TED KEWLEY

We at LGSR have been involved in the rescue and rehoming of German Shepherds for many years. Originally as part of national organisations we decided to "go it alone" in June 2003 after realising how great a need there was in the Lancashire area alone.

Since we started we have rescued and rehomed an average of 100 dogs and bitches per year of all ages and from all backgrounds. We have had strays in need of veterinary care for horrendous maltreatment (including hammer blows) and at the other end of the scale, well cared for, well loved ones for whom changes in family circumstances made it impossible for their owners to continue to care for them as they would have liked.

We foster the dogs in our own homes believing that a kennel environment is not good for a family companion for any longer than the annual holidays - and not even that long for some. We integrate them as much as possible with the other dogs as some, no matter how well cared for, are badly in need of socialisation. We have dogs that come to us who "don't get on with other dogs" who are living with 3 or 4 others inside the house before they leave, sometimes within days. We have garden runs and pens for those who prefer or need to be alone, heated for winter and with blankets and duvets to keep them comfy.

We have had some who are afraid of their own shadows but with time and patience they learn that most people are not their enemies. Trust needs to be built up over time so we often need to show the new owners how we have worked with the dog and how they also need to build up a rapport so that they become best friends.

We believe that a natural diet is also important for our dogs and where possible feed them natural raw tripe or chicken mince mixed with a good quality dried food, sometimes with a little fresh blended veg with garlic and olive oil, or raw meaty bones.

We also use natural supplements and herbal remedies to help keep our dogs healthy and the vet bills down. Garlic helps keep the tics and fleas away whilst helping with the blood, olive oil is a general all rounder but helps with the coat and skin, eyebright for bathing the eyes, MSM and Glucosamine - your granny might have this for her arthritis but it is wonderful for GSDs with the same problems. We had an old girl of 12 on it who was too stiff and sore to move much without it but still willing to run and play a little with it. It gave her an extra year of decent quality life. We didn't overdo it of course but she was still a happy contented dog. We gave her Willow Bark tablets as well to keep the inflammation down and the pain under control (not to be used without consulting your vet if your dog is on heart medication as it is the herbal equivalent of aspirin).

We home-check all potential owners and ask for vet references so that we can be sure that the right dog is going to the right home. We don't re-home to upstairs flats as a breed with a potential for hip problems should not have to climb stairs everyday but should also have ample opportunity to go outside once the family are home without having to be taken out for "walkies". Of course walks should be part of the everyday routine but in addition to the meanders in and out of the house not instead of. We don't rehome as guard dogs either - our dogs are family members only.

We have a no-breeding policy and as part of the adoption agreement ask that any dog that we have not already neutered has this done as soon as possible.

If you are interested in being a foster carer you need GSD experience and a willingness to give your time to care for one of these wonderful dogs. We pay for food and approved vet bills and expenses.

If you would like to adopt we prefer you to have owned a GSD before or have a good knowledge of the breed but also a willingness to learn with a lot of love to give with an understanding that a rescue dog may sometimes have problems that we don't know about because of an uncertain background. We assess the dogs as much as we can in the time they are with us and keep a diary of their likes and dislikes to pass on when they leave us.

Lancashire German Shepherd Rescue is a Warton (Nr Preston) based non profit making company dedicated to the rescue, short term fostering and long term re-homing of German Shepherds Dogs. Unwanted GSD's are found new homes through our placement scheme which carefully matches up rescued Shepherds with their potential new owners. Owners new and old are provided with any support and guidance they may need. All donations made whether on adoption, transfer or by our kindhearted supporters, go directly to the welfare of the dogs. It pays for food, vet bills, herbal remedies, equipment & toys, grooming etc.

The rescue is run by a dedicated team of people who truly love German Shepherds giving their time and devotion to the welfare of this wonderful breed. The dogs that come to us are fostered by our volunteers in their own homes.

At present we cover the whole of Lancashire working alongside other organisations. Dogs come to us for various reasons. Not only are there the kind of cruelty cases we all hear about in the media, but there are also less obvious causes such as relationship breakdowns, changing work commitments, having to move to accommodation unsuitable for dogs, owners passing away - the list is endless. It's a pity that so few of the many people who want a puppy never consider the "Golden Oldies" but whatever the reason that leads to a dog coming to us we try to establish a successful outcome for both GSD and its new owner.

The picture shows Tammy, Fitz and Jade - the inspiration for The Rescue

Lancashire German Shepherd Rescue registered in England and Wales. Registration Number 4752718.

A Non-profit making Company Limited by Guarantee.

Recognised by the Kennel Club as a breed specific
rescue.
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