Maya (formerly Sunny) - Adopted August, 2007
Lila lost her last German shepherd in the latter part of July 2007.  In addition to dealing with her grief, Lila found herself coming home to a very lonely house.  It was then she decided that she needed a new companion.  That’s when her daughter, Lana, found German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California.

Although she looked at many dogs on the website, one in particular caught her eye and touched her heart.  It was Sunny.  Sunny’s bio was so sad that Lila immediately said, “Sunny needs me” and Lila was right!  Lana worked with GSR volunteer Lori M. who helped make all the arrangements necessary to get Sunny from the East Bay to the Valley. 

In August, following Pleasant Hill Adoption Day, Sunny was transported to her new home in Elk Grove.  Lila and her daughter were both waiting for her and welcomed her into Lila’s home with open arms.  Although Sunny was still a little nervous, she settled down fairly quickly. 

Sunny, now known as Maya, has been with her new mom for five months and what a transformation she has made.  Lila reports that Maya has never destroyed anything due to her separation anxiety but that she still gets a little “concerned” when Lila is gone for over two hours.  She has never had an accident in the house and she is a great alarm barker (watchdog).  She loves chasing the squirrels in the backyard and loves playing with her toys. 

Lila is very happy to have Maya in her life and says that “Maya is the best dog she’s ever had”.  She thanks German Shepherd Rescue for bringing Maya into her life and for their work saving these wonderful dogs. 

Bob & Joanie

Buddy (formerly Bond) - Adopted January, 2004
Here’s a holiday photo of Buddy (originally “Bond”) adopted in January of 2004. He’s been the love of our lives….maybe except for the shedding. Happy holidays to all the folks that devote their time to saving these wonderful dogs!

J.F. Scott MacLeod

Brian & Cobie

Diamond (aka Beavis) - Adopted June 2007
My name is Cinnamon (Revelde) and I had a very rough start in my new life. My previous owners never gave us toys to play with or any kind of treats; it was just my sister and I to entertain each other.  In one day I had been spayed, lost my sister (she died when she was spayed) and I found a new home. I enjoyed a few short months with my new family but, something was missing.

One day, my dad was asked to help out at an adoption day and he found a dog that he thought would be a great playmate for me and he called mom to tell her about him. A week or so later, we all drove up to Vallejo to look at Beavis. Mom and dad decided to take a chance and bring him home to see if we could get along. After he got his bath (which HE REALLY needed) and some food in him, we were put in the yard to see if we could get along. Ever since they put us together we’ve been inseparable, as you can see from the pictures. That night mom and dad had company over for dinner and they couldn’t believe how well we got along for just being together for a couple of hours. Of course, he is still young, and he likes to chew on me, chase me and take whatever toys I have for himself. He also tries to share his toys with me and sometimes I will share mine with him. He has been teaching me to play with toys. We love each other and don’t like to be separated even for a minute. We have to go EVERYWHERE together and we like to lie on top of each other. (we usually have to sleep touching each other) They adopted him 2 months after they had adopted me and they had to change his name to a more dignified one. Since his bio said he was a diamond in the rough, mom and dad decided to change his name to Diamond. We want to thank everyone at German Shepherd Rescue for bringing us together.

The bottom picture was taken just a few short hours after Diamond came to live with me. As you can see from the picture we are the best of friends. I’m sure glad to have a baby brother like Diamond and a loving new home.

Missy - Adopted from our Shepherds in Shelters Page - July 2007
I would just like you all to know that I recently adopted "Missy" from the Calaveras County Animal Shelter. She is absolutely beautiful. We are very happy to have her as part of our family and she is making the transition nicely. We have you to thank for finding her, if we hadn't seen her on your site (Shepherds in Shelters page) we would have never known. Keep up the good work, thank you.

Thanks,
Jennifer and Howard

Tracy & ED

Monte - Adopted December 2006

We just want to thank you for allowing us to adopt a Senior German Shepard. We adopted 10 year old Monte Vista at the Modesto show for my 98 year old grandmother. We were somewhat hesitant at the moment but he turned out to be a beatiful dog. He is 10 years old, blind in one eye, and is wonderful. He has brought so much fun and hapiness in our family. He loves to lounge around the house and just plop his big body anywhere, he's great, and you guys are wonderful for taking care of them and making sure they get good homes. Again, thank you and we think this is a wonderful organization.

Sandra

Piper - Adopted October 2006

The first group of pix was taken at a park near my mom’s house.

