Nieko is a 5 year old, neutered male shepherd. He was given up by an owner who kept him in the back yard all the time and didn't do much of anything with him after he was about a year old. He hasn't been abused, but shepherds need a lot more than that. Given the apparent lack of socialization, Nieko is quite friendly and he's been good with the other dogs in his foster home. He was great at the vet even though he's probably only seen a vet two or three times in his life. He hasn't traveled much, but he rode to his foster home and then to the vet with no car sickness. Nieko enjoyed a good brushing and didn't mind my hands being around his food while he ate. He's about 85 pounds so he is well nourished at least. Nieko needs someone who has some time for him, but he is accustomed to so little attention that he is "low maintenance" and not overly demanding. He is very food-motivated, which should make training a breeze. With a little time and attention, Nieko will make a wonderful and devoted companion. You can contact his foster home at vadogrescue@aol.com. if you would like to meet this beautiful boy. .Please check out our web site at www.shepherdrescue.org for more information about our dogs, our adoption process and to download an application. You must have a fully approved application on file prior to privately meeting our dogs. We do not have a facility, all our dogs are housed in private foster homes throughout MD/DC/VA areas. More information available on our web site, so please read through our web site before emailing questions, as it might save us both some time!

VGSR can only adopt dogs out in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area, no exceptions.

Although donations of all types are needed, our primary need is foster homes for our lovely dogs while they wait for their new family to find them. Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience. Vet care is paid for by our rescue, and we can even provide you with food. All YOU need to add is love and security.

The adoption process starts with the applicant filling out the adoption application. This can happen at any time during the process, before or after having met a GSD that might be the ideal companion. (It's an advantage to have a pre-approved application on file with VGSR. It should be stressed here that being pre-approved does not mean that any potential adopter can select any available dog at will and take that dog home immediately. VGSR will exercise its best judgement as to which GSD will be the best match for that specific adopter based on a number of qualifying criteria. Many GSDs that come to us are matched up with their new people very quickly because their people have been pre-approved.) The applicant then submits the application form with a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee. VGSR reviews the application, then schedules an interview and home visit during which a number of questions are asked and the home is reviewed to be sure there is a contained/safe yard, and to meet the family involved. Once the application is approved, the applicant is asked to submit a $250.00 donation to VGSR, and the adoption is completed.

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