Austin German Shepherd Rescue Newsletter

Transcription

1 Hero Austin German Shepherd Rescue Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 4 November/ December 2010 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Tom Chambless 1 Vet a Pet 2 Rescue Community Loses Dear Friend and Tireless Volunteer Meet Ivory 2 GSD Meetup Group 3 Senior Dogs 4 Upcoming Events 4 Holiday Gift Ideas 5 Elisabeth Schmidt 5 Eva Good Stuff to Know: All donations to Austin German Shepherd Rescue are tax-deductible. You can donate in memory or in honor of a friend or family member! Did you know that vets recommend brushing your dog s teeth every day? Learn about adopting and volunteering at: Tom Chambless It is with great sadness that AGSR must announce the passing of one of our most dedicated volunteers. Tom Chambless, foster parent to more than 40 dogs over the years, died suddenly on October 10, 2010 at the age of 58. Tom did more than talk about volunteerism; he embodied it, said Anne Burkett, founder of Austin German Shepherd Rescue. When there was no room at the inn anywhere else, Tom always found a place in his heart and his home for a dog in need. Tom loved dogs fiercely, and his greatest pleasure was in training dogs in preparation for placement in their forever homes. Always quick to reward a good sit, down, or stay with a treat, Tom rarely had to raise his voice to his fosters. It was evident in the way his dogs locked eyes with him that they understood that Tom was on their side...that finally, someone was looking out for them. Tom believed that all dogs deserved a second chance. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (herself a dedicated volunteer), four children, five grandchildren, and of course, three fur children: Max, Bosco, and Chloe the so-called failed fosters Tom simply couldn t bear to part with Calendar is Here! Many thanks to the obviously proud parents of the dogs featured in the 2011 AGSR Calendar which is hot off the presses. All entrants submitted beautiful photos of their GSDs and completed the statement I love my German Shepherd because. Month dogs all earned a calendar for their efforts, and of course, bragging rights until 2012! The 2011 AGSR Calendar makes a great gift or stocking stuffer. At just $15 each, you can get one for every German Shepherd lover on your list! Order online at: A memorial service will be held for Tom Chambless on Saturday, November 13 at 1:00 at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, TX, followed by a casual reception at Duke s BBQ in Georgetown. Everyone who knew Tom is welcome to attend, with a special invitation extended to any adopters of Tom s foster dogs. Please RSVP (for the reception only) to Amy Gross at amiebojamie@yahoo.com. The 2011 AGSR Calendar is dedicated to Tom in memory of his many years of service to AGSR. Thanks you, Tom. We sure miss you.

2 2nd Annual Vet a Pet Pledge Drive, Nov From the perspective of a rescue organization, a perfect forever home placement is priceless. Unfortunately, other areas of rescue come with hefty price tags. It costs Austin German Shepherd Rescue about $500 to fully prepare a rescued dog for adoptability assuming the dog is not in need of more comprehensive medical attention. AGSR s vet bills average $5,000-7,000 per month, and we operate entirely on donations. You can help AGSR put a dent in our veterinary expenses by donating to the 2nd Annual Vet a Pet Pledge Drive between November 1-30, Any amount helps and will bring us closer to our goal of $7,500. If you re considering a donation, here are some helpful numbers: $25 pays for microchipping $50 standard veterinary exam and vaccinations $75 pays for spaying or neutering $250 will usually pay for heartworm treatment $500 is the average cost of vetting one dog. If you d like to make a contribution to Vet a Pet, remember that your donation is tax-deductible and that many companies offer matching gift programs whereby you can double your donation simply by asking your corporate office! One hundred percent of all Vet a Pet donations received will be put towards the medical care of our rescued dogs. In true pledge drive fashion, all donations of $250 or more will receive a complimentary copy of the 2011 AGSR Calendar as our gift. Please give generously to AGSR and help Vet a Pet you haven t even met! And follow our progress at: Dreaming of a White Christmas? There is just something breathtaking about white German Shepherds. They turn heads wherever they go. The aptly-named Ivory is a gorgeous and fun, white GSD who loves playing and going on walks and runs. Ivory We estimate her age to be between 2-1/2-3 years and she is very healthy. Ivory is a magnificent dog and exhibits many typical German Shepherd traits. She is a smart and dominant female and would be great as an only dog; however, it is felt that she would be fine with a submissive canine companion. We would also recommend that Ivory go home with an experienced handler who understands and appreciates what makes a GSD tick. Ivory will challenge you and needs strong leadership and guidelines, but that s what makes her such a splendid animal. Ivory enjoys being around children, but because she exhibits some prey drive, she cannot go to a home with cats. She is intelligent, confident, sweettempered, and ready to go to her forever home. Ivory is cratetrained and housebroken, and knows a variety of commands, including Sit, Shake, Down, Come, Drop (whatever is in her mouth) and Okay, to release. Won't you give this lovely young lady a chance at her new forever home? Visit her at and put in your adoption application today! Dogtoberfest! October 23, 2010 Page 2

