Founded in July of this year, Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue is 100% volunteer run. Our team is made up of dog lovers who dedicate their time to finding great forever homes for our dogs. Collectively, the team members have fostered and saved over one thousand German Shepherd Dogs and, in the two months since BAGSR was founded, 11 dogs have been saved through our program.
The German Shepherd Dog is known for his intelligence and strong work ethic. These traits make the German Shepherd both a sought-after police and military dog and the perfect, loving family companion.
Because of his intelligence and love of a good challenge, the German Shepherd does best in families that are energetic and active. Exercise is crucial for these dogs – but if you really want to see a German Shepherd thrive, give him a job. Tasks like obedience work, tracking, herding, or agility will bring any German Shepherd’s instincts to life!
How We Rescue German Shepherds
Every week we are in touch with shelters across the Bay Area to discuss the dogs they have most recently taken in. We have great relationships with the local shelters and often get a call the moment they receive a German Shepherd. Once we receive notification, one of our evaluators goes to the shelter to test the temperament of the dog. Conducting a multi-part evaluation, we look for dogs that will be suitable for adoption into families.
Some of our dogs are owner surrenders due to unfortunate circumstances, such as illness, old age, or changing financial conditions that cause people to no longer be able to properly care for their pets.
We typically have 12 to 20 dogs in our program at any given time. Every week new dogs arrive so something new is always happening. Tre-Joe is a recent example. His story starts on a sad note: He was hit by a car and left for dead. Luckily we found him, paid for his surgery, and are helping him recuperate. We have purchased wheels to help him get around and are seeking the perfect new family for him (see his picture and read more about TJ in the Doggie in the Window section below).
All of our dogs are placed in foster homes where we can observe their personalities and temperaments. This intimate relationship we have with the dogs gives us a huge advantage over shelters. The volunteers at Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue work incredibly hard to learn all about the dogs and match them with adopters who will make a great fit.
Adopting a BAGSR German Shepherd
It all begins with the application on our website at bayareagsr.org. Once we receive your application, one of our volunteers will contact you by phone to schedule a time to visit you at your home to meet you and your family. We will discuss your experience and the exact type of dog you are looking for (gender, age, energy level, etc.).
We also have adoption events every month across the Bay Area (check out our Adoption Events page), which is an easy way for you to meet several of our dogs at once.
You Can Help Save German Shepherds
There are so many roles a volunteer can play in our organization – from photography to marketing, fostering to administration. One of the best things about volunteering for BAGSR is that we have a wide range of jobs, some that take only an hour a week…and you decide when. Best of all, most of our jobs can be done from your own home.
One great way to meet our dogs and other volunteers is to come to one of our Adoption Events or Meet and Greets, held several times each month. Again, check our website for details. When you arrive at an event, let us know you’re interested and we’ll be happy to discuss the possibilities.
Some people prefer to donate money rather than time, which is so beneficial for our organization and the dogs. Every dollar we receive goes to to improve – and often save – the lives of local German Shepherds who are down on their luck.
We do what we do because we care about these wonderful animals that have ended up in very difficult situations through no fault of their own. No matter how big or small your role in the rescue organization, knowing that you have helped a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience. Once you’ve played a part in saving a dog’s life, you’ll be hooked!
Bridget Murphy is a Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue volunteer and owns Koru K9 Dog Training and Rehabilitation with her husband, Ray. They live in the Outer Richmond with their German Shepherds, Luna and Nero.
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