SUCCESS STORIES - 2003
Here's why we do what we do.
The dogs on this page have found happy, loving homes in 2003.
Jake (formerly Rommel) - Went to a couple in New
Braunsfels. He was rescued by one GSD's volunteers who
saved him from the Pound when he was about six months old.  
As you can see, Rommel is a very handsome boy and is very
happy in his new life.  See 2004 for stories about Jake's
adopted sister Gracie
Lokie (formerly angel)  Was adopted by a couple who were
engaged to be married.  The man already had a GSD who
was being trained in Search and Rescue.  Lokie was adopted
by the woman and is also being trained in Search and
Rescue.  Lokie, which means "God of Mischief", is now part of
a wonderful team and has a terrific home. Thanks to Rescue,
Lokie's life was saved - some day she may save a human life.

From Lokie's guardian, Decmeber, 2003: Please forgive me
for not writing sooner!  Loki is absolutely adorable and I could
not have gotten a better GSD.  She is still mischevious and I
have recently begun to crate her again when she is left alone
for short periods because she grows bored.  Other than that
she is a doll!  I found an obedience group to which Loki and I
go to every Sunday for about an hour.  She is making great
progress in it and the other participants always compliment
her beauty and how well she is doing.  Back in the beginning
of November Jay and I took our dogs camping with us.  This
was Loki's first time and she loved it.  She enjoyed being out
in the wilderness and swimming in the lake as well as taking
long walks on trails.  We plan to go on many more
camping/hiking trips as soon as the weather warms up a bit.

I know I say this every time, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for
letting me adopt her.  She is a joy to
have around.
Duke and Bailey (formerly Katie) - Duke was a handsome
boy was adopted a Austin paramedic and is doing really well
in his new home.  About a year later, Duke's dad adopted
Bailey (formerly Katie) from us.  See Success Stories 2005 for
more on her.

Duke's new dad writes: Duke is doing great.  He is just over a
year old.  Here is a new picture.  Thanks again.
Luger Then
Luger Now.  Not much
has changed~still
chillin'
Luger was adopted by a couple in Dallas who really adore
him.  The husband had a white shepherd when he was young
and so a special place in his heart for them.   The couple also
have several kids, and now they also have Luger who is
making wonderful memories for them as well.

From Luger's Family, October, 2003:
Just writing you to give you a update on Luger. He's gotten
out a couple of times but we have been able to catch him
when he tires. He is getting along well with friends and family
and wakes me up at night to go out and use it (LOL), which I
don't mind at all.   [He] goes out at night just to bark at
anything out there.  We're extending our fence to give him
more room to run.
Jesse was a real mess when we pulled him from the shelter.  
He was badly emaciated and had a severely injured leg.  He
has grown into a handsome boy who is much loved by his new
family.
Buster was one of the fastest placements ever.  He was
pulled from town lake during lunch and taken to work.  A
co-worker who had been devastated by the loss of her canine
companion fell in love with him at first site and took him home
wonderful with grandkids.
Ada and Colin (her brother)  were adopted by a young
couple - sight unseen by the husband who was in Iraq at the
time.  

Update:  I just wanted to update you on Colin and Ada!  
They're both doing very good and we're starting training next
week.  They  both have fit into our family very well and love
the cats and children!  They are also very protective of me,
which is what  I wanted.  I have taken some pictures of them,
but haven't developed them yet, but when  I do I will send you
some!   Thanks again Bev!  Kendra, Ada, and Colin
Tucker was in rescue for many months before finding Alex,
his new best friend,  they play endlessly,  Alex is so happy  
she  knows they will have many happy  years together!
Trudy Is a really loving, sweet girl who went to a good home.
Baron is doing quite well. He and my son are like two peas in
a pod. We're going to Triple Crown Dog Training Academy
this evening.... We should start classes next week. He's a
great pup.  Just working on fine tuning his potty training
skills-he seems to like to potty in the house (sometimes) the
garage and my flower beds.