3 Wollen wir spielen! German Shepherd Meetup Group Nears 150 Members Page 3 Nine months after it was founded, Austin German Shepherd Meetup group has grown to 140 members and has expanded into volunteering, rescue, and fundraising. AGSR volunteer Matt Brown initially started the group for the simple desire of wanting to see more of this wonderful breed up close and personal. "Even as an active volunteer and foster, I still felt like I rarely met other GSDs and their owners," said Matt. But as the group has grown and averaged three Meetups a month, it's become more than just playtime for dogs. "We've added hikes, dining out with the dogs, and we have an upcoming Meetup that will feature a certified trainer," said Matt. "With the synergy of so many members now, we have an ongoing dialogue on the Meetup site that allows members to share ideas, offer advice, and network." Austin German Shepherd Rescue is already reaping ancillary benefits from the Meetup group, since some Meetup members have become volunteers, donors, and even adopters. "The outpouring of support from GSD owners to AGSR has been fantastic," said Matt. "Their desire to have the Meetup group be more than just dog play is pushing us in entirely new directions." With the encouragement of members, GSD Meetup commissioned a T-shirt with the German phrase for "Let's Play" above the head of a confident GSD. Initial sales of the shirts allowed GSD Meetup to make a $100 donation in memory of AGSR volunteer (and Meetup member) Tom Chambless. Membership is free, and Meetups are usually scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Upcoming Meetups include a hike through the Williamson County Regional Park on November 6th and an indoor Meetup at Canine Central on November 20th. You can find out more about the group at Search for Austin German Shepherd Playgroup. Members of the Austin German Shepherd Meetup Group. A Meetup at California Pizza Kitchen on Oct. 19 doubled as a fundraiser for Dogtoberfest. Are you receiving the Austin German Shepherd Rescue Newsletter? To ensure that it goes directly to your inbox every other month, send an to jazz@austingermanshepherdrescue.org with the words Subscribe to Newsletter in the subject line. Visit Our Adoption Page! Lacie Rusty Daisy Romeo

