You may have heard at least once in your life about a family who had an old German Shepherd that had gotten lame in the back end or no one in the family really bothered with anymore, so while the kids were at school, someone in the household took the poor old dog to the pound. But when the kids found out old Fido was no longer there, they became upset.

 

That's when mom or dad sugarcoat their sadness by saying, "We took him to a nice farm in the country to retire because he'll be much happier there." When in reality, poor Fido was just sentenced to almost certain death because shelters nationwide are full to capacity, and being an old German Shepherd in a full shelter IS a death sentence.

 

UGH... Whatever happened to a lifelong commitment?

 

This scenario and others are why we chose to label ourselves a sanctuary and not a rescue. Although we do rescue, we also want to give these forgotten senior German Shepherds a loving forever home that they can call their own because "WE TRULY ARE THAT PLACE IN THE COUNTRY WHERE OLD GERMAN SHEPHERDS COME TO RETIRE."

 

"Why make a dog a resident dog instead of adopting them out?"

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Well, there are several reasons why we make the decision to keep a dog as a resident and not pursue an adopter. Here are a few of the reasons:

 

• AGE...it's not easy being old and shuttled around from place to place.

• Minor Urinary/Fecal incontinence

• Degenerative Myelopathy or other "hind end" issues

• Minor health issues that may or may not require ongoing medication, such as allergies, thyroid issues & EPI, to name a few.

• Slight non-violent behavior issues such as anxiety or depression and not adapting easily to new environments or situations

• No interest from potential adopters

• Most importantly, because of the trauma the senior GSD has already endured being removed from their home and transitioned into another. 

 

It is not easy for any dog to find themselves homeless and in a shelter or on the streets, but we feel the trauma is even more pronounced for dogs who are up in years.  To the point, when they are in their golden years, they don't adapt as easily as their younger counterparts might, BUT that doesn't mean they don't still have quality of life and deserve a warm fluffy bed, a belly full of food, a gentle stroke of a hand, and a place to call home too.

 

Although our space for resident dogs is limited, when we commit to a senior German Shepherd resident dog, it is for the duration of that dog's life. And while they are with us, they receive top-notch care, which includes regular vet check-ups and medical attention, high-quality food and treats, plenty of orthopedic pillows to rest on, brand-name harnesses' and wheelchairs (for those who need them), constant supervision as they are rarely left alone, plenty of outdoor space for short, frequent walks in the fresh country air, toys for those who want to play,  and most of all lots of love and affection.  In short, when we agree to take on an abandoned senior German Shepherd, we commit to the fullest extent and treat them like they are our own because they are.

 

However, caring for our resident dogs is not cheap, and we are constantly in need of financial assistance and volunteers who share our views.

 

There is a Donate button at the top of the web page for those who would like to sponsor one of our resident dogs or make a one-time donation. We sure would appreciate it, and so would the senior German Shepherds in our care. Every dollar is tax-deductible (EIN 45-1284897) and goes toward the direct care of the dogs. Won't you help us, help them?

 

This page showcases the senior German Shepherds in our care, past and present, and our furry angels in heaven.