The turtle shots are in their back yard… Piper was REALLY curious about the turtle.

The rest were taken from our visit to my grandma. She recently broke her hip and is recovering / doing therapy at a rest home. The kids, Piper and I had a blast playing tag and running races, all the while making my grandma smile. She loves dogs and really liked Piper.

My favorite shot is the one where Piper laid her head in my grandma’s lap. She is such a sweet, energetic, smart, fun dog and I hope these pictures capture those characteristics.

Sorry for so many pix… I really cut out about half of them before building this album. Piper was very well-behaved not only at my mom’s house, but also in the 3-hour car ride there and back.

Benjie

Chivas/McCovey - Adopted June 2006

Here are a couple of picture of him around the house and with the kids. he has become friends with our other dog Callahan and they compliment each other well. he calms her down and she keeps him on his toes.

Please feel free to call or email anytime.

Again, we couldn't be happier, The Zamora family

Augustus/Blitz - Adopted August 2006

I've attached some photos of Blitz' summer vacation:
#1 8/6/06 - first full day at his new home
#2 8/11/06 - first camping trip with us at Silver Lake near Kirkwood Ski Area
#3 9/1/06 - Arches National Park, Moab Utah with our older son, Mark
#4 9/5/06 - Goblin State Park, Utah (where the movie Galaxy Quest was shot)

Thank you again for all you do with the German Shepherd Rescue!

- The Solis Family

Chivas/McCovey - Adopted April 2006

Here are a couple of picture of him around the house and with the kids. he has become friends with our other dog Callahan and they compliment each other well. he calms her down and she keeps him on his toes.

Please feel free to call or email anytime.

Again, we couldn't be happier, The Zamora family

Voodoo/Bella - April 2006
GSRNC's 1000th adopted dog

Voodoo, now named Bella, was adopted at our Lodi Adoption Day on April 22, 2006. She is shown here with Vito (her handsome blonde brother) and her new parents.

GSRNC wishes Bella and her family many happy, healthy years together.

JayLee/Bella - Adopted October 2005

Last Month we adopted JayLee now known as Bella. In just one short month Bella has become an important member of our family. She loves to work on the ranch and go riding with the horses. She has learned to treat other animals with care and respect and fits in well. She now weighs over 70 pounds and is still growing....yes our bed is getting a little crowded....but she has learned to sleep on the end (except when my husband gets up...she then takes over his side and
pillow).

She is still very much a puppy and drives all of us crazy with her constant need for play, but she is training us well. Her obedience is coming along very well especially off the leash. She belives that she is number one and must accompany us where ever we go. You should see the looks I get when she rides in my corvette with me....I am a little concerned she won't fit when she is done growing..and I dont think I am ready to give up my classic car that I waited over 30 years to get...but time will tell. We recently had a photo session with my daughter and thought you might like to see a picture. Bella has found a forever home and I just want to thank the rescue again as without you I do not believe I would have such a wonderful family member.

Christie B.

Levi/Klondike - Adopted May 2004

I so love my pup! It's been 6 months now and he's so cool. He
follows me everywhere, even the john. Lately, many people have been coming to me to say how well-behaved he is as they've watched him grow. He's near 70 pounds and healthy. Sprained his ankle playing ball. He loves the beach, hiking,
and cuddling on the couch.

He's pretty bomb proof. Levi is ok with baths, sometimes he showers with me. He loves kitties, babies and 3 year olds. Hey, why not? They taste like peanut butter and jelly and have milk mustaches!

He's been to Carnivale festival, Baker beach, Avenue of the
Giants Redwood Forest, Mt. Tam, and so on. His puppy face is on the wall at our local pub, he's a celebrity there.

I am so lucky and give thanks for him every day!

Cheers,
Sydney & Levi

Gage - Adopted February 2005

Gage is really a great dog. He's graduated doggie school and minds very well although can be stubborn at times! He loves to play ball, frisbee, and go for walks. We took him on his first camping trip and he did GREAT. He loves the water and to swim.

I call him my shadow as he follows me everywhere. He is definitely happiest when all three of us are together. We have practiced leaving him alone with the run of the house (we have doggie doors to the garage and then outside). He now doesn't need to be crated when we leave. He's been alone for up to 9 hours on the one day my husband and I both have to go into work. Otherwise, he hangs out with me at home in my office while I work.

