Calendar Raffle Wrap Up

by: Lauralee D.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! There are no greater words I can say to convey how much you are appreciated!! The BIG, big winners here were our dogs! 

You showed up big for them this year (you always do) and we raised over $8000!

Gratitude is what I feel as I write this.

It all begins with our spot sponsors. You are the foundation of this fundraiser. We also thank all who take the time to sell tickets for us!! Of course, to everyone who purchased the GSRNE 2024 Calendar Raffle tickets, we appreciate your continued support of this raffle and for our dogs in need. 

Fun Fact:

Did you know over the years (including this one) some of the winners have donated their winnings back to our dogs?

Our winners and supporters ROCK!!!!!! 

We also want to thank and congratulate Dawn CS and Krissy G for selling the most tickets individually and at their place of business. Each of them will receive a gift card for all their hard work. 

Remember, if you can sell tickets at your place of business, we would love to have you for next year!! Reach out to me anytime to talk about it. 

I also wish to thank our amazing Calendar Raffle Committee. This team of dedicated volunteers works so hard behind the scenes to make this all come together from beginning to end. We couldn’t do this without all of you!!

Happy Tails: Joey, GSRNE #553

by: GSRNE Staff

We received an update from four-time GSRNE adopters Matt and Connie, who adopted 5-year-old Joey (GSRNE #553) in 2020. Connie tells us Joey is doing really well! She is a true companion to them in their older years. Connie and Matt live a quiet life and Joey fits right in. Joey gets up around five in the morning with Matt and has breakfast. They play outside for a little bit, and then it is back inside for some rest time till Connie gets up. Most of her day is spent with Connie and/or Matt, wherever they are.



Joey is still active, even at 10 years old, so her favorite thing to do is play in the yard when Connie and Matt are out there. She is not friendly to other dogs but loves any and all human company. She also loves Matt and Connie’s grandchildren, and they love her in return. 

Joey ends every day with some cookies before bed and really has given Connie and Matt a lot of happiness in their daily life.

Take Me Home: Muks

by: GSRNE Staff

Muks is a 1-year-old, good-natured, snuggle buddy with lots of energy. He enjoys lying with his foster family’s kids on the floor watching TV and rolling over often to continue getting petted.

This summer, GSRNE received a call from a man looking for help with Muks. He’d had him since he was a puppy, but not long after bringing him home, Muks's owner suffered a serious health issue that left him hospitalized for months with a prolonged recovery ahead of him. Muks missed out on the socialization and training period. The man knew Muks needed a home that could provide these things, as well as more exercise and activity.

We had just approved a new German Shepherd experienced foster home who was willing to take Muks. They began helping Muks burn off his extra energy and are working on basic manners, threshold etiquette and recall as well as developing consistency. Muks still needs continued training but has come a long way since his arrival in their home. He is great with people, but his lack of early socialization has caused reactivity with other dogs. He would do best as an only dog. Might Muks be the perfect addition to your family?

CLICK FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTING FROM GSRNE

Adoption News, Dora, GSRNE #683

by: GSRNE Staff

We first heard about Dora from an ACO looking to help move Dora out of the shelter. We had an available foster who found Dora to be a very sweet, loving dog with a calm demeanor. Her foster mom describes her as a medium-energy dog and a cuddle bug that loves to be with her people. She does also have a silly streak, like lying with her legs splayed out on the floor or occasionally “talking back” when she wants to get your attention or to tell you when she needs something. Everyone who’s met her has said what a happy girl she is, greeting them with a wagging tail and kisses. She loves to play fetch and dart around the flirt pole her foster mom uses for enrichment, but also can self-occupy herself with a bone, which she will easily give up to you if you ask.

Dora is smart, food motivated and a quick learner. Dora has shown separation anxiety,so we felt she’d do best in a home where she wasn’t left alone for long periods of time. Dora did live with another dog in her previous life, and, with proper introductions, we were hopeful she’d do well with other dogs. Her foster parents started bringing her to doggie daycare and found she did indeed enjoy the company of the other dogs while they were working. It didn’t take too long to realize that we no longer needed to keep looking for an adopter for Dora. She was already home. We are happy to announce that Dora is being adopted by her foster home! 

Congratulations to Dora and her new family!

Adoption News, Fred, GSRNE #679

by: GSRNE Staff

At just 1-year-old, Fred was a stray who was picked up, taken to a shelter and named by them. The shelter was full, and Fred was in danger of being euthanized, so the staff asked if GSRNE could help. We found him to be a friendly, lovable goofball...inquisitive and full of energy. He really needed some guidance and training, so we placed him in a board/train temporary home while we looked for a foster home for this youngster. Before we found one, though, a family noticed his photos and story on our website and asked if they could apply to adopt Fred.

