German Shepherd Rescue Tips - Page 1

I am looking to start a German Shepherd Working Dog Rescue here in the panhandle area of Florida. I need some pointers on how to go about it. Any information is greatly appreciated.

You could contact another rescue organization and ask if they'd be willing to tell you what you need to know to get started.

Starting and maintaining a rescue is not so easy and very expensive. Further, many people who mean well try to do so and only end up making a mess of things both for themselves and the dogs.

I have been the sole operator of a GSD rescue for more than 10 years. I maintain my sanity amid all the people attempting to dump their GSD, many of whom have already bitten someone or killed another animal, but setting and adhering to guidelines that I thought long and hard about and then established. Still, it is often depressing and demoralizing and I consider myself an expert at evaluating dogs. I know I cannot save every dog, and indeed, no one can. 

If you have specific questions, feel free to email me. However, unless you have the proper license, facilities, experience and financial backing, I can tell you that your idea, however noble, will be tough to see through. Sometimes a better option is to find a local, well established group and volunteer or donate there.

Lakewood SAR-

   I agree with Hodie. I too have been the sole operator of a GSD Rescue for over ten years and she is right on with the fact that you will need to be able to properly evaluate and keep to policy regarding dogs. In the GSD Rescue World and especially if you plan to deal mostly with Working Dog Canidates, you will have to have the ability to make very tough decisions. I aim mostly for Working Dog Canidates but I will have to say, this opens the doors for people to think this means you want all the aggressive GSD's available in your driving distance. You will have to be sure you are willing to do a LOT of education!!! Now, when dealing with Working Dog Candidates, you will also have to undestand that most of them that you evaluate at the shelter, may not make it as a Work Dog but may also be too much for a pet. What will your plan be with these dogs? Will you want to try to rehabilitate these dogs? Will you chose to euthanise them? You will have to be sure to carry a good insurance policy.

Are you already in the loop with K-9 Handlers? If not, it may be hard to "sell" your organization and the dogs you have rescued and evaluated to handlers, trainers, or Dept's who are dedicated to one dealer.

Check around with your local larger GSD Rescues to see how many dogs they take in per year who they think could have been Working Dogs. This will give you an idea of whether it is even worth doing all the paperwork and paying out all the money to become a non profit and carry the proper insurance. You will also have to decide how you will fund these dog needs as the adoption fees rarely cover all your expenses.

Good luck with your decision!
Tina

I didn't know there were that many working dog's in Florida that needed saving.