We took him to the Vet on February 28th and the Vet agreed that he was about 11 months old. The Vet "assigned" him a birth date of 3/28/04, so we celebrated his birthday on 3/28 with party hats, a present and Frosty Paws ice cream. I've attached pictures of his birthday party and one of the three of us.

Thank you so much for your help in finding us our new family member, we love him VERY much!

Kris and Byron

Alice/Crickett - Adopted June 2004

We just get the biggest kick out of watching Alice herd these silly cows (of which pay her hardly any heed!) . Guess that's why the name SHEPHERD is in her breeds name.  With absolutely no training in the field of herding she takes care of these cows so that they do not come around the house. Her job, and takes it very seriously. When they are where she wants them to be, she just watches them for a moment and then comes back to the house. It is done with such precision---she always keep them in a group to move them.Wish I had MORE jobs for her to do :) She would have made a cowboy the envy of the ranch!

Nina

Dakota/Winter - Adopted December 21, 2003

Our family would like to give our sincere thanks to your organization. Especially to Chris and Gary for their efforts.

We knew from the instant we saw her on the website that she was a perfect fit. We went to go see her and that was that, we took her home. She immediately bonded with us, and immediately became a part of our family. She is so special. Sweet and easygoing, she gets along with absolutely
everyone and everything. She is so smart and we have taught her so many tricks as well as learned all her basic commands. Dakota loves playing find it!, giving you high fives, getting her brush when you ask, as well as getting her harness. She learns so quickly and it is so much fun teaching her new tricks.

We have really bonded with her and are so thankful that she is a part of our lives. We cannot imagine her not around, she completes our household. We love you so much Dakota!

With many thanks,
Nicole and Richard

Moe/Catch - Adopted November 2003

Just wanted to give you an update on Moe (Catch).  He's doing great and his SA is pretty much past (though he still follows me around everywhere I go).  He's been great with Baby Joe and Joe is absolutely fascinated with him.  He's been going on runs with Sara and hasn't met a dog yet that he doesn't like.  He definitely isn't a guard dog (he still only barks at cats and squirrels) but with the little one around we're much better off with a lover like Moe.  Thanks again for the great addition to the family!

Cody/Charlie - ADOPTED from our Shepherds in Shelters page on 8/19/2004

I adopted Charlie from the Madera Animal Shelter after seeing him on your website. He is my second GSD, I lost Nickademus (my best friend) on 8/12/2004 (10 years to the day from when I adopted him from a shelter).

We went to one round of dog school and he is signed up for another class that starts in Feb. I will admit his human could be a bit better at walking him, but she does make up for it with love and playing in the back yard.

Charlie's favorite toys are Zippy the Zebra and a bunny (which Santa brought him).  Sometimes he thinks he is a lap dog. Charlie likes to steel Brentley's (one my Mom's Chocolate Labs) red ball and run away with it. That way Bentley runs after him to get it back. He prefers to sleep on his dog bed at night rather then on the bed with me.

He does have a few habits which we are working on (running and marking in the house - we did make it though Christmas with out peeing on the Christmas tree), hopefully class will help us. If he gets out, he just takes off and does not listen. Some friends were staying at the house and accidentally left the gate open while I was at work. Luckily Charlie made his way home about 4 hours later.

Other then that he loves to be loved, but he does have to look cool about it sometimes. You know that "no, no I don't really want to be hugged and petted" look, but if you stop the hugging and petting he then gives the "why did you stop?' look.  :)

Thanks for all the hard work your group does! Without them I would not have found Charlie.

Carol and Charlie

Tempo/Trinity - Adopted 7/17/2004
GSRNC's 500th adopted dog

Since it is the new year, I just wanted to update you on Trinity (AKA Tempo). She is doing great! She just completed intermediate obedience at the Oakland SPCA and she is getting along well with our cat. We love her sooo much. She has really bonded with my husband and sees him as the head of the pack.

She loves riding in the car and will get in to the car every chance she gets. She loves to go hiking and camping with us.
She just loves to go wherever we do. She always wants to sit in
our laps:-)

Thanks so very much again, for all your help with finding her
for us.

See attached pictures from October.

Natasha P

Shelly - Adopted 3/27/2004

Hi Chris,
Just a note to let you know to update you on Shelly. She is doing great! She shed her extra pounds quickly and is at her baseline in the attached photos. I flew her to Canada for an extended vacation in August-early September, which she tolerated well (not too happy coming back I have to admit, especially since the security people forced her out of the
crate in Seattle, presumably to check for bombs, and I had the devil of a time getting her back in). It was all worth it since she had a ball in the Canadian Rockies, with all the wild animal scents and free-ranging. Everything from coming face-to-face with and elk to jumping into creeks to chase ducks.

