Volunteer of the Month
Here are the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue Volunteers of the Month! We appreciate all of them for their tireless work.
Volunteer of the Month for February 2012 is Darcy Clark!
I joined GSGSR as a devout volunteer in the fall of 2010 when I adopted Molly, a stray found by Camp 4 Paws staff in Clayton. As soon as I saw her on the website I knew she was the one for me! She’s an absolute love.
Thinking back on all the dogs I’ve had in my life I find it very interesting how, since the 1970’s, they’ve all been a GS mix or purebred. I actually didn’t have my first pure GS until 1997 when I adopted Jette (Jeanette) from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. She was born at their facility through their breeding program with, unfortunately, hip dysplasia in both hips which automatically disqualified her from their program. But, being the wonderful organization that they are, Guide Dogs wouldn’t think of putting her down. Veterinarians donating their time and expertise performed the needed surgery on both hips and I was then allowed to adopt her at 9 months of age. When I met Jette for the first time she only had one hip “repaired”. The other hip was obviously defective but that didn’t stop her from bouncing towards me (as happy puppies do!) only to smother my face with kisses. That was a wonderful lesson in life! There was no doubt from that moment on that I would adopt her. She lived a very full life of 12 years and was a wonderful companion through some very rough years in my life. After Jette’s passing I knew I had to have another GS to fill the void, that there was one out there waiting for my love. And sure enough, thanks to GSGSR, I found her!
I can’t say enough about being a volunteer for GSGSR. To be involved with finding “forever homes” for these dogs in need is SO rewarding. To work alongside other selfless volunteers a few times each month at adoption days brings so much joy and happiness into my life. The feeling inside is so wonderful when you know you’re a part of making it all come together…putting happy, loving dogs with happy, loving people! Nothing makes me feel better than receiving that special kiss from each GS in need that says…“thank you”.
Volunteer of the Month for January 2012 is Seema Lohithakshan!
Seema says: "It is an honor to be a part of a group that selflessly devotes their time and energy into rescuing animals. I joined this group as I was impressed by their dedication and commitment to saving the lives of these helpless animals.
I got my first GSD in 1995, Stalin was 8 weeks old and was given to me by a friend in an effort to "convert me to a dog person" possibly because I wouldn't stop talking about my cats and kittens. Since my parents were looking for a dog, I took him home and since then I have not stopped talking about my dogs or cats. After I moved to North America I waited almost a decade to adopt a dog as it was never a good time or place. Bryan and I started visiting dogs at adoption days, animal shelters and the SPCA on a weekly basis to spend time with the dogs. Finally, at an adoption day in Walnut Creek, Bryan and I decided to foster GSD's. Our fourth foster Portia made us commit to her on day 3 with her sweet temperament and easy going nature.
At this point I help promote GSGSR by managing GSGSR facebook page and Rescue Me page, Bryan and I also work as fosters and adoption counselors. I truly believe that you can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."
Volunteer of the Month for December 2011 is Eleza Kerfoot!
Eleza says, "My goal is to help make people's lives not only liveable with their dogs but enjoyable so that they will keep them and find the true joy in owning a dog once you get past the little frustrations that stand in the way. And to make those dogs without homes the best they can be to become more adoptable. They are all such great dogs, and with a little work they can be so wonderful! My favorite. personal experience success story:
Luke came out of a hoarders house in Loomis that had 80 animals. He came to me with such a great temperment for being in such an awful situation. A family came to look at him and I had him on a leash in the front yard and he walked up to one of their kids and rested his head into the kids shoulder, the kid wrapped his arms around Luke and I knew he would be going home with them. It is so rewarding to pull a dog out of a shelter and give them a bath, food, attention and a little training and find them a new home."
Volunteer of the Month for November 2011 is Angela Cantz!
I have always had an interest in German Shepherds because of their intelligence, strength, loyalty and beauty. Three years ago my parents took a trip to Arizona to visit their friends who had recently gotten a puppy named Brinks. While there they caught the GSD bug and brought home Brinks' brother Triton who is now a treasured member of our family. He is everything and more of what I had expected from the breed and knew once my boyfriend Randy and I got into our new home a GSD would have to be added to our little family. We first talked about getting a puppy from a breeder but after I attended a Pet Expo where the German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento had a booth set up we decided we would adopt. This is how I became involved with rescue. Following the Pet Expo, I searched online for Northern California Rescue groups and found GSGSR, submitted a volunteer form, and was immediately contacted by Chris one of our fellow volunteers/ members. The passion in her voice for this breed had me hooked so I joined the group and started out attending Adoption Days. Now I am volunteer, member, on the fundraiser gala committee, assist with social networking on our Facebook site, recently have become a foster mom, and hope to add adoption counselor to that list. There are no words to describe how fulfilling it is to be involved with such a great organization that helps unwanted or mistreated dogs find forever loving homes. It's a great honor to work alongside so many amazing people that dedicate hours to saving this cherished breed