Update from Baron's Guardian, on August 3, 2004 writes:

BARON IS DOING GREAT.  HE HAS GROWN TO 30
POUNDS!  HIS WEIGHT ON HIS FIRST VISIT WAS 16.1
POUNDS.  THE DOCTOR SAID TO KEEP HIM LEAN SO THAT
HIS JOINTS WILL HAVE LESS STRESS ON THEM AS HE
GROWS BIGGER.  HE WAS @ THE WESTGATE VET CLINIC
7/17/04. HE WAS GIVEN HIS BOOSTER SHOT AND
GENERAL PHYSICAL EXAM. BARON HAS LEARNED THE
FOLLOWING COMMANDS:  SIT, STAY, SHAKE HANDS.  HE
IS A VERY SMART AND FRIENDLY PUPPY.  HE LEARNS
QUICKLY.  HE IS A VERY ACTIVE AND PLAYFUL.  HE HAS
SCATTERED ALL OF HIS TOYS IN THE BACKYARD.  HE
LOVES TO CHASE DOWN THE BUGS @ THE BACKYARD.  
SOMETIMES WHEN WE GO OUT FOR A WALK, BARON
RUNS SO FAST THAT I HAVE TO SPRINT TO KEEP UP WITH
HIM.  ALSO, HE IS ALWAYS SNIFFING AS IF HE IS TRACKING
DOWN SOMEONE.  MAYBE HIS PARENTS WERE RESCUE
DOGS.  
  Onyx was a black lab (and brother to Taz - see 2002) had
only a few more minutes to live when we rescued him from the
shelter. He came to us without knowing the joys of playing with
toys or other puppy stuff. His personality quickly came out,
and he became a lively, affectionate boy. Onyx now lives with
his new family in Central Texas, and is enjoying his puppy
hood.
Duke (formerly Axel) and Bailey (formerly Jessica) -

From Duke & Bailey's guardian, November, 2003 -
Just wanted
to drop you a line and let you know the dogs are doing great. They've
really settled in to their new home very quickly and seem like extremely
happy dogs. They love to run around the back yard and chase each
other and then come inside and play with their toys.  Axel is a wonderful
watch dog and always makes sure the house is secure, while Jessica
just wants her tummy rubbed. At night, Axel prefers to sleep by the door
in the bedroom and Jessica has found her way on to the bed every time
she's ready to go to sleep. They also took a long car ride out to Westlake
on Wednesday evening and did great. They're going to the vet Friday
morning just to get a checkup and on Saturday they are getting bathed
and cleaned up.Take care and thanks for doing such a wonderful job
with the two of them. They are a joy to have around and everyone in our
house has already fallen in love with both of them.

April, 2004 Duke's dad writes:  Just wanted to let you know that
Duke and I started obedience classes with Joyce Morgan this week.
Duke's doing great and really looks forward to going. He picks up
everything really quick and he's always responded well to receiving
praise. He definitely aims to please and is an absolutely wonderful dog.
I think advanced training or agility training is something he would enjoy
as well and will probably look into doing in the future.
Duke is an extremely loyal dog and very protective and loving of the
people in our house. Bailey's as happy-go-lucky as ever and just
wants a tummy rub. She doesn't like it too much when Duke has to
leave, but she's getting better each time and has become more secure
with other dogs and new people on a daily basis.  The new thing they
have really learned to love is car rides. Every time we go for a walk they
stop at the car first to see if we're going for a ride because they know that
means we'll end up at a fun place for them. They love hiking on trails
and they absolutely love water, especially Duke.  Duke also just had all
his vaccinations updated and Bailey will soon after she turns a year old.  
Both of them are doing absolutely wonderful and are as happy as ever.

Duke definitely keeps an eye out for Bailey at all times and they remain
the greatest of friends. I think that has really helped their transition.
They've both proven very trustworthy in the house, which is great
because they have tons of space when I'm out.  They went to the vet last
week and he said they seem like extremely happy and healthy dogs.
They got a bath last week and their  frontline, and I gave them their
heartworm prevention today for the
start of the month.  Beverly [you] did a wonderful job with the two of them
and I know our
household is extremely grateful to have them around.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you guys out. It
makes me sad knowing that dogs like Duke and Bailey had a hard time
finding a home because I can't imagine anyone not loving those two
goofballs.
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas
For Every Dog Adotped, Another Can Be Saved