Overall, she is a real joy. Sweet-tempered and smart. We're still working on her tendency to chew clothing and shoes when she is left home alone. She is a star at the local dog park, where she has her cadre of friends, so she gets enough exercise.

That's about all for now. I hope you and your pack are well. I check the website regularly...it's very well done.
Wanda

Avalon/Cashmere - Adopted 11/28/2004

Hi, Good thing Cashmere likes the snow as we have plenty of it!! 7 or 8 feet on the ground and it is still coming down. No big deal unless you really need to be somewhere in a hurry. We have been snowshoeing a lot and she has figured that it is easier if Dad breaks trail, ...now to keep her from walking on the back of my snowshoes. Good news, no accidents since my return from Florida, I think being home with her for 5 days in a row helped. However, as for coming when I call her, not a chance if there is a dog, kid, person, car, tree branch, lump of coal, OR ANYTHING that she is interested in. She will look at me and then just turn and run away. Patience, Lord, please give me patience, and give it to me NOW!!! Thanks for the pictures, I am figuring another month and dog 2  enters the picture. (Unless I murder dog 1 first) Actually she is here in the office with me and, at least for the moment, being a good girl. Happy New year, thanks for the pics.

Geno

Charlie/Baron - Adopted 9/23/2002

On the right in the photo is German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California's Charlie, now known as Baron, working at our Nation's Capital. He was adopted by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, and Baron is working hard to keep us all safe. Please click here for more info on Baron.

Cricket/Rose - Adopted 6/26/2004

Here is a bit of what goes on "in a day of the life of Alice and Rose doing hard Ranch work"!!

They are always entwined with each other during our car trips. The chasing of each other is always fair. One chases one way, and then the tables turn and the reverse takes place.

It seems that no matter how tired they get chasing each other, they get into the creeks, or pond, and they turn on their "after-burners" and start all over again!!!! Hardly ever a serious moment here :) All fun! Sooooo hard to repremand them for anything as they both are sooooo very sweet.

Take care and hope you and your family have a happy holiday season---
Nina

Tristan/Ricochet "Rico" - Adopted 9/1/2002
Joker/Blade - Adopted 9/18/2004

I first came to rescue after losing my 10 y/o male GS Rocky who also was a rescue from the Yolo County Animal Shelter. After losing him, I realized the affect that his passing not only had on me and my husband, but my two female dogs too. I waited for about 6 months before I started to consider bringing in another male GS to our family. I just could not continue to allow the lost of our companion to affect my two female dogs. You see there is a lot of truth to what the dog experts say to pack dynamics and consistent behavior with your companions. After a lot of soul searching, I decided that I really wanted another male GS. This is what first brought me to GSRNC. I submitted my AQ application and received a phone call from Christy Reynolds. We spoke on the phone for over an hour and she said that they would try to do a home visit as soon as someone could fit it into their schedule. You see, GSRNC had not fully expanded north of the Sacramento area. Christy and I spoke a few more times and she finally asked me if I would consider being a volunteer, even if I did not adopt one of the rescue dogs in the GSR program. I immediately said “yes” and asked what I could do. Well it did not take long to receive a few recommendations regarding potential rescue dogs in the program. I was given two older male dogs that may potentially fit with my family’s criteria. You see, my older lab/pit mix we have who is a dominant female, my rescue 20 lb terrier (thinks she is a GS), and I had two cats (who are very dog savvy). I was given two potential male dogs that had very nice dispositions regarding dominant females and pesky little terriers, they were Sampson and Tristan. I made the phone calls and set up appointments to see both of them. Unfortunately, my appointment with Sampson had to be cancelled due to a work commitment so my next appointment was with Tristan and his foster family. This is where the true story begins.

