ABOUT US... Who We Are Adoption Process ApplicationContact UsLinks
THE DOGS... About the BreedAvailable Dogs Adopted!Available Soon!Lost and Found
WAYS TO HELP... Shop for Shepherds GSRCA Events Donate Now Volunteer In Memory Of


German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit, 'No Kill' rescue organization. We rescue German Shepherds out of shelters and from abusive situations. We take in abandoned and stray dogs, and we take owner surrenders as space allows. All dogs are neutered or spayed, current on shots and have tested negative for heartworms before they are placed in their forever home. These dogs are kept in private homes and will be shown by appointment only. We do our best to help out any German Shepherd dog in need (primarily in the state of Alabama); unfortunately, we have limited space and finances. It takes time and money to get most of our rescue babies up to good health and full adoption status. We also help people who are having problems with their German Shepherds. We would like to help owners work through the problems rather than have to give their dog up.

Need to Find a New Home for Your German Shepherd Dog?

The Adoption Process

Please read this before calling, emailing or submitting an application

We are an all volunteer organization. We have many animals in our care, have families and full time jobs just as most of you do. We return calls and emails and process applications as quickly as we possibly can. We appreciate your understanding and patience. If you aren't willing to go through our process which normally takes about 3 weeks, please consider the many needy German Shepherd dogs in humane societies and shelters across Alabama. Their process to adopt is usually an instantaneous one. GSRCA procedures are in place to facilitate placing the right dog in the right situation. This provides a win-win situation for both you and the dog. With these facts in mind, this is the order of our application process.

1. Application~ Normally, we receive the online application the day it is filled out. If you are unable to complete the application online, we will mail you a paper application. Just call or email us with your address. Please allow several additional days for processing if you mail one in. *The average time for you to receive acknowledgement of your application is 5 working days.

2. Reference Checks~ After reviewing your application we will check your vet and personal references. Please notify those you have listed on the application to expect a call or email from us. If we have a question regarding your vet reference, we will contact you.

3. Home Visit~ Provided your application and reference checks are satisfactory, the next step is visiting your home for an in-home assessment. One of our volunteers, or someone from another rescue will do this. We will let you know, in advance who to be expecting a call or email from. *We do NOT bring the dog you are interested in on the home visit.

4. Decision~ Based on all the information gathered during the screening process, GSRCA will make a decision on whether or not to approve your application. It is not uncommon to approve an application with certain contingencies. However, if we decide not to approve you, you will be notified as well. We will also identify which dogs we believe will be best suited for your situation and ask that you meet these dogs, in addition to the one you prefer. We expect you to trust our judgment and experience in the selection process.

5. Meeting the dogs~ We show our dogs and complete adoptions from our Montgomery foster home by appointment only. We do not deliver or transport our dogs to you.

6. Adoption Contract~ Adopters must sign a legally binding adoption contract with GSRCA and submit the specified adoption fee. Adopters must remember that a newly adopted dog requires an adjustment period and they must be willing to give them at least 2 weeks to begin to adjust. GSRCA will be available to adopters for any assistance needed at any time for the duration of the adoption.



Effective July 25, 2008 - Adoption Fee Increase

Due to economic hardship, GSRCA must increase the standard adoption fee to $350. For applications submitted on or before July 25th, the $300 adoption fee will be honored.

This increase is primarily a result of the domino effect in our economy. Vet care, medicines, dog food, supplies and gasoline prices have all increased. These increases filter down to us. GSRCA is unable to function on adoption fees alone. Our vets are experiencing the crunch, too and are no longer able to allow us to make partial payments. Our financial status is critical at this time, which means GSRCA could be forced to temporarily halt all intakes of new dogs. We hope this doesn't happen because there are so many deserving dogs in need of rescue. Below is a breakdown of the usual expenses we incur getting the average rescued German Shepherd dog to an adoptable status. Different vets have different fees and treatment varies according to the severity of the dog's condition. At any rate, it's easy to see how the numbers just don't add up.

