Hi, my name is Matthew. I'm a big boy and have served my foster mom well as her personal bodyguard. Friends tell me I look like a police dog, but they've learned that I'm a big softy who will nuzzle you with my large head. I listen well, know the basic commands, and am especially responsive to "come", even when I'd rather be chasing the cat. Since I'm young and healthy, I enjoy long walks in the Reston woods. I used to pull on the leash, but once I learned to trust my foster mom, I stopped pulling. Also, I love to play with toys. I bring one to my foster mom every night after dinner, when we've agreed that it's time to play. I've been living with a really cute girl dog (on whom, I have a bit of a crush). We get along well, once she told me that she's alpha. I'm cool with that. Most of the time the girl and I just lie around while my mom works. I have free roam of the house, as long as the cat is securely separated from me. My foster mom is treating me for an ear infection, which is healing nicely. If you adopt me, please keep an extra eye on my ears to ensure that they're healthy. The Vet says weekly cleanings should do the trick. Since I'm such a big guy, I'd do best with a strong or an experienced handler for those moments where I encounter a male dog I don't like. I get more tolerant of other males every day, but am likely to be insecure for a while if I move in with you. I'm a good dog and would love to have a big yard to play in. 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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