I made my appointment to see Tristan on my lunch hour from work. The foster mother would not be there, but her husband Alan, could let me meet him so off I went. I arrived at the house telling myself “no matter what, you have to be objective in this process”. Well, I met Tristan in his backyard along with Alan and one of his female GS. Tristan came right up to me, looked at me and licked my hand that was it, this dog was coming home with me. After spending a few more moments playing and interacting with him, I decided I wanted this rescue dog. I went on my merry way back to work calling my husband and letting him know that I found our new dog. Little did I know that Jayne Nielsen, his foster mom would have a lot of questions and observations to make before that could happen. On Sept. 1, 2002, Jayne and Alan made the trip to our home to approve us for adoption of Tristan. After a slight misunderstanding about confirming our home visit appointment, they arrived in the afternoon to meet with us. To my delight Tristan was with them and I was hoping he was going to stay. Jayne, Alan, Andy (my husband), myself and our two females dogs all stayed in the backyard while the introductions were being made. My dominant female Rosie, decided after a few I am in charge growls that she would like him to stay. Jayne and I proceeded into the house for the home visit inspection and I underwent what seemed like the type of questioning I often face during jury trials when I testify as an expert in my work. I showed Jayne the entire house and she seemed satisfied and then proceeded to inspect the back yard. Tristan just ran around smelling everything with my two girls on his heels. He seemed kind of uneasy, like he knew something was going on. Finally after what seemed like hours, Jayne informed me that we could adopt Tristan. We finalized the paperwork and I was now a proud owner of another male GS. Jayne and Alan left after a lot of tears and hugs, and Tristan sat at the gate wondering why he was not going with them. Tristan (who became Rico) began to fit in to my family and became a true ambassador for rescue. We named him Rico (which is short for Ricochet) because he bounced off the walls of the house due to the weakness in his hips from what I thought was from the physical and emotional abuse he had suffered before he was rescued. You see he was the one that got me more involved with the volunteering and I became an adoption counselor this area. To date, I have placed 15 dogs and have had some ups/downs but this very special dog made it all happen.

About 2 months ago, we lost this very special boy to a heart condition and to the very end he fought for everything. I miss him dearly, but often find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through my volunteer work with rescue. I want to thank Christy, Katie T. (who convinced everyone who would listen that he was worthy of a 2nd chance), and Jayne for allowing this boy into my family’s life. Without their dedication and the hard work that all the volunteers contribute each day Rico and many like him would not have received their 2nd chance. Thank you all so much you will never know how much it really means to my family.

The next chapter in my family’s life has now begun. We recently decided to foster Joker who was specifically chosen for our family via Jayne and Gary M because he exhibited similar characteristics of my former GS Rico and Rocky. Gary M’s roommate even wanted to name him Rocko. I met and brought him home on August 28th after another successful Lodi AD. He had a lot of inquires but he was slated as not available from the get go. Well after having him now for 3 weeks we just finalized his adoption. Yes, another foster family has been bitten by the can not let go of you bug. Joker (now renamed Blade) has carried on the legacy from his predecessor Rico of rescue, by being an ambassador for the breed. He has been enrolled in obedience for three weeks now and he is showing many individuals how truly special rescue dogs can be. I never thought it would be possible to fully open my heart again to another dog the way I did with Rocky and Rico, but Blade has truly changed me. He is another fine example for rescue and is why I continue to volunteer and provide information the breed. So here I am again, once again thanking Jayne, Gary and all the volunteers in rescue for allowing this wonderful companion to come into my family’s life. Words will never fully communicate the gratitude that my family feels each day when we are greeted by this happy go lucky boy from rescue. Thank you again.
Chris, Andy, Rosie, Piggly Wiggly, Lucy (cat), & Shelly (tortoise)

Skylar/Shasta - Adopted 2/22/2003
Storm - Adopted 7/8/2004

Dear German Shepherd Rescue,

I thought you'd like a new success story for the web. I adopted Shasta (then Skylar) back in Feb '02. I was about 6 months pregnant, but determined to get another GSD after losing one to kidney failure. I went all the way to Lodi to look, and met Shasta. She reminded me of my previous dog so much, it seemed I knew what she was going to do as soon as she did. We took her home that day, and now that the baby (a girl) is 15 months old, her vocabulary includes Mommy, Dadda and "Shasta!"

We also, more recently, (July '04) adopted Storm, one of Ember's puppies. He has been a delight, and loves the kids. at 5 months old, he enjoys playing ball, and any outing with the family. He is a snuggler, and would like to be a lap dog, I think.

I've attached some pics for you, as well.