All dogs get

Basic Exam $ 30-35
Fecal Flotation $ ~15
Heartworm Test $ ~27
DHPP/Rabies/Bordetella $ ~44
Spay $ 115-145
Neuter $ 65-120
HW Prevention per month $ ~14
Food Cost per month $35-50

Most dogs ALSO get

Preop Bloodwork $ 32-40
Dewormer $ ~33
Antibiotics $ 30-65
Bath $ 20-36
Flea Treatment $ ~20
Heartworm Treatment $ 315-430

Some dogs need

Dental $ 70-168 + antibiotics
Xrays with sedation $ ~92
Xrays without sedation $ 40-70
Boarding $ 10-18/night

Many of the dogs we have rescued need specialty care which far exceeds the average expense. Common conditions our vets treat new rescues for are Dehydration, Malnutrition, Upper Respiratory infections, Sarcoptic Mange, Fractures and Injuries, Fungal skin infections and GI upsets. Chronic conditions we see most often are Ear Infections, Demodex, Pancreatic Enzyme Deficiency, Arthritis and Allergies. The list of conditions and treatments isn't all inclusive, though hopefully paints a picture for the potential adopter on costs this rescue incurs getting a dog ready for his/her new home. In most cases the adoption fee is a bargain compared to our cost of vetting the dog.

GSRCA rescues shepherds because we love the breed not to make money. Making ends meet is quite essential to operating a non-profit rescue. We believe in vet care and we believe in feeding a high quality food. These are paramount to having healthy dogs. We hope the increased adoption fee will enable GSRCA to continue our mission. Donations are needed now more than ever!! Without the donations of regular contributors, the struggle to make ends meet would be even harder. GSRCA wants you to know we appreciate you!

GSRCA's cost to fully vet the average rescued shepherd - $400 - $1000

Adoption Fee - $350

Owners Average Annual Expenses (vet care, food, toys) - ~$1000

The Love of a Rescued Dog - PRICELESS



Our Featured Shepherd is...


KELLY

(Click on Kelly's picture to read more about him.)


KELLY

If you would like to adopt a GSRCA dog, please complete the online application.

Need more information about a particular dog? Click the EMAIL icon within that dogs biography.

Click here for the online application to adopt, foster or volunteer with GSRCA.
Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

If you prefer, we will snail-mail you an adoption application, however online is the faster way.

Out of state adoptions will be considered as long as the adopter is willing to come to Alabama to meet the dog and finalize the adoption.

Other Available Dogs



Check out our

 Soon-to-be Adoptable Shepherds

Most of these dogs are heartworm positive and are waiting on funding to be available to treat them. The average cost of heartworm treatment is $350 per dog. Dogs typically do very well after treatment, go on to be adopted and live a wonderful long life.
Please consider making a donation to help these shepherds.



HOW YOU CAN HELP...



ANYONE can help GSRCA raise funds by starting a Fund Raiser with FirstGiving.



SPONSOR A DOG IN NEED

If you love German Shepherds but can't adopt or foster one at this time, you can sponsor a dog. Sponsoring is easy (and secure) thanks to Petfinder Foundation, a 501c3 organization, who hosts our "Sponsor-a-Pet program! Sponsoring a rescued dog is the perfect way to honor or memorialize that special one in your life.

Just look for the link in our dog listings. Some of these dogs need more financial support than others for medications or heartworm treatment and that is noted in their pet descriptions. Basic monthly upkeep expenses PER DOG is ~ $50 which covers housing, food, heartworm and flea prevention. With the "Sponsor-a-Pet program, you can give as much or often as you choose without committing to a certain amount. Any donation is appreciated. The more people helping us financially care for these shepherds, the more dogs we can help. Email Chris Wilson, Secretary at gsrca_cw@yahoo.com for more information about sponsoring.

WISH LIST:



Monetary donations are very much appreciated since most of the dogs we bring in have to be treated for heartworms. Donations may be mailed to:

GSRCA
P.O. Box 640561
Pike Road, AL 36064

or donations may be made directly to our vets' office to pay on our outstanding vet bill.

Send to: Golden Animal Hospital
c/o GSRCA Account
6353 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone 334-279-7387

Any amount is sincerely appreciated and all of it is used for the dogs!

We also accept donations via Pay Pal. The address for paypal donations is GSRCAdonations@aol.com


ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE


IN MEMORY OF...

