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iphones, and a garland from the tree!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my dog stole from me:
Twelve fruit cakes, eleven silver sleigh bells, ten chocolate Santas, nine bags of tinsel, eight pans of shortbread, seven beeswax candles, six pairs of mittens, five golden rings…… four remote controls, three credit cards, two Apple iPhones,

and my heart forever from me!

by Elise Lewis 1997

(Be sure to read down to day 12!)

On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The angel from the top of the tree.

On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight slept-on silk things
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Nine chewed up candles
Eight slept-on silk things
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten bubble lights a-leaking
Nine chewed up candles
Eight slept-on silk things
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven strands of wiring
Ten bubble lights a-leaking
Nine chewed up candles
Eight slept-on silk things
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Twelve puppy kisses and I forgot all about the other eleven days ;o)

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! 

Niklas enjoys being outside on a sunny winter day, but comes in to get warm later on.

When the temperature (and the snow) begins to fall, you’ll find that your pet needs a little extra care from you. The following guidelines will help you protect your animals when the mercury dips:

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours   always wears ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside.

If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself or consider getting him a coat or sweater with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape. On the other hand, indoor dogs may get less exercise in the cold months, and will need fewer calories to avoid weight gain.

Nanny Millie enjoys winter in her warm coat, which some seniors may need.

When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Though we believe your dog should be inside and part of your family, if he does live outdoors or spend long periods of time there, he needs a dry, elevated doghouse with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. Click here for how to build a great outdoor doghouse (scroll down the page).

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog (or cat) bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Delilah enjoys a soft blanket and warm fire in her foster home.

With thanks to the ASPCA