Thank You!

by: GSRNE Board

Auction 2025!

by: Alicia G.

TRIM the TREE & HELP the DOGS!

by: Alicia G.

2024 Trim the Tree Wrap-up

by GSRNE Staff

What a wonderful Christmas it was for the dozens of dogs in GSRNE's care, thanks to ALL of you! Your very generous donations to last month's Trim-the-Tree raised just over $9,000, exceeding the 2023 total by 20%. We thank you for this, as well as all your other donations throughout the year. 

We'd also like to thank our external trainers, who have been outstanding partners to GSRNE and have helped us when we've needed it most.

Wishing all of you and your 2-legged and 4-legged family a happy and healthy new year!

GSRNE Board Meeting set for January

by: GSRNE Staff

The annual GSRNE Board of Directors meeting is set for January 12, 2025. The board members are always interested in hearing from all of you.  We count on you, our volunteers and members, to give ideas and suggestions. If anyone would like the board to consider any matter, please send it to askgsrne@gsrne.org.

Happy Tails: Carver, GSRNE #596

by: GSRNE Staff

Carver (GSRNE #596) was adopted by Jose and his family in 2022 when Carver was about 1.5 years old. Jose’s daughter wanted a German shepherd dog, searched online, and found GSRNE. He was a mere 60 pounds or so when he first came to them though he has since blossomed and is now a healthy and fit 96 pounds.  

“He is a goofball” is one of the first things they told us. Carver’s favorite human is the daughter of the household, Cristina. One of his favorite places is on the couch with her. He barks like crazy when she leaves for work and when she comes home. They both take Carver for walks, and he is well-behaved on them. He doesn’t bark at most dogs and people walking by. However, he does stop, turn around and watch them after they’ve passed by. Just monitoring the situation!  

His favorite toy is a squeaky football, which is the first thing he looks for when he gets up in the morning. He is smart and sensitive and loves routine. Whenever he comes in after rain or snow, he knows to go right to his towel to get dried off. He usually gets a blow dry as well. He’s happy at the vet and the groomers. And whenever they visit Jose’s 94-year-old mother, Carver is a gentle giant. He senses he needs to take care around her. He likes to watch TV, too, mostly when horses and dogs appear. He does have a little quirk – he is very tempted to chew up Legos and sometimes things off the Christmas tree. But Jose and Cristina really do think Carver is a great dog! And Carver has a wonderful home!

Take Me Home: Dutchess

by: GSRNE Staff

If you are looking for a sweet and friendly dog who loves being with her people, then 3-year-old Dutchess is the dog for you. She loves her walks, going for car rides and playing with her toys. We’ve had her around some other dogs, and she seems to be good with them and acted like she wanted to play.

Dutchess’ owners probably should never have gotten a dog. They never gave her much training or exercise, and her skin and fur were obviously neglected. They had no idea how to care for any dog, let alone a young German Shepherd, and told us they were going to have her euthanized. We knew we had to help her!

The good news is, now that she has been getting proper medical care and good quality food, her fur looks great. She does need her obedience training worked on and due to lack of socialization and exposure in her original home, she can be a little unsure at times. We would like to find her a family/home that will take her on lots of adventures to gradually build up her confidence. Could Dutchess be the one for you?

CLICK FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTING FROM GSRNE

Adoption News: Eli, GSRNE #698

by: GSRNE Staff

For many of our adopters and volunteers, senior German Shepherds hold a special place in our hearts. Even though how much time we have with them isn’t guaranteed, the love and affection they show when rescued is like no other. Sweet, lovable, mellow Eli is one of these dogs. His owner passed away two years ago and his wife was injured in an accident shortly after, leading to financial constraints and her home being foreclosed on. At nearly 10 years old, Eli was losing his home and his cat best friend.