Image hosted by Photobucket.comSheba
Sheba was 8 years old when she was taken into rescue having been turned in to a shelter by her owner...heartworm positive. She was a very sweet dog but was never at a point physically to withstand heartworm treatment. She died in May 2004 from the disease. 		Image hosted by Photobucket.com
Rowdy
Rowdy was a young dog in the prime of his life, yet abandoned at an animal shelter. We lost Rowdy in August 2004 after the onset of his heartworm treatment. His body must have been unable to handle the harsh chemicals that must be used to erradicate the worms.

* Prevent Heartworm Disease *

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Click Here to Learn about Canine Heartworm Disease






Donate to GSRCA everytime you shop one of these stores!



Click here for JeffersPet.com Pet Supplies
GSRCA is proud to be an affiliate with JeffersPet.com. Jeffers will donate a percentage of your purchase amount to GSRCA. It's easy to help shepherds by just clicking the link above or by using the Promotional Code 4GSRCA when you shop JeffersPet.com


Where Your Purchase Helps Support Rescue!

Order a new collar and leash, an "Udder tug", or a "rescue ribbon" for your car -
and 10-50% of your purchase will go to German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama (GSRCA).
IMPORTANT: You must indicate "GSRCA" in the message section of the check out process.


Support This Site
Visit our CafePress online store. We have German Shepherd Rescue shirts, caps, mugs and more for sale. Don't forget to check out the new 2008 GSRCA calendar!! We can also create your custom products by request. All proceeds benefit GSRCA.


Earn 10% for Our Rescue
 Inky Paw has great German Shepherd items for sale!    


DogTogs, Inc.
Custom-crafted dog coats and one-of-a-kind paintings!

          



RECENT ADOPTIONS





Click here to see more Happy Dog Tails!






News and Upcoming Events

FOUNDATION RECEIVES LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL FOR SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE

The Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation (ALVMF) has received approval from the Alabama Legislature to offer a Spay-Neuter license plate to state residents. The efforts to have this accomplished have been in-depth, but thanks to the persistence of the association and foundation leadership, it has finally come to fruition.

The cost of the tag is the standard $50 like other specialized tags, with $41.25 of each sale going to the Foundation to assist low-income families with the cost of spaying and neutering their pets.  1,000 tags must be pre-sold in order for the program to be implemented.  The law requires the 1,000 mark must be met within 12 months from the date the Legislative Oversight Committee completes the final procedures for the actual sale, which is anticipated to be around December 1, 2007.

The program will be administered by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation. Individual humane societies and animal care and control agencies will not receive direct funding from this, but we need to promote the license plates in our communities. The program will be available (after 1,000 tags are pre sold) to people who are on Medicaid. They will be able to get their pets fixed through this program by going to their local participating veterinary clinic. A list of these clinics will be forth coming in the next few months.

This is an exciting program that can make a huge difference in our state. Please get the word out to your members and supporters through your local media, newsletters and other means. If the media wish to talk with someone about this exciting program, please direct them to Dr. Charles Franz, or Rick Derrick at (334) 395-0086.

 

http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motorvehicle/mvforms/LOCReport.PDF


The Alabama Animal Alliance, Inc. opened a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic October 22, 2007

Go to their website and FIX YOUR PET!

The Alabama Animal Alliance, Inc. opened a groundbreaking facility to combat our area's severe pet overpopulation problem. It is well known that there are far too many healthy, adoptable dogs and cats than there are responsible homes for them. As a result, every day animals are euthanized in area shelters or left to fend for themselves along our county roads. The clinic provides low-cost spay/neuter services to the cats and dogs of central and south Alabama.

Preventing the births of thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens will mean that these animals, as well as the offspring they would have had, will be spared short, often brutal lives. Reducing the number of unwanted animals will also reduce the threat stray animals can pose to our community.

While clinics like this operate in other states, the Alabama Animal Alliance's Spay/Neuter Clinic is the first of its kind in Alabama.

Appointments can be made by calling the Alabama Animal Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic at 334-239-7387 (PETS).



LOST AND FOUND

Losing a pet is a devastating ordeal. Many owners are not sure where to begin searching for their lost pets. This page aims to provide detailed suggestions that pet owners can take to recover lost pets. Following the article, GSRCA will provide a current listing of lost and found pets that we have been asked to assist.
Click here for Lost and Found Information



CALLING ALL FOSTER HOMES AND VOLUNTEERS!

