Why I Love Rescues! (posted by Roman's new forever momma to Facebook - Feb 2011)

One year ago this week I lost my heart dog Barrister to liver cancer. My heart was broken and I was certain no other boy would ever come close to Barrister. Well God had other plans. The same week I said goodbye a painfully thin and abused German Shepherd was found wandering in Cheatham County near Nashville. He was taken to the animal shelter cold, hungry, and very scared. His luck was about to change. Save Our Shepherds saw his tender loving eyes and was able place him in a wonderful foster home. 

A couple months passed and I came across Save Our Shepherds website. Curious, I decided to look at the available dogs. Immediately I was drawn to a dog named Roman. I kept going back to his picture for two weeks when I finally decided to inquire about adopting him. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to love him like Barrister but that all changed the second I met him. Bonnie brought him to my house and he was still so very thin and extremely frightened. I made a promise to him that I would love him and never let anyone hurt him again. 

Roman has blossomed since he was found wandering in the snow. He has filled out and is very healthy. He loves to snuggle and play with my other two female dogs. Roman loves car rides, chew bones, and trips to Hollywood Feed. I can't imagine life without him. I just want to thank Carol and Bonnie with Save Our Shepherds for helping to heal my heart and Romans. Your rescue saves so much more than dogs. 

-Kiersten and new furry sisters Annabelle and Scarlett

Colin is doing great and adjusting well to his new life with us! He went on a 3 mile run yesterday with daddy (Robert) and really enjoyed running on the trails at the park. He is still getting used to momma brushing his teeth in the morning! I know he thinks I'm crazy but he sits there like a good boy! And Piper is really enjoying having a buddy again.

-Phyllis and Robert and K9 sister Piper

Hello Save Our Shepherds Rescue!

I hate to tell you this but our Southern Belle, Misha, is now a Northern Snowball!! Misha loves to play in the Wisconsin snow and loves eating it as well. She is doing really great, weighing in for her annual check up at a whopping 80 pounds! The vet said she was in excellent condition.

Misha is quite the cuddlier. She sleeps with Chris and I every night so it is good thing we have a king size bed. When she's in bed with us she either places her feet on us or she puts her face by our necks. Who needs a blanket? When ever we go out with Misha we are always getting stopped by people to tell us what a beautiful dog we have. We feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful best friend in our lives.  Thank you all so very much for all you do!

-Chris, Dawn and Misha

Sargent  now known as Cody

Hi,

We adopted "Sargent" back in April. His name is now Cody, which he immediately took to.

We wanted to let you know what a wonderful gift you allowed into our lives. He is such an outgoing boy. We nick-named him "spring butt", as he literally springs around the yard, playing with his sister, Bella and older brother, Bach. They both adore him. Life, to him, is all about play. He adores chasing the water from the hose around the yard, playing in the kiddie pool, "riding" the office chair down the hall and has lots of ball drive. He is so much fun! He's got the "old man" playing, and has helped put lots of needed muscle on his dysplastic sister. Thank you for all your hard work. We have found another very much loved member of our home! Here's a pic (left to right, Cody, Bella and Bach)

-Kathleen and Stephen

Ringo and I had a great day yesterday...went to Petsmart to get some more toys...then to my friend Roberts house. By the end of our visit Ringo had his head on Robert's lap while Rob sat on the floor with him! He got to meet 3 other dogs there too. And he hasn't had an accident in the house at all! He's is doing GREAT and he is very loved :)

PS I feel sooo fortunate to have him. You all at Save Our Shepherds have done an awesome job with him! I just adore him and shower him with love, hugs and kisses all the time.

Thank you so much!  - Donna

Just wanted to give you an update. Ringo is settling in and things are looking real good!!! He has been getting walked everyday... sometimes twice a day. We've been playing ball out in the yard (Your foster home has taught him WELL). I love how he drops the ball when you ask!! I've continued to feed him the raw diet along with the Taste of the Wild. He actually let me sleep through the whole night last night~ first time:) He plays with all of his toys and loves the stuffed animal doggie that I got for our first meeting. He carries it around and even sleeps with it!! Soooo cute:) I am going to take him to my vet week for his check up and to get his heartworm and flea/tick medicine. I will post some newer pics soon and I will keep in touch! Again, I feel blessed to have Ringo and I am very thankful to Save Our Shepherds Rescue for helping him to be a GREAT member of my family:)

We just wanted to let you know that Gracie (aka Sweet Susie) is doing awesome! She got a clean bill of health from the Vet, she has gained weight, and she pretty much runs the house now. Thanks for what you are doing with the dogs.

