Greater California German Shepherd Rescue Inc

Greater California German Shepherd Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit organization based in Modesto, California. Founded by a group of passionate German Shepherd enthusiasts, the organization is dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd dogs from at-risk situations and placing them in permanent, loving homes.

Mission and Operations

The organization serves communities surrounding Modesto, Merced, Greater Sacramento, and South Lake Tahoe, occasionally extending its services to parts of the North and East San Francisco Bay Area. While they rarely operate outside their primary area, they do serve a portion of Nevada around Lake Tahoe. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue collaborates with local animal shelters, professional trainers, and other rescue groups to achieve their mission of saving dogs' lives.

Adoption Process

Adoption events are regularly held in Riverbank, Sacramento, and Roseville. The organization utilizes a careful matching process to ensure that each dog is placed in a suitable home. This process includes a home visit to assess compatibility between the dog and the household. They prioritize homes where dogs can live indoors with their family, as past experiences have shown that German Shepherds transition better to such environments.

Adoption Preferences

The organization has a specific order of preference for adopters:

1. Foster Homes: They are given the first option to adopt the dog in their care, a common outcome known as a "foster failure."
2. Active Volunteers: In recognition of their contributions, active volunteers are given priority.
3. Previous Successful Adopters: Those who have previously adopted and successfully cared for a dog are preferred.
4. Highly Qualified Owners: Homes recommended by volunteers, especially those known for their ability to handle German Shepherds, are prioritized.
5. General Public: Prospective adopters from the general public are also considered, with the best match for the dog's needs being the primary criterion.

Volunteer and Community Involvement

Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is entirely run by volunteers. The organization consistently seeks additional volunteers and foster homes to support its operations. They emphasize the importance of a safe and suitable environment for the dogs, which means homes with out-of-control children or pets are not eligible for adoption.

Legal Status

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization relies on donations and volunteer efforts to continue its mission of rescuing German Shepherd dogs. There is no CEO salary, reflecting the organization's all-volunteer nature.