What is fostering? Fostering a dog means that you allow one of our rescue dogs to live with you and be a part of your family. This means socialization, and basic obedience training, in addition to the usual care. We expect our foster dogs to be maintained in good physical condition, fed a nutritious diet, be in a securely fenced area when outside, and be on monthly heartworm preventative. A home visit is done prior to approval as a foster parent. Be prepared, a foster dog may be with you several months depending on the individual situation. Fostering is a serious commitment. We are desperately in need of qualified, responsible foster homes. German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama is turning away needy dogs every day because all of our foster homes are full. Some of these dogs may never make it out of shelters. Do not be afraid to foster because you think you will become too attached. When you see your foster dog respond to a complete stranger like they've been waiting for them all their life, you will understand what fostering is all about. They HAVE been waiting for them all their life, and you have been helping them find that perfect family. If you are interested in fostering one of these wonderful dogs, please fill out a foster application or send an email to gsrca_cw@yahoo.com

Volunteers are needed. You may not be able to sponsor or foster, but there are other things that you can do as a volunteer for the GSRCA. You can help return phone calls, help with transport, do home checks, and follow up visits. You can distribute information and flyers, or help organize fund raisers. You can do shelter walks looking for purebred dogs in need of rescue. Sometimes shelters are unaware of us, or are unable to call letting us know they have a purebred German Shepherd. Many of these wonderful dogs end up euthanised.

KENNEL CONSTRUCTION

GSRCA broke ground on the kennel for our dogs approximately a year ago. It has the capacity to house at least eight dogs. The foundation is cement. It is heavily insulated for winter and air-conditioned for the summer months. It has a window that will allow fresh air in and natural lighting. There will also be a ceiling fan. It is lighted inside and outside, and even has a dimmer light so our dogs will rest more comfortably at night. It has four separate 4 x 8 foot inside runs. The dogs are separated from one another by a concrete block wall. These runs will each have a dog door to allow them outside into individual covered fenced runs also on concrete for easy cleaning. There is a flooring drain inside that will allow the area to be sanitized with no standing water. There is space enough inside the building to keep at least four large crates. Another door opens into the large fenced in play area for dogs that get along well with one another. It will be equipped with a doggie bath tub with a heated water source. Plus there is room for storage of dog food and supplies. It is not known exactly when the kennel will be completed. Fencing is being purchased now. As progress is made, updates will be given.

Donate a Bed We have chosen Kuranda dog beds for our boarding facilities because they are so good for our dogs. We still don't have enough for all of our kennels. If you would like to donate a bed so another dog can sleep in proper comfort, please click here.

dog breeds


Thanks!!





April 26, 2008 GSRCA held 'AprilFest' at Wild Birds Unlimited in Peppertree Shopping Center, Montgomery, AL. The purpose of the event was to promote adoption, educate others about rescue and raise much needed funds for the dogs in rescue. The event was a lot of fun and quite a success. Many thanks go out to those who made this event special - WBU for hosting us, the dedicated volunteers who planned AprilFest and all those who attended. We enjoyed seeing everyone!



To the Rescue Sponsors and Foster homes... You help by getting these dear souls to an adoptable condition. Without your help, so many dogs would never get a chance to have the loving home they have always dreamed for and deserve.

To all our Adopters... Thank you for giving our babies loving homes. A rescued dog gives unconditional love. They understand that you have saved their life and they are forever grateful. Please send your "Happy Tails" to Petfinder and tell them about your new family member. This lets them know what a great service they are performing and that they are appreciated.

THANK YOU! - to Pet Supplies Plus in Montgomery for your continued support and for inviting us to show our adoptable shepherds at your store. THANK YOU! - to the Petco Foundation for your recent donation of dog food! This helped us tremendously! We would also like to thank Petco in Montgomery for allowing us to come to your store and for including us as an adoption partner.





GSRCA looks forward to hearing from you! The preferred contact method is via email due to the cost we incur returning long distance phone calls. Most email inquiries are replied to within 24 hours of receipt. When calling, leave a brief message as to the nature of your call. Please speak clearly so we can understand your name and phone number.

German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama
PO Box 640561
Pike Road, AL 36064
Phone: (334) 322-1811
Email: gsrca_cw@yahoo.com

Click here for a list of pets at this shelter



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Site last updated on August 20, 2008