Monica P

Vixen - Adopted 6/21/2004
Atticus/Joey-Bear - Adopted 7/8/2004

Dear German Shepherd Rescue,

The mark of true love is that even when you're completely exasperated and pulling your hair out you look into the big brown eyes of your GSD and melt.  That's one description of my new companion, 2-year-old Vixen.  The other is that she is my friend and constant attendant.  She is more than a pet; she is a family member. Please allow me to explain:

I adopted Vixen from your organization after proving myself 'worthy' of such a magnificent animal.  In a way, the process readied me for bonding with her.  My current family situation required I adopt a cat-friendly creature.  I looked at many animals, all of which fit the bill, but not one tugged at my heartstrings until I saw Vixen.  Talk about love at first sight!  Her personality seemed exactly what I was searching for and I wanted her immediately.  Though we've only been together a month now, she has changed my life for the better.  And in time, I hope that SHE feels 'worthy' of my love.  You see, Vixen suffers from extreme separation anxiety.  She is calm, mellow, loving and easy going until I try to leave her alone.  (Someone has to work to earn money for puppy chow!)  Even the thought she will be left alone sends her over the edge and into panic mode.  We've been working on it though and she seems to feel more secure with each passing day.  In an attempt to ensure she is never alone, I sought help from your organization and also adopted her a friend we've named Joey-Bear.

Joey-Bear is a 12-week-old puppy with a love for play.  He too is mellow, laid back and cat friendly.  He is also the cutest puppy ever!  Vixen and I have strengthened our bond as she pulls HER hair out trying to teach him.  For example, she's not a chew toy.  (Joey-Bear keeps insisting she is.)

At any rate, I feel my life is complete.  I now have two beautiful new "children" who have completely stolen my heart.  What more could I ask for?!

Finally, I'd like to say thank you to your organization and it's dedicated volunteers.  So many of you have given me invaluable information and connected me with the best resources.  I really could not have done it without you.  So………..thank you, thank you, thank you.!

Sincerely,

D. M.

Teddy/Kuma - Adopted 6-15-2002

June 12, 2004

Dear German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California,

I am dictating this to my dad since German Shepherds are not born with thumbs.  It has been two years since I adopted my new family thanks to you.  My first family treated me badly.  I was beaten and neglected.  I spent all day in the back yard and all night in a crate in the garage.  And they wondered why their silly little six-foot fence failed to keep me in.  Yes, I ended up in dog jail many times. 

I found myself moved to a halfway house (you call it a kennel) since no foster homes were available. I was underweight at ninety-four pounds and had some intestinal problems, mostly chronic diarrhea (so embarrassing to talk about). Due to a breakdown in communication my preliminary evaluator wrote, "seems to be totally untrained".  I admit that at my first showcase I retreated to the back of the crate I was in.  I was shy, afraid and very nervous.  A very kind human (you call them volunteers) crawled in with me and assured me.  She was so kind.

My new parents walked by, I was the last in line and they stared at me.  Yet I was not afraid; they looked kindly.  They said I looked like a bear and well, I do.  That is the stately appearance of a longhaired German Shepherd (blush).  My dad took me for a walk around the area, taking me away from all the others (your kind and mine).  He was very well trained by prior dogs, that was obvious and we walked very good together.  He usedGerman (you call them commands; we call them requests for service).  I felt very comfortable with him.  When we returned to the show area, my Mom began to fawn all over me and I knew that soon I'd have her wrapped around my little (ok, huge) paw.

You kind folks interviewed my prospective new parents to be sure we'd avoid another terrible situation like I spent my first four-plus years of life.  Well, I ended up going with them.  I have some barking, begging and napping to do now.  I'll let Dad finish this letter for me.

Hi, this is Jim.  Our 'puppy' was named Teddy but we changed it to Kuma, which is Japanese for bear.  My wife was born in Japan and I teach Jujitsu (Japanese martial art) and am a certified massage therapist using a deep-tissue Japanese technique.  Kuma spent thefirst two nights in the garage.  We kept the door open and slept downstairs; my wife on the couch, I on an air mattress.  The morning after the second night I awoke with a German Shepherd sharing the airbed.

He adapted well and had good house manners.  He was off the leash quickly inside and out. He likes the German commands.  Within days he was in front of our house with me.  I turned by back and he was off down the sidewalk towards the park.  I called once: he stopped.  I called him to come back and he did.  He mumbled something about he thought I was following him.  He obviously had never seen stairs before and refused to climb them.  I explained what they were and said it's really just like walking-- "one paw in front of the other".  I told him I'd be right there with him and would keep him safe.  I said "let's do it" and he went up.  Kuma does well after a short talk or explanation and it is truly amazing.  He had trouble going downstairs, almost throwing himself down at high speed. 