We knew we had to help find this kind soul a new home, so we put out a plea to our group, as we didn’t have any foster homes readily available. A long-time GSRNE volunteer and adopter of older GSRNE GSDs fell in love with his gorgeous eyes and asked to bring him into her home. Her senior GSRNE dog had recently passed away and the house was too quiet.

Eli immediately settled into his new home and adores his new family. He follows his mom and dad around, often hanging out in the basement with his dad or “stealing” his mom’s chair to rest. He’s met their son’s dog and introductions went smoothly. One concern is that they have found Eli’s back legs to be very weak, so his family has been working with their vet to uncover the cause. No matter what the underlying diagnosis, Eli will be loved and cared for by his new mom and dad and his extended GSRNE family, receiving anything he needs to make his golden years happy ones. We are so thrilled to announce Eli as GSRNE #698.

Adoption News: Ava, GSRNE #699

by: GSRNE Staff

In late October, we received an urgent plea to help Ava, a very sweet 8-year-old senior dog that has good energy for one her age. We were told she was friendly with children and calm dogs. Her owner bought Ava for breeding purposes, and she had two litters. However, her owner moved out of the country and Ava was left behind along with two other dogs to live with a friend of the former owner, who self describes as not a dog person. This left Ava in her wire crate in the basement for multiple hours a day without a walk other than in the backyard. Thankfully, the ex-girlfriend of the former owner really cared about the dog and would come by 2–3 times a week to socialize with Ava and the male GSD in the home. She also helped coordinate Ava’s surrender to GSRNE. She knew Ava deserved a better life, and we were so grateful she called us.

Not long before we learned about Ava, one of our long-time GSRNE volunteers and his dog Thunder (GSRNE #646) lost their beloved Princess Red. When they heard about Ava, they knew they needed to help her. The first few days proved to be a major adjustment for everyone, but we soon were getting videos of the dogs walking together and enjoying each other’s company’s. Her foster dad is completely smitten. We love that her foster dad has been taking things slowly because Ava is a dog that, when she first sees you, will be loud with lots of bluster barking. But, within minutes, she will take treats gently from you and lean into you for lots of petting. She really is a beautiful dog!

It is with great Christmas cheer that we announce that Ava will officially become a part of her foster family’s home this Christmas Day. Congratulations to her dad, GSRNE’s Thunder #646, and GSRNE’s Ava #699!

Adoption News: Archie, GSRNE #700

by: GSRNE Staff

Hello! I’m Archie. It’s great to meet you!  

My four sisters and I are thrilled to have had the help of GSRNE in finding our forever homes! My sisters went directly to amazing adoptive families, but it took a little time to find the right place for me. As luck would have it, this nice lady said she’d foster me for a while until I got a family of my own. I was very young when she took me in, so it was really helpful that I had three other adult dogs around to help me figure it all out.  

My youngest foster sibling and I love to run and play tag in our yard. Everything is so much fun here! My foster mom is teaching me manners and we have started some basic obedience. She says I’m super smart. I love going for walks, and I’ll do just about anything for food! Occasionally she has to remind me that I’m not as big as I think I am; I can sometimes be a little overzealous. But hey! I’m a big-time German Shepherd, so I’ve gotta show my stuff!  

Now that I’ve been here several months, I was starting to get sad about having to leave to find my permanent home. But guess what? I just got a huge Christmas present! My foster mom told me that I was actually in my furever home all along! My Mom said she loves how I make her laugh even when the house is utter chaos from high-pitched excited puppy barks. I’m so happy I get to stay with my dog brother and sisters. And you know what else? I now have a number all for me, and it’s a big one! I am Archie, GSRNE #700!

Adoption News: Muks, GSRNE #703

by: GSRNE Staff

2-year-old Muks came into the rescue about a year ago after his owner became ill and could no longer care for him. He didn’t have a lot of socialization with other dogs, and he had a lot of energy, but it was clear he was a very sweet, gorgeous boy. He settled right into his foster home, and we were soon getting adorable pictures of Muks snuggling with the kids. He loves running with his foster dad and playing with his ball in the yard. He has wonderful house manners and has worked really hard on his training. He had dog reactivity, but he’s made huge improvements to where his family can now take him out and about without issue.

