German Shepherd Rescue Victoria

Done and dusted, that's a wrap for the 2024 Dog Lover's Festival

Our dogs are all exhausted having received endless amounts of pats, cuddles and selfie requests, they all did an amazing job being ambassadors not only for this wonderful breed but for how great a rescue dog can be.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to visit us over the last 2 days, we met so many wonderful people; whilst these events are always good to fundraise, what we love most is the 'friend-raising' we get to do ❤ we are starting to see foster and adoption applications flood in from people we met, which is always the ultimate goal to spread awareness and help our dogs find loving homes!

Thank you again to The Dog Lovers Festival for having us and for sponsoring the adoption zone for all of the amazing rescue groups.

And finally, to our amazing volunteers who donated their time, products, and for some... their sanity, a huge thank you to you, we couldn't do it without you! We must also recognise the many volunteers who did not attend this year, transporting dogs to their forever and foster homes this weekend, carrying on our day to day work too ❤

We are all packed up and are going to put up our paws and rest, it's been a massive weekend, it's time for a dog nap! 😴

Beautiful Meeka is lapping up the pats and cuddles at the Dog Lovers Festival! Just over 1 hour to go, don't forget to come and say hi to our team and our beautiful shepherds at Stand G-802 in the Grand Pavillion!

Stella is back for day 2 at the Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival!
This gorgeous girl is just 6 months old and is looking for her forever home! Come and say hi at stand G802 in the Adoption Zone in the grand pavillion.

DOG LOVERS FESTIVAL - DAY 1

Harry, Fletcher and Stella are here soaking up all the pats! Lada, Charlie, Yuki and Vada will be joining us this afternoon!

After 4 years, we are proud to announce that our Coffee table book is here! Simon from Living Image Photography will kindly be donating $50 from every book sold this weekend at the show to GSRV!

Like every year, our 2025 calendars and diaries are available hot off the press this weekend!

We can't wait to see you here and hope you can make it!

OUR DOUBLE HEARTBREAK, THE RAINBOW BRIDGE HAS 2 MORE ANGELS 🌈💔

Yesterday we again had to say Goodbye to not one, but two of our own… Xena and Krugie.
Life just doesn’t feel fair that we lost both of these beautiful dogs in the same day, we are absolutely devastated to say Goodbye to 2 dogs who have given so much to our rescue, that we will be a little bit lost without.

Xena came to GSRV 6 years ago, our volunteer Andrew went to assess Xena and fell instantly in love with her, he called us up to ask if he could please adopt her and never looked back. Xena instantly fit into her new family and adored Andrew’s other German Shepherd Dakota as well as the kids, they couldn’t have asked for a better dog.

Xena’s