After doing their home visit and talking with references, we did feel that they would be a very good home for him. They had worked with a trainer to help their previous rescue dog, and that kind of experience is really helpful. There are two adult daughters in his new family, and his name, which he didn't really know, has been changed to "Derry." His new mom walks him every day with neighbors and their dogs and says he's well-behaved and social. She will be working with a trainer on his recall, but everyone in the family says he's perfect! Fred/Derry is GSRNE # 679!

Adoption News, Nikita, GSRNE #681

by: GSRNE Staff

At 18 months old, Nikita is a cute bundle of energy and affection! She’s at a good weight for her build, at 55 pounds, and loves to run and play, bounding like a deer at times. She knows how to catch a Frisbee, which is one of her favorite toys. Some days, though, she’ll go for her Jolly Ball first and has learned how to pick it up by the handle and will race around with it. After 10 or 15 minutes of running and playing, she’s good to go back inside with you to take a rest. Inside, she can amuse herself by picking a toy out of the toy basket and carrying it around or holding it in her front paws while lying on her back and chewing on it. She’s a multi-faceted girl!

Nikita was just 12 months old when she came into GSRNE from a home with two other Shepherds. One of those was a female, and she decided she didn’t want another female in the home, so things were getting difficult for everyone. The two females took turns being crated; Nikita does well in her crate and will rest while her people are away. When a visitor comes to the house, she gets very excited, in a friendly way, and tries to jump up for a closer encounter. We’ve found it best to have her in her crate during the arrival time and wait for her to calm a bit before letting her say hello.

Nikita is quick to pick up new words and phrases, including “in the house,” “let’s go upstairs,” and “pick it up.” She looks forward to having a carrot to chew on in the middle of the morning and another later in the day, and will stand at the refrigerator and stare if her foster parents forget. She’s intelligent, curious and a lot of fun. She has been adopted by a young couple who have done well with their previous rescue dog, going to a trainer for help. After that dog passed, their home felt too empty, and they felt drawn to Nikita after seeing her photos and reading her story. We're loving their updates about how nicely she is fitting into their life and how much they've come to love her already. Nikita is GSRNE # 681!

Adoption News, Tucker, GSRNE #678

by: GSRNE Staff

Two-year-old Tucker’s owners had reached out to us because they both had health issues and had not been able to do much training or take this energetic young boy for walks. He was not yet neutered, had skin issues due to allergies, and needed more vet care. Because of his medical issues and not yet being neutered, we did not have a foster home capable of taking him, so the owners agreed to keep him until we could find one.

After Tucker was placed on our waitlist, it so happened that one of our prior adopters let us know that their beloved GSRNE dog had passed away. They were interested in helping another dog wait for a permanent home, so we told them about Tucker’s situation, including his skin condition and the additional care he would need.

We were very fortunate that were willing to open their home and hearts to Tucker as a foster to adopt. We knew from their experience with their prior dogs that they were certainly able to handle a challenge, and they were willing to help a dog with whatever was needed. Their main concern was whether he would get along with their two older, dog-savvy cats, so we kept our fingers crossed. From the first day, they expressed how sweet and loving Tucker was. They gave him time to meet the cats gradually, which helped that relationship succeed. Tucker did need some help with his manners, like not jumping up on people for attention, and with learning that the yard is not his personal digging space (he’s still working on that one).

His new family has been putting a lot of work into his training, and he is making great strides. Tucker is happy, and very much loved in his new home, and his family just adores him. He’s a very sweet boy who loves to play with all his toys.

Congratulations to Tucker, GSRNE # 678 and his new family!

Adoption News, Misha, GSRNE #449

by: Tina R

We met Misha in the summer of 2015 when she was only 9 months old. She was left at a high-kill shelter in New Hampshire with her seven, 4-week-old puppies. As soon as we heard about her, we contacted the shelter and placed a hold on Misha and the pups on the July 4th weekend. We were very fortunate that one of our volunteers was an experienced foster home with puppies, and she quickly stepped up to foster mom and puppies. 

At 11 weeks, all the puppies were successfully adopted, but Misha was still waiting. Fortunately for Misha, One of the pup’s (Trooper) family asked to adopt her too. We were happy to see Misha adopted into a family with one of her pups and two other dogs. After all, at 9 months, she was still so young and had already gone through so many challenges in her young life. Misha happily lived with her pup for 8.5 wonderful years until her owner got sick last fall and was unable to remain in her home or take care of her dogs. 

Since Misha’s owner fell ill, Misha has been staying in one of our foster homes, which helped her tremendously. They had lots of patience helping a confused Misha decompress, and soon she was best friends with their adult male GSD. Her life changed for the better with her foster family, who also are trainers and helped her with her leash manners and socialization.