Scott and Mary K.

Hello Save Our Shepherds!
I hope this note finds everyone well.  Everything here has been wonderful.  Zena (although I have to confess, we changed her name to Xena), has been doing great.  She has completed two lessons in obedience school (or should I say Karen and I have completed...), and all is going according to plan.  Xena learns more every day and just loves going places with us and playing until we are completely exhausted.

The doctor said that Xena was in perfect health.  He was a little skeptical when we talked about her being on a diet of raw meat, bones and organs, but I think that's because he now knows we will never buy the foods that he sells.  C'est la vie.  She's doing well on her diet and is weighing in at 68 pounds.  The doctor said that is a good weight for her.

We can't thank you enough again for getting us together.  GSDs are the best!

Take care.
-Mike

Cheyenne (now sister to SOS Rescue Casper aka Talon)

I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the opportunity to have Cheyenne as a part of our lives. I know I didn't have much time but in the 2 short weeks I was home it was amazing to watch her come out of her shell and take her place in our home. She has established herself as both friend/playmate to Talon and Maggie as well as carving her niche with us. For someone who was so shy and skittish when she first showed up it was comforting to have her lay at my feet when watching TV and even follow me from room to room when we would be settling down for the night.  While she's still a little clumsy and not sure how to act sometimes with human affection, we have been able to walk her outside without a leash and have her come when she's being called. 

I'm amazed by your generosity, kind heart and your ability to do more than just sit back and talk about making a difference. Your caring shows in the way all the animals seem to be able to interact and adjust with their new families. While we've only been blessed with two to date I'm sure as as our available space grows (with the new house/land) Isabelle the kids and I will be open to other additions. Thanks again for all that you do. - Terry

Paige and her new little girl
She is doing great! She is such a smart doggy :0) She is learning new commands almost everyday. I just taught her to "shake." She is becoming my 2 yr. old daughter's best friend. They just play for ours running back and forth through our house, in and out of the rooms. But Mykah just gets giggling so hard and Paige just keeps playing with her. Its so cute, Paige will bump Mykah and Mykah will fall down, then Paige falls down next to her and rolls over on her back and will lay there 'til Mykah gets up.

We're really happy with her! Thank you so much! - Brianne

Betty & her dog Heidi
When Save Our Shepherds got an application to adopt a dog from Betty, a senior lady in Memphis, what stuck us was her sense of sadness.  Despite the fact she was absolutely certain that she would probably be considered too old to adopt she applied anyway. We gave her a chance and are so happy that we did!  Betty's grandson used to worry about her safety and that she spent too much time alone, but not anymore.

I adopted a senior female German shepherd in May of 2009 and I can't tell you how wonderful an experience its been.  Once Heidi realized that she was MY DOG her love, affection, and protection knew no bounds.  Over the years I have had a number of shepherds and know that they are an exceptional breed.  However, Heidi is far and above the cream of the crop...She is such a wonderful companion and protector.   I believe she has been a companion guard dog in her previous life because she responds to all of the signals and commands and is content to stay with me during all our waking hours. Although, like me, Heidi is up in years, she now cavorts around the large fenced yard like a puppy.  How such a loving, intelligent, brave dog could have ended up abandoned is a mystery to me.  People bless me for adopting her but I am actually the fortunate one in this adoption.  This beautiful, smart, loving dog will remain with me always.  I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR PAIRING THIS OLD LADY WITH THIS OLD DOG.

-Betty

Piper

Piper is doing great!  Our 4 and a half year old male GSD looks exactly like her and is acting like a puppy again since she joined our household.  They play all day. My husband fell in love with her as soon as we got home. Thank you so much for letting us adopt her!

- Cindy

Torino now known as Harley

Just wanted to send a note thanking SOS. We have officially adopted Harley ( formerly known as Torino). He is a wonderful addition to our family. He has brought great joy to us in just a few weeks. He loves being here with us and follows every step we make in or out of the house. He loves running the fence line with our neighbors' dogs. He is so smart, he already follows basic commands and is already as loyal as he can be. He can be found about anytime close by getting belly rubs, being brushed or enjoying a good combination diet of raw prey and hi quality kibbles. Oh yeah lets not forget the treats - wow does he like treats. We love Harley and cannot be happier and he appears to feel the same way.

