German Shepherd Rescue Of Orange County

GERMAN SHEPHERDS SEEKING SPONSORS:

As California continues to endure tough economic times, local animal rescuers are experiencing a greater number of intakes. According to German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC), an all-volunteer charity that rescues purebred shepherds throughout Southern California, the onslaught of foreclosures and job losses are the reasons. Many individuals who never imagined them-selves in such a situation have resorted to surrendering their canine family members. GSROC went from receiving an average of 40 calls a week asking for assistance in finding homes for shepherds last year to about 80 calls a week this year. A poor economy coupled with a downturn in donations from supporters has left the group struggling to provide veterinary care for dogs in need. GSROC receives no public funding and has no paid staff, and currently has almost 80 dogs in residence, which is about 30% more than normal.

Two such dogs are Dagger and Beauty, two German Shepherds that need a loving home together. Several months ago, their young owner died in a tragic car accident and the dogs were taken to their veterinarian’s office. Unfortunately, these are two big dogs that are accustomed to sleeping in a warm home every night, and are very confused and distraught over sleeping in small kennels. They are very bonded, and the vet staff is certain that the previous owner would have wanted them to be placed in a home together. Dagger, the male, is 3.5 yrs old and Beauty, the female, is 6.5 yrs old. Both are current on their vaccinations and housebroken. They are gorgeous dogs with good temperaments. Dagger, however, is not fond of cats, so a feline-free home is best.

Recently, GSROC was honored by the City of Bellflower to receive a special commendation during its annual BRAVO! awards ceremony, spotlighting outstanding and heroic efforts within the community. Courage is a 3-year-old German Shepherd that weighed just 37 pounds and was clinging to life when he was rescued from a Bellflower home this past spring. Now, thanks to the nurturing and love of GSROC, his new adopted family, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, and Dr. William A. Grant II and his staff at Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove, Courage is a healthy, thriving dog who weighs 90 pounds. Courage, along with his wonderful adoptive mom, and a small group of GSROC volunteers accepted this award during a public ceremony on February 10.

Also honored was SEAACA Animal Control for their role in the apprehension of the alleged abuser, as well as Dr. Grant and Community Vet Hospital. Other honorees this year include members of law enforcement and firefighters who performed heroic feats or went above and beyond the call of duty. GSROC feels very special to have been selected for this honor. GSROC takes on many hardship cases such as Courage’s. One current dog in need is Bridgette. It must have been Bridgette’s lucky day when she caught the eye of one of GSROC’s volunteers who was driving to work on the freeway. Bridget was lying in the vegetation, with a fractured leg, unable to walk. She was cold, wet and shivering as she was lying close to the sprinkler on the side of the freeway. With the help of the CHP, the volunteer was able to load her in her car and get her safely to one of GSROC’s vets. Once at the vet, she was determined to have a fractured ulna bone, and a bruised lung. She gave kisses to the volunteer and vet staff thanking them for helping her!

The financial support of donors can make a world of difference for dogs like Bridgette that rely on GSROC to make them feel better. The only thing standing between GSROC and their ability to rescue more adoptable dogs like Beauty, Dagger, and Bridgette are financial resources.The group relies entirely on donations in order to operate. All donations are tax deductible and there are no paid employees. If you are not able to adopt a dog, and still would like to help, GSROC desperately needs the following items from their “Wish List”:

* Foster homes for individual dogs
* Sponsors for individual dogs
* Shopping on igive.com with GSROC as your preferred charity
* Spreading the word on Facebook and via word of mouth
* Frontline and/or Advantage Flea Control
* PetSmart or Petco Gift Cards
* Heavy duty dog toys (large)
* Rawhide chew bones (large) Rawhide chew strips (large)
* Dog treats
* Premium quality dog food (e.g. Lamb and Rice)
* 22″ – 24″ choke chains for training
* Large and Extra Large Vari-kennels
* Rolls of postage stamps (for mailings)
* Printing services
* Grooming services
* Signing up for the Ralphs rewards program
* Advertising in various media
* Free or low cost spay/neuter surgery
* Items for resale to benefit the dogs
* Donations in any amount
* Links from your company or personal website to www.gsroc.org/donate.html

For more information and to see available dogs, please go to www.gsroc.org. Your tax-deductible donations save lives, EIN#20-3455479