Not long after arriving in the rescue, he had pictures taken and went up on the GSRNE website. We were stunned that he didn’t get any serious inquiries. We just couldn’t believe it; he was such a great dog, and he kept getting overlooked. In rescue, we don’t always know why that one dog doesn’t find a home. However, sometimes it’s because that dog is already where he or she is supposed to be.

As 2024 came to a close, his family notified us that they wait to formally adopt him. His foster family has come to the conclusion that Muks has become “one of the pack.” They can no longer imagine their home without him. Muks, GSRNE #703, has finally found his people, Congratulations to all!

Foster Spotlight - Jim

by: GSRNE Staff

Name & Hometown:  Jim, Worcester, Mass.



How long have you been a GSRNE foster? I have been fostering off and on for about 16 years.

Why did you choose to foster a German Shepherd with GSRNE? I had adopted Pako (GSRNE #177) and decided to try fostering.

What does being a foster home entail? In addition to all the things owning a dog entails, you need to learn what might be needed to help the foster dog succeed in a home. Observe any behaviors that might be concerning and work with the dog and get input from the foster team.

Do you have a GSRNE foster now? I did until Christmas Day – I ended up adopting my foster

What is it about the organization that interests you?  The devotion of everyone to help each other rescue and support this special breed.

What would you say to people thinking about fostering? 

Do it. Seeing a rescued dog succeed and become the companion dog they were meant to be is great. Have you thought about fostering, but are concerned about introducing your dog to a potential foster dog? There are a couple of initial questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Do the other household members want to have a foster dog in the house? 

2. Has your dog been socialized properly with other dogs? All household members have to agree to participate in the foster dog process. Everyone must be onboard. More importantly, your dog would have had to have been properly socialized to be able to welcome another dog into the house. 

The rescue will be able to help you with questions about introducing your dog to another dog. I strongly recommend reading the ASPCA's paper on introducing your dog to a new dog. It is an excellent resource. 

It's ok to be nervous. Fostering is a huge commitment, but it is the only way our rescue can succeed in our mission. We always need more foster homes. Just know there are plenty of people to help you.

What tips would you give to a new foster family? Reach out to your support team with any questions you have. No question is stupid.

Become a GSRNE Foster!

If you would like to learn more about becoming a GSRNE foster home,

click https://gsrne.org/fostering-for-gsrne/

2025 Calendars Sold Out!!

by: GSRNE Staff

Unbelievable!! Our 2025 calendar is sold out in the online GSRNE store!! A big thank you to everyone that purchased one. We are overwhelmed by the incredible support and enthusiasm for our 2025 12-month calendar.

Your support of our rescue dogs is deeply appreciated!

Winter warmth in the GSRNE online store!

by: GSRNE Staff

We have some fabulous items in the GSRNE online store to help you stay warm this winter!

https://gsrne.org/shop/

— GSRNE Mugs —

We can’t think of a better way to drink our morning coffee! Our GSRNE ceramic mugs are dishwasher safe and come in 2 sizes; 11 oz and 15 oz. Make sure to check out the rest of our fabulous items that we have in our GSRNE online store. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the care of our wonderful foster dogs!

Thank you for your friendship and support !

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

Foster Homes Wanted!

by: GSRNE Staff

Foster homes make a huge difference in a dog’s ability to trust. A dog in foster care learns how to succeed and thrive, which gives them the upper hand when it comes to being adopted. Dogs in foster care have the opportunity to build trust and relationships with people, as well as other animals. They learn the basic skills they need to live in a home, such as a good foundation of house-training, crate-training, leash skills, and basic obedience training, sets that dog up for a successful future.

Interesting in fostering? 

Reach out to us @ https://gsrne.org/contact/ or https://gsrne.org/foster/