There are not a lot of people interested in adopting a senior 10-year-old dog. But we had this wonderful family (repeat adopters) who recently lost their male GSD. They were looking for a companion for their 6-year-old male, and when they heard about Misha, they asked to meet her right away.

Even before they met her, they were determined to make Misha theirs and once the dogs met it was like it was just meant to be. Misha transitioned to her new home and family effortlessly. Both dogs seem to know they need each other and enjoy each other’s company. Misha’s new family is wonderful, and we’ve received so many photos and updates, it is evident how much they adore and love their new girl. 

Our commitment to our dogs is forever. Sometimes circumstances change in their lives by no fault of their own, and we will always, always welcome them back home to GSRNE. We are grateful that we were able to find Misha a second forever home and to the wonderful family that opened up their hearts to her.

Adoption News, Trooper, GSRNE #426

by: GSRNE Staff

Trooper came into GSRNE with his Mom, Misha, and six litter-mates in summer 2015. Someone had left Misha, who was only 9 months old, and her seven 4-week-old puppies at a high-kill shelter up north. An experienced GSRNE foster home quickly stepped up to foster mom and puppies. Once they were old enough, all the puppies were adopted. 

Fortunately for Misha, Trooper’s family asked to adopt her, too, and she happily lived with her pup for 8.5 wonderful years. There were two other German Shepherds in the home, and they all played well together and loved the inground pool that was mostly there for them.

Sadly, their adopter recently encountered health issues that make it no longer possible for her to stay in her home, and the dogs have been placed in safe, temporary homes. Happily for Trooper, he has been adopted by another GSRNE volunteer who has a younger female German Shepherd and an older GSD/mix, so this sociable boy still has canine company and a wonderful family, including a boy who loves all the dogs. Yay Trooper, GSRNE #426!

Volunteer Spotlight: Carol

by: GSRNE Staff

Name and hometown: Carol Y, Billerica, Massachusetts

How long have you been a GSRNE volunteer? 14 years

What do you do for GSRNE and what does the job entail?

Mainly, I volunteer at the tagging party and auction. At the tagging party, I do the "yellow" silent auction, getting all the items sorted and tagged. On the day of the event, I help with set up of the yellow silent auction items, and set up and manage the food sales table. I also like to cook and bake, so I love to make goodies for the food sales table. We have also done some fostering.

Do you have a GSRNE dog?

Not currently, but we adopted Champ #287 in 2010 (now at the rainbow bridge).

How did you get interested in GSRNE?

We had a GSD for 13.5 years, and we were looking to adopt after he passed. We found GSRNE online and applied to adopt. We found them to be a great organization and jumped right in with volunteering.

What is it about the organization that interests you

Their passion and dedication to help these dogs, and their success in finding the right homes for the dogs.

What would you say to prospective volunteers?

Do It! You will meet amazing and caring people, build friendships, find purpose, have fun, and help these great dogs. It's a wonderful feeling!

Something for Everyone in the GSRNE online store!

by: GSRNE Staff

Hi Friends,

We have some really nice merchandise in the GSRNE Online store. 

All proceeds go directly to the care of our foster dogs. We are so grateful for your friendship and support! 

https://gsrne.org/shop/

Purchase one today @ https://gsrne.org/shop/

— GSRNE Mugs —

We can’t think of a better way to drink our morning coffee! Our ceramic GSRNE mugs are dishwasher safe and come in 2 sizes; 11 oz and 15 oz. With 100% of the proceeds going directly to the care of our wonderful foster dogs.

Thank you for your friendship and support ! 

Purchase yours today @ https://gsrne.org/shop/

— GSRNE 🎈Birthday Cards ! —

Now you can send your German Shepherd, or dog lover, a birthday wish to remember with one of our adorable GSRNE birthday greeting cards.

There are 6 assorted designs (2 of each) with some of your favorite GSRNE dogs photos that are sure to make an impression, and perfect to brighten someone’s special day! $20 + shipping and the best part all proceeds go directly to our GSRNE foster dogs! https://gsrne.org/shop/

Everyone loves a great baseball cap because it's always in style and the perfect accessory when you don't have time to fix your hair! Baseball caps are no longer just for dads, so get a GSRNE embroidered cotton twill cap for yourself. This one’s really special thanks to the intricate embroidery detail and the washed out vintage feel.

• 100% cotton twill

• 6-panel unstructured cap with a low profile

• 6 sewn eyelets

• Black sweatband

• Metal snap buckle with an antique brass finish

• Washed-out vintage effect

https://gsrne.org/shop/

(100% of proceeds go directly to our foster dogs!)

https://gsrne.org/gsrne-shopping-terms-and-policies/

Lots of dogs waiting to come into GSRNE

by: GSRNE Staff

 If you ever thought about fostering, please give us a call at (978) 443-2202.