Saving German Shepherds in the Central Valley of Northern California
Give these dogs a second chance by finding them loving homes. We rescue them from shelters, place in safe foster homes, and provide expert support until a forever owner comes along.
Want to help? Be a foster, adopter or donor. Every bit of love makes a huge difference for these beautiful, loyal and intelligent dogs.
How to help
Fully-Supported Fostering
Learn how you can be a vital link in the rescue process
Support the Cause
Donations save shepherds. Please give if you can.
Saving German Shepherds in the Central Valley of Northern California
Give these dogs a second chance by finding them loving homes. We rescue them from shelters, place in safe foster homes, and provide expert support until a forever owner comes along.
Want to help? Be a foster, adopter or donor. Every bit of love makes a huge difference for these beautiful, loyal and intelligent dogs.
How to help
Fully-Supported Fostering
Learn how you can be a vital link in the rescue process
Support the Cause
Donations save shepherds. Please give if you can.
Spotlight
Grin and Barrett
Barrett is a big, handsome three-year-old GSD mix from the Avenal shelter. Barrett is very sweet and affectionate. He is also a very quick study. Within a few hours of coming to his foster home, he learned that the way to get a pat is to “sit” rather than jump up for affection. He is very easy to train and takes mild corrections well. Though apparently new to indoor living, Barrett has taken to it quickly and is rapidly learning house manners. He is housebroken and loves his walks. He has great leash manners. He would be OK with submissive dogs, but NO kitties. Barrett would be a perfect companion for a single woman or a semi-active couple/family. We will post more on Barrett as we get to know this gem better. FOSTERED IN ROSEVILLE
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Hey Lucy, You're Home!
"We are so grateful to the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue organization, Kelly, and her foster family who gave our sweet Lucy a safe haven before she came to our home. Your patience, time, and unconditional love helped give her the best possible start to her new life. Because of your amazing work, Lucy learned how to be a great puppy, is already crate-trained, and even learned a few new commands! She is a genuine joy and is a perfect fit for our family! Thank you for helping her on the journey to her forever home — we can’t get enough of our newest addition!" - Katie and Family
KING - From Stray Dog to Service Dog
In July, “King” was found wandering along Hwy 88 wearing only a Service vest that read, “My mama says I’M SPECIAL.” The family who found him posted flyers, reported him to the Stockton shelter, and posted numerous posts on social media to no avail. Even callouts from Golden State for an adopter or foster didn’t result in any success.
In September, GSGSR evaluated King for our rescue. Immediately, we noticed something special about him, and instantly, we felt King had all the qualities that would make him a great dog for a Veteran.
GSGSR called our friend, Matt Decker, founder of E5 Therapy https://www.facebook.com/E5Therapy, and asked for his help in finding a Veteran. Matt graciously offered to foster King to get him ready for adoption.
The Dunns saw Matt’s post about King on his E5 Therapy FB page and immediately wanted to meet him, and it was love at first sight. Wendy and Adam loved everything about King. His temperament, his demeanor, his confidence, and his big, goofy personality. They also loved that King was so good with people, especially children.
On November 3, King became an official member of the Dunn family.
GSGSR would like to thank the Burke family for their kindness and compassion, keeping King safe until a home could be found. To Matt Decker, who graciously offered to foster King (much to the dismay of his beautiful rescue Doberman Pincher, Taylor Swift). And to Adam and Wendy for opening their home and hearts to a rescue dog.
Through our SAVE Program, GSGSR waives our adoption fee for qualified Veterans. To date, we have placed eight dogs with Veterans.
A New World for Atlas!
Christine came to our last Sacyard Meet and Greet and fell in love with Atlas! We often set up final visits at adoption days like this after pre-qualifying an adopter. It’s convenient for everyone. Now Atlas will be in a brand-new world with a new loving family!