GSRNE Rescue Tails Page 10

Ina

We are so grateful that we have had this opportunity to rescue Ina. We walk her 6 miles a day in beautiful woods, cook her three fresh organic meals a day, give her birthday parties, wonderful vacations, and sit on the couch with her snuggled up to us with her head on our lap. Thank you so much for your blessing; it is our blessing to have Ina in our lives.

Here are some more pics of our wonderful, sweet, happy girl, Tai and Michael

Koa, GSRNE #166

January 2007

Koa and his family were being held after being confiscated for an abuse/neglect case and had spent most of his first 7 months in a shelter while awaiting judgment. Shortly after the shelter was awarded custody, they called GSRNE for help.

Koa and I met for the first time when I picked him up in Connecticut for German Shepherd Rescue of New England. He was a very insecure boy that did not ride well in the car as he had little if any experience with cars.

When Koa first came into GSRNE he hated being touched. He had never lived in a house. He suffered from separation anxiety and had panic attacks when you tried to touch his legs and paws. He had a lot to learn. I was lucky to visit him often his first three weeks with GSRNE as he adjusted to being a dog that lived indoors and was cared for with love and tenderness.

My beautiful Christy, GSRNE #115 (see Rainbow Bridge), had passed away a few months before I picked up Koa and I had no intention of fostering or adopting for a very long time. Fate had other plans. A foster home was desperately needed for Koa and there were none available. I was reluctant at first, because of my recent loss, but then I agreed to foster Koa and he came to live with me. We took things very slowly and he responded well, becoming a happy confident boy that loves people, dogs, and cats. Actually he loves everything! During this process I fell in love with this very special boy and asked to adopt him.

It has been almost three years now and Koa is a very different dog. As I write this I realize just how far he has come. He loves hugs, kisses, belly rubs and leaning on his mom. He can now stay at home alone with no panic or anxiety. He loves riding in the car, swimming at the beach, and playing in his pool. We walk almost every day and the best part for Koa is when we meet up with other people. He is thoroughly convinced that everyone loves him. I love watching how people respond to him. His enthusiasm is infectious and people just melt around him. He is a goofy, happy boy that loves to play.

Thanks GSRNE!

Koa and Laurie

Lucy Camping in Brimfield, MA

LEO

Leo came to us as a puppy approx 4 months old. We had lost our other Shepherd to what’s called Bloat. At first my husband was not too crazy about getting another dog but I convinced him to get a dog. We have had him almost 2 yrs and he is the best thing that has happened to us. My son Zachary and Leo are best friends. Leo loves to go for rides in the car, his best store is PETSMART. He’s loveable, loyal, and listens (most of the time) except when he wants to play. Leo knows how to speak, lie down, give paw and he also sings to the harmonica. Leo’s left ear does not stand up all the time which is good because it stands for his name Left Ear Over.

Melina and Robert

(Leo is Miya's brother...see page 11)

Zeus

Dec. 2007 Here's a picture of Zeus waiting for Santa.
He knows there will be something under the tree for him.

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason in life. So it was, on June the 9th, 2007, we made the decision to adopt the newest member of our family, ZEUS. He was a perfect match from the beginning. He came at the right time in our lives. We had recently lost our beloved TIFFANI, another German Shepherd, that was in our family for 14 years. Zeus arrived in our family and fit in right away. It was like he lived here all his life. His eyes showed his approval of being here and you could tell he somehow sensed that my wife and I were grieving a bigger loss less than two years ago. If anyone ever guessed animals have a spirit, I am here to tell you they do I believe they are like humans and have souls as well. I further believe in eternal life with our pets. I honestly hope to see them all. I know Zeus won't let me down and will be there.

So, what makes our spoiled German Shepherd so special? Besides, being an inspiration in our life, so full of energy and loyalty, he is our loyal companion and child. Is he a bit spoiled? Um, ahem, yes, indeed he is, but he knows who's in charge and behaves himself. He's the star of the neighborhood, never missing his walks during any day. If the weather is bad, we dress appropriately. He loves other animals and children and when he sees children playing, he wants to run with them and play ball as well. He meets other animals on his walks throughout the neighborhood and although he's always on a lead, he pounces his feet with his rear high up the air, showing he wants to play. He is well behaved on a lead and in our house. He loves to be close to us and snuggle. He's a very affectionate boy and most times, you can see him smile. His teeth get brushed and his coat gets groomed and he enjoys the attention. He believes he should sleep on the end of the bed and sometimes we allow it and other times we won't. When we say "DOWN," he will immediately get down. He loves his Kong Balls and all of his toys. Recently, I walked him up to the local Pet Store and let him choose his own non-destructive toy. He made a good choice and walked in and out like he owned the joint. He loves to sit by the window, looking out with his nose on the window ledge, waiting for me or my wife to get home from work. He just loves the family being together. He also loves company coming over. He gets along well with my grandchildren and is always a gentleman. He loves riding in the car and does an inspection of my car, as we go out the door for our walk, to make sure I haven't cheated on him.

Zeus is probably our 10th dog since we have been married. He has already won a special place in our hearts as one of the top animals of all times. Being familiar with German Shepherds, Zeus showed us immediately what he was made of. He solidified our decision to choose another German Shepherd. Yes, we thought of a Goldie, even a Lab, but how do you not go back to the most wonderful, loyal, noble breed of dogs? He won our hearts quickly and does things daily to impress us.

Thank you GSRNE for allowing us the opportunity to have this wonderful animal as part of our family. As you can see, he has put on a few pounds but he does not get table scraps and just a few small cookies a day. He exercises regularly and is extremely agile and fit. He gets a teaspoon of safflower oil with his dinner to keep his coat nice and soft.

To all of you that trusted us with this wonderful soul, we thank you from the very bottom of our hearts and wish everyone a very special Holiday.

Our love to you all,

Glenn & Patricia Catania

GSRNE Rescue Tails Page 11