I've only been with Fritz for a short time so far, so there will be more to come for his bio as I get to know him. As for background on this sweet boy: Fritz was apparently with his original owners from the time he was a puppy until about four months ago. He was given to a lady who kept him outside in a pen at all times. I was told she gave him up because "he liked car rides too much" and always wanted to jump in the car. From what I've seen, this boy LOVES car rides! But, who cares?!? I have taken him on many car rides to help him feel at ease, and he's always so excited. He lays down like a good boy and just takes it all in. After he was given up, he was taken to the shelter for a few weeks to a month, before VGSR came in to save him. When I got him his beautiful, long hair was encrusted in feces and full of mats. We had no choice but to shave him completely down. After seeing Frtiz with no hair, it was apparent how emaciated he had become. He is only 65 pounds, and should weigh at least 80-85. He has the largest head, ears and paws I've ever seen.. so I wouldn't be surprised if at his healthiest he's closer to 100 pounds. Fritz is being fostered in a home with other dogs, and he does take to them very well. He has also interacted with my 7 year old niece and was a very polite boy. I am still getting to know him, but from what I can see so far, he is a sad, confused boy who is in need of a lot of love. He does seem to adapt well to new situations, and has been doing wonderful in his foster home. He sleeps great through the night, and goes into his crate while I am away. 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.