4 Page 4 Adopting a Senior Dog By Liz Coccia Last issue, volunteer Kim AmRhein offered us some tips on puppy housetraining. This month we go to the opposite end of spectrum and see why senior dogs rule! You re weighing the pros and cons of adopting a dog. If your list of cons includes worries over having the time for training and exercise, your shoes or furniture getting chewed up and carpets getting ruined, you might want to think outside of the puppy box and consider adopting a senior (7+ years) dog. Whether you have a young family busy with diapers and bottles, you re a single person who would like to come home to a warm welcome at the end of the day, or you re retired and would like a well-mannered companion for neighborhood strolls, a senior dog has many advantages over a puppy. Here are 10 reasons to adopt a senior dog (adapted from 1. Older dogs are generally housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stages of teaching a puppy house manners, mopping up after accidents, and cleaning carpets. 2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and are less likely to chew your shoes and furniture. 3. Older dogs can focus well because they've often mellowed. Therefore, they often learn quickly. 4. Older dogs have generally learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs. 5. Older dogs often settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. 6. Older dogs are often better at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given. 7. What You See Is What You Get. Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. 8. Older dogs are often instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do. 9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies do. 10. Older dogs generally let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks. Older dogs often end up in shelters and rescue for many of the same reasons as younger dogs: illness or death of the original owner, and lifestyle changes such as new children or marriage. However, a senior dog has the least chance of being placed in a new home. By choosing an older dog, you are making a statement about the value of life at any age. So for the dog lover who says, I would love a dog but., maybe it is time to consider adopting an older dog. For information on adopting an older dog, visit the Senior Dog Project website at As we speak, wonderful seniors Bailey, Riley, and Dennis are patiently waiting for their (second) forever homes. Go to to meet them! Upcoming Events! L to R. Bailey, Riley, and Dennis three senior dogs who, through bad luck, lost their forever homes. Won t you give them a second chance? (Psst don't tell any of them they re seniors they have no idea!) AUSTIN Nov. 28: Meet & Greet, Petsense, Round Rock Outlet Malls (2-4PM) Nov. 17 Dec. 18: Vote for AGSR s tree in the Lack s Trim-a-Tree Contest. Come to the Lack s Furniture at 2020 W. Anderson Lane, Austin and bring a can of food with you. Anyone who donates a can of food can vote for their favorite tree. The organization with the winning tree gets $200, and the food is donated to a local food bank! December: Various Dates. Gift wrapping for donations at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Macy s. Want to help AGSR? We need cheerful faces and fast wrappers! It s a fun and easy way to help save lives. See more on Page 6 or contact coordinator Becky Garcia at dogsrgrtbg@gmail.com. Best. Costume. Ever. Former AGSR dog Magnum and his dad Franklyn Prieskop at Dogtoberfest in Austin on October 23rd.

5 Holiday Gift Ideas from AGSR Bet you have a German Shepherd lover on your Christmas list. Or maybe the GSD lover is you!! All of these gifts can be ordered from and directly benefit the rescue: 2011 AGSR CALENDAR: Love My German Shepherd! The 2011 AGSR Calendar is simply gorgeous, with more than 40 previously adopted AGSR dogs. At just $15, the calendar makes a great stocking stuffer for every German Shepherd fan on your list, and will brighten walls and hearts throughout the year. Hurry supplies are limited! RAFFLE: OODLES OF POO- DLES Handmade Quilt Set Fifi, Coco, Frou and Mimmi are spoiled French poodles who dream of visiting the American Southwest and adorning the bedroom of a little girl from Texas who loves pink, and lives in blue jeans. This quilt set has been handmade with love by one of our volunteers in the hope that it can bring joy to one little girl, and medical care to dogs in need. Tickets for the raffle are just $1 each and the drawing will be held Dec. 15 th. PJs FOR POOCHES! 3 Pairs of Pajamas, Scrubs or Sleepwear Items for Just $25 + $10 shipping! Okay, so the PJs are for you and your family; the pooches get the proceeds! ANY combination of 3 sleepwear items is just $35, which includes shipping directly to your door. Choose from men s and women s flannel PJs, men s sleep pants, children s sleep pants, robes, slippers, and yes, SCRUBS! Check out the entire line of products at then print out an order form at the top right corner of the website. Check to make sure the items you want are still in stock, then our PJ Coordinator, Kelsey Long, at kl1020@yahoo.com. She ll place your order on the spot. For fastest delivery, pay online via PayPal at You can also mail a check (made payable to AGSR ) to: Kelsey Long, 401 Little Texas Lane, Apt. 2020, Austin, TX Hurry, certain products disappear quickly. Order now for best selection! To ensure Christmas delivery, orders must be placed by December 15th. GOODSHOP for AGSR! Do your holiday shopping online at any of hundreds of retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Petco, PetsMart, PetMeds, Apple, Gap, etc.) and a percentage of each sale will go to AGSR. Ready to shop? Go to and under Who do you GoodShop for? enter Austin German Shepherd Rescue. When AGSR is verified, you can begin shopping online and the percentages will automatically be credited to the rescue! Page 5 Have Car, Will Transport! Volunteer Elisabeth Schmidt One of our most frequently asked questions is Where do you get your dogs? Most of the dogs we rescue are pulled from high-kill shelters throughout Texas and Louisiana. Finding them is the easy part. Getting them to us is sometimes a bit more tricky. Elisabeth Schmidt is a transporter for AGSR. She read an article one day about volunteering, and decided to put her free time to use in a cause dear to her heart: helping GSDs. I love driving and have found that dogs make the best traveling companions, says Elisabeth. I have never come across a difficult transport, but sometimes you come across that one dog who is really special and it s hard not to just take him home. Born and raised in Germany, Elisabeth lives in Austin now with her 13-yearold GSD, Hunter. Depending on her work schedule, she will typically do between 2-5 transports per month in her trusty Ford Explorer. Elisabeth says she prefers the long drives to Dallas and Houston, but sometimes a transport simply means getting a dog to a vet appointment. Most transports are uneventful, but Elisabeth recalls that when she picked up Rebel in Cuero, TX, she also did a courtesy transport of a Great Dane for another rescue. He insisted on having his head right over my shoulder, laughs Elisabeth. I did not realize how big those dogs actually are! By the end of the trip the front of my shirt was soaked in dog drool. Elisabeth Schmidt, with Hunter