I took him aside one morning, explained a better & slower technique.  I said I wanted him to "cut your speed by fifty per-cent".  He did.  Of course I can go on and on about him but he is a wonderful and dedicated service dog to my wife who is recovering from a serious medical condition.  I trained her first service dog in 1993, also adopted with the help of German Shepherd Rescue. 

My Mom lives with us.  She is eighty-three going on forty.  Kuma is now 103 pounds and outweighs Mom.  He is huge but gentle.  He is respectful and will wait for a human to pass; he never barrels by. At first he would growl and snap at visitors but he is past that and very secure, confident and friendly.  We've heard him say in jest that he now owns a 2,000 square-foot house and has a staff of three to care for him and his home.Enclosed is a disc with a pic of Kuma.  It is NOT posed.  One day I realized he was gone from the family room.  I found him in the computer room (as seen in the picture).  He was kind enough to let me get the camera.  The chair, rocks, swivels and rolls but he put himself in it to imitate me when I'm at the computer.  Actually, maybe I should say, he was simply sampling my prospective of life.

We will soon move to Oregon.  We'd like to stay on your mailing list and will update our address when it is time.  Since I'll be retiring from twenty-eight and one-half years in law enforcement, the massage practice and martial arts school, I'll be home more.  Maybe Kuma will need a brother or sister; from German Shepherd Rescue, of course !

Sincerely and with our thanks, prayers and blessings to you,

Jim & Linda G
San Jose

PS:  we were referred to you by your sister organization, San Francisco Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue after we failed to find the massive dog we sought.  That professionalism is wonderful to see.  We'll be buying several raffle tickets for the fund raiser.

Flynn - Adopted 5-1-2004

From Flynn/Dylan:
Ok, ok this is the last one,anyways the cat wants to use the computer next.This is me yea! my ears are finally up! Bye for now Love Dylan

Note from webmaster: Dylan is one of our more precocious youngsters, one who came into our program in utero, part of a litter hand-raised by one of our volunteers. We don't claim that all of our dogs will be able to type thank you notes, much less spell this well with paws as big as Dylan's are!

Emerson - Adopted 4-17-2004

From Emerson/Rocky's new family:
Hi there! What a wonderful web site!

Here are some pics of "Emerson." We adopted him at
the Pleasant Hill Adoption Day on Aril 17th with
Louise's help. We were browsing through the site and
found his bio now on the success stories page. He has
been an awesome addition to our family. He is so full
of affection and is settling in his new home nicely.

Thank you,
Joel B and Roger C

Zion - Adopted 4-4-2004

From Zion's new family:
On April 3, 2003 my fiance and I went to your adoption
day at Pet Smart in Modesto. We fell in love with Zion
and was able to adopt him the same day. We are
extremely happy with him as we feel he is also very
happy with us. We feel very lucky to have him as a
member of our family. Thank you so much!

Steve P &
Jamie W

Pleasant Hill Adoption Day - March 13 2004

From an Adoption Day visitor:
Good Morning Katie,

When I looked for GSD's on the Internet I found four or five older males which I thought would work for me. It was those dogs which led me to your organization and the Adoption Day in Pleasant Hill. I would like to pause here and tell you how greatly impressed I was with Adoption Day. The dogs were comfortable and well attended and the public was welcomed but managed. Quite a feat! There were education materials there and countless volunteers to answer questions. Again I was very impressed with the calm confident and well run visit.

Sincerely.
Sherry Katherine D

Fargo - Adopted 2-7-2004

From Fargo/Marleau's new family:
We are so happy with Fargo. We've re-named him "Marleau" (as in the S.J. Sharks player, Patrick "puppy eyes" Marleau).

We just completed his first obedience class. He did very well. He knows sit and down, he's learning stay and wait, and he's gotten really good at "watch me". He's also good at rolling over. We can get him to lay down and put a treat in front of him and he will wait until we tell him to take it. We're also able to put treats on each of his paws and he'll wait if we ask him to. He learns things very quickly-- is this what they mean when they talk about intelligent GSDs? He makes us so proud!

He's just a sweet, sweet dog, and he has a goofy side that we love. My favorite time with him is in the morning, when I come downstairs to take him for his walk. He's always so excited to see me: he crawls a little bit, sticks his rump in the air (his elbows and head on the ground), and then just collapses and rolls over. I scratch his belly for a few minutes before we go out. He returns the favor with kisses. When we get back from our walk he is always extremely excited because he knows
that Jim will be downstairs waiting for him. If he's not downstairs yet, he runs around looking for him then plants himself at the bottom of the stairs and waits.

