Maximus (who we call Big Max around here!) came to us to escape to neighborhood children who were extremely abusive to him, so it is understandable that kids make him nervous. It seems that a foster child and some kids next door put a leash on Max, who thought he was going for a walk, then they proceeded to chain him to a tree and beat the stuffing out of him with a metal baseball bat. As a result of the beating, most of his tail had to be amputated and his lower canine is broken. He is supposed to be all German lines, and he certainly looks like it. He is actually pretty good walking on a leash, but he can be reactive to other dogs and some people. He is getting better and better as we do more leash work. Once he trusts you, he leans against you and buries his head into your body for maximum contact. He takes treats very gently and is really good with the other dogs unless they try to steal his blue squeaky raccoon that he likes to carry around. (The raccoon will convey upon adoption!). I used him as a pillow during the Superbowl and he made an excellent cushion. We want to keep him safe, so he will require an experienced owner. But, I can promise you this, he is the dog of a lifetime. He is extremely handsome, highly intelligent, affectionate, protective and just an awesome, awesome fellow. Please check out our web site at www.shepherdrescue.org for more information about our dogs, our adoption process and to download an application. You must have a fully approved application on file prior to privately meeting our dogs. We do not have a facility, all our dogs are housed in private foster homes throughout MD/DC/VA areas. More information available on our web site, so please read through our web site before emailing questions, as it might save us both some time!

VGSR can only adopt dogs out in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area, no exceptions.

Although donations of all types are needed, our primary need is foster homes for our lovely dogs while they wait for their new family to find them. Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience. Vet care is paid for by our rescue, and we can even provide you with food. All YOU need to add is love and security.

The adoption process starts with the applicant filling out the adoption application. This can happen at any time during the process, before or after having met a GSD that might be the ideal companion. (It's an advantage to have a pre-approved application on file with VGSR. It should be stressed here that being pre-approved does not mean that any potential adopter can select any available dog at will and take that dog home immediately. VGSR will exercise its best judgement as to which GSD will be the best match for that specific adopter based on a number of qualifying criteria. Many GSDs that come to us are matched up with their new people very quickly because their people have been pre-approved.) The applicant then submits the application form with a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee. VGSR reviews the application, then schedules an interview and home visit during which a number of questions are asked and the home is reviewed to be sure there is a contained/safe yard, and to meet the family involved. Once the application is approved, the applicant is asked to submit a $250.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.

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