6 Page 6 German Shepherds Are Known for Helping People... Now It's Our Turn to Help Them Austin German Shepherd Rescue P.O. Box 339 Manor, Texas jazz@austingermanshepherdrescue.org AGSDR Our Mission: To rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home German Shepherds from across the State of Texas. To educate the public about the versatility and ability of the German Shepherd Dog from Family Pet to Working Dog. Also known as Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue (AGSDR) we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, 100% volunteer organization. German Shepherds Are Known for Helping People... Now It's Our Turn to Help Them We re on the Web! Desperate Plea for Foster Families! The holiday season is always a critical time for Austin German Shepherd Rescue, and we are greatly in need of foster homes. Fostering is not for everyone, but for those exceptional families, it is extremely rewarding. Simply put: Without foster homes, AGSR cannot save dogs. If you would like to join the ranks of volunteers that prove everyday you can "save just one," please submit your online application for fostering at If you love German Shepherds, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you are a part of something so rewarding. You love, feed, care for, and work to earn their trust. You help mend the scars left by those they trusted at one time. You make a connection--you look in their faces and see, day by day, the loyalty and admiration being earned back. You look into their eyes and see that they now know--finally someone cares! And that someone is YOU. Pandora Easy Volunteer Opportunity: Gift Wrapping! Looking for an easy way to volunteer with Austin German Shepherd Rescue that doesn t involve fostering or a huge time commitment? If you re handy with paper and ribbon, join the AGSR Olympic Gift Wrapping Team! Our dynamic team wraps holiday gifts at Austin-area stores. Macy s has asked us to gift wrap in their Domain store this year, but in order to accept, we will need a large group of volunteers. Our main wrapping dates will be December 18, 19, 23, and 24. The wrapping is done strictly for donations from busy shoppers, and is usually a very successful fundraising event for us. And it s fun! You get to meet and talk to really nice people while you wrap their gifts, and then watch them drop moolah into our donation jar which helps our dogs. Just know that you will probably be standing on your feet for at least part of the time. Interested? Please contact our gift wrapping coordinator, Becky Garcia, by at dogsrgrtbg@gmail.com. Let her know which date(s) you might be available. We wrap up until Christmas Eve! AUSTIN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE NEWSLETTER