Unsung Heroes of Rescue

Unsung Heroes

 

 

 

In the rescue world, there are more heroes than most people know about.   Of course, there are also those who everyone does know about.   They do a good job of marketing their efforts.   However, at German Shepherd Rescue of OC, we have one group in particular who I consider heroes and the backbone of this rescue.  

 

 

Today, it is going to be 100 degrees outside.   Most people will stay inside where it is cool.   But as you pour yourself a second cup of coffee, there is a group of 20-25 people who are getting ready to make a drive over to a kennel to pick up a dog.   This is not just any dog.   It is a dog that someone else threw away.   It is a dog who would not get any attention if it wasn't for this person.  This dog wouldn't get to go on a car ride today.  She wouldn't get brushed and loved.   She wouldn't get to be out of her kennel for 5-6 hours today stretching her legs, making friends and HOPEFULLY, HOPEFULLY finding her home.    That is what this group is doing today.   Giving these dogs hope.  Giving them a chance.   You can bet that they fall in love every Saturday.   And you can bet their hearts break a little every Saturday, too.  

 

 

You see, after standing in the heat all day, dousing the dogs with love and ice water...they have to take the babies back to the kennel and drop them off.    It is not easy.   Truth is, it rips your heart out.   But these heroes do it every weekend.   They give up every Saturday to do the work that no one talks about in rescue.  They load the dogs into their own cars, surely getting hair and who knows what else all over their cars.  They buy treats.   They open their hearts for this day, for this dog.    It isn't glamorous like pulling a dog from a shelter and whisking them off to safety.   It isn't placing a dog in a home and taking the Happy Ending pics as the dog rides off into the sunset.  

 

 

This is the heart hard work.   This is hero work.  

 



 

 

 



German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County | Dogs for Adoption

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County | Dogs for Adoption

German Shepherd Rescue OC

I nominate German Shepherd Rescue Orange County as an Outstanding Organization.  GSROC rescues approximately 400 dogs in need every year and find them good homes.  Our orphans come from all manner of situations and backgrounds.  We've saved dogs from certain death on freeways.  We've rescued strays wandering the streets and dogs in abuse/neglect situations.  We save the majority of our dogs, however, from the shelters in Southern California where many are only hours or minutes away from euthanasia.  Each of our dogs would have a story to tell, if only they could.  

Quite a few of our dogs face additional obstacles once they’re safely in our care.  Many have health issues.  GSROC provides them with the medical care they need.  This is often very expensive, but despite the great cost of fixing broken bones, saving the lives of puppies with parvovirus, treating mange, or any other malady, GSROC does whatever is necessary to restore them to health and never gives up on anyone.

Some of the dogs that come to us have endured emotional trauma.  When they come aboard our lifeboat, they are sometimes shy, frightened, or exhibit other signs of emotional abuse or neglect.  We work with them one-on-on to show them that they are safe and people care about them.  Many of them receive training to build their self confidence and make them more adoptable. 

The dedicated volunteers of our organization work tirelessly on behalf of our orphans. We drive to far flung locations to bring them to safety. We have at least one adoption event every weekend, and often there are more.  Our fundraising is ceaseless and inventive.  Under the leadership of our indefatigable director, we perform our many and varied duties with a single aim:  to help the dogs we love and are passionate about helping. 

Please see below a photo of Cassandra, one of our many homeless but hopeful dogs at an event held at our local Crevier MINI dealership.  Second:  GSROC is well represented at the annual Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade every year.  Third:  Cash finds his perfect match and is now living "happily ever after."

 

Do you have an animal rescue volunteer and/or organization you would like to nominate? Complete details at Fenced In by Love 2014 – Dog Rescue Organization and Volunteer Of The Year – Great rewards for all participants and for the winning nominations in various categories