We had fun at the rescue dog parade last month in Walnut Creek. All of the dogs there seemed so sweet and well-behaved. It's amazing how many quality dogs go through your program. We can't understand why anybody would have given Marleau up, and it makes me sad that he could have been
put down. We're so happy to have him around, and thankful that you are doing so much to save dogs like Marleau.

Pele - Adopted 1-17-2004

From Pele/Nikki's new family:
For what it's worth, I thought someone would be interested in an update on a dog I adopted through you. Pele, now renamed Nikki, is turning out to be a wonderful dog. She loves people, including kids, and responds well to training. She also LOVES water and jumps in my pond (18 inches deep) and waterfall and every opportunity. When playing with any of her toys, she periodically takes them to the waterfall or pond to "wash" them off. She watches animal planet when possible and loves it when a police officer stops by in his patrol car to chat - maybe shades of another life? In any event, she has a good home, lots of toys and a very loving environment. She has earned a lifetime home already inasmuch as she kept checking a specific area on Melanie's cast and wouldn't leave it alone. When we went to the doctor, he cut an accesss hole in the cast and immediately had her admitted into the hospital for intensive antibiotice treatment. It turns out she had a massive infection that would otherwise have gone untreated until it was too late. Thanks!

Kent

Odyssey Adopted 1-3-2004

From Odysseys' new family:
We were lucky enough to adopt Odyssey (Ody) at a Modesto GSR adoption day. We saw her picture and story on the internet. We like to think that when she saw us for the first time, she adopted us.

Ody is a special needs dog; she lost her left front leg before we adopted her. We are not sure if she knows she has a disability but believe she belongs with our family since my husband is also disabled. Ody and Dad are inseparable; they play in the back yard daily, do errands together, take their naps together and even watch TV together.

Ody has only been with us a short while but we feel blessed that she has joined our family. We firmly believe in the “Ability” part of “Disability” and Odyssey just confirms that daily.

From Rescue:
Odyssey has found extreme happiness in her forever home; she begs her dad to go somewhere every day. If he is not "listening", she goes and gets her leash to remind him. Nightly she races her mom to bed; whoever gets in bed first gets the most room... Mom doesn't complain for the lack of sleeping space. Odyssey has also gone motor-homing, and has her own dedicated couch. The next-door neighbors love her so much they want to cut a hole in the fence so they can share Ody. The whole neighborhood loves this happy little girl!

Daphne - Owner Surrender page

From Daphnes' new family:
I just want to thank you so much for your organization. We adopted Daphne, a WGS, from an owner referral through your site in October 2003. We absolutey love her. She is my son's best friend. She is amazing. We thank you for being available and certainly Jenny and Chris for believing in us as the family for Daphne. We are even considering participating in the foster program in our area in the future because of our experience with your program.

Thank you again.. and keep up the good work!

Lori

Captain Midnight - Adopted 7-24-2003

From Captain Midnight/Sampson's new family:
Hi, Miz!  How are you?? The humans and the four-legged black one here are all doing well.

We may have stumbled upon another language for Sampson.  Daughter, Lindsey, one day recently told pooch to vamanos and the boy took off like he'd eaten a super-vitamin. In subsequent days, a friend of hers who speaks Spanish w/ a Castillian accent ("th" for "s") came over and in fun commanded Sam to lay down...he looked at her...she said it again in the more Mexican-accented Spanish and down he plopped! Same for sit and stay. How do you like that?? Here I've been thinking he's one stubborn dog and slow with most commands. Now I believe he's an early English language learner! You might pass this on to club members - they may get a laugh!
Take care -
Penny J

Chelsea - Adopted 3-13-2003

From Chelsea/Elsie's new family:
Dear GSRNC,

I would like you to accept our donation to GSRNC to help you continue your hard work in finding homes for these wonderful dogs.

We adopted Chelsea in March of this year. She fit into our lives instantly. She now has a full and active life. She is trained in obedience and protection, and she goes to work with me every day. We are together 24-7!

Special thanks to Sue B. and Julia P. for all their help in finding Chelsea and their continued friendship.

Happy New Year
Terry, Lynn and Chelsea

Micah - Adopted 9-10-2002

From Micah's new family:
Christine and Debbie,
Each day I am so amazed to have such a wonderful dog in Micah! He is an absolute gem and I adore him dearly! I simply wanted to thank you both again for believing that I was the right home for Micah! :)

I hope you and your GSD's are all well!

take care,
Christina