-James & Coy

Misha

This picture is from this summer, Misha is helping pick beans. Misha loves all vegetables, this summer she would lick the dew off the zucchini squash, this fall she is licking the frost off the pumpkins! She actually ate the top of one of my pumpkins and I only had it outside for half an hour. We can't wait to see what she does in the snow this winter. Misha's coat has gotten a lot fuller and longer. Anyone that comes to the house loves Misha and she loves them back. Misha goes to bed every night about 8:00 and sleeps through the night on our king size bed. Y'all did an excellent job of picking out a sweet girl for us; we could not ask for a better dog! Misha likes to look at herself in the mirror or in the reflection of the stove, and she wags her tail at herself! She also likes to watch TV and will bark if she sees another dog on TV. She has so much personality and character.  We just love her!
Chris , Dawn and Misha 

Gracie

I just wanted to write and let you know that Gracie is doing great!! Today is day 3 and she has already bonded with my husband just as strongly as she had bonded with me and my son. I am so so happy for this. This morning she had her front paws up on the bed giving him kisses and now she comes to him when he calls without hesitation. She seems to have taken up with everyone in our family and we couldn't be happier! I left her out in the house today when I ran my errands and as I assumed, nothing had been bothered when I returned. She is just such a good girl. I will send you pics soon!
Anna & family including one very happy GSD

Miss Lily now known as Tessa

Jeff and I wanted to email you  to let you know how much we love our new girl!  She has blended so seamlessly into our lives that already now looking back we can't remember being without her.  She and Dane are like brother and sister, sleep and play together, try to steal each others toys and food, just like kids, all harmless fun.  They are almost identical size so that works well.  Tessa likes to boss Dane and he doesn't mind to a point, then he will stand up for himself.  The cat is just part of the pack, not bothered by them, a quick swat if they get too friendly, likes to be around them.  Tessa made the ride home so easily, so good in the car.  No accidents in the house ever.  The Christmas tree may be undecorated this year however! She is now snoozing on the foot of the bed, she is determined that is her spot! Thanks again for bringing her into our lives.- Jeff and Donna

Austin

Just a quick update on Miss Austin (aka "Baby Girl"). She continues to bring so much joy into our home. She has met most or all of the children on our street and she's a real show stopper at Petsmart. She has learned to "dry" her feet when she comes in by making 2 circles on the towel we lay down for her. We have been taking her for walks and she is a perfect match for us as she starts to get tired about the same time we do. She also loves to sit by our living room window and "guard" her front yard and she likes to play with her "adopted" cabbage patch doll. 

Carol and Bonnie,
 
I was playing on the computer and did a GSD search just for fun. Then I went to your web site and looked at your fosters but especially your "Happy Paws". I was very moved and told Austin (with a little tear in my eye) how lucky she was to have been rescued by your group. and how lucky we were to be able to bring her into our lives. She continues to be all we could have hoped for and more. She still amazes us from time to time by reminding us how smart she is.

I just want to tell you how very special you are. Your time and dedication is amazing and most people don't even realize that God put special individuals on this earth to be "Dog Angels". Donna and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you do (and Austin throws in a bark and some "kisses" too).

Thank you again for being who you are and may God bless and keep you in your work!
- Randy & Donna

Melissa Lucy
SOS is amazing!! We adopted our GSD from them around a year ago. They were great to work with. We were fortunate enough to happen upon our dog's former foster mom around town, he was so happy for his reunion with her. You could see the love he had for the wonderful care that was taken of him while he was waiting to find his permanent home with us.

I adopted a GSD from SOS this past summer.  It was a wonderful experience.  He is a wonderful animal and was easy to adapt to our home. I will continue to adopt and never again purchase. SOS is wonderful and I recommend them to everyone I know.

-Robyn

Halo's Happy Home

Hi everyone at SOS! Halo is doing great and is fitting in really well with our family. She loves the big yard, especially bouncing around in the snow with Tucker and Maggie. She especially loves trips to petsmart and tractor supply. We will send more pics soon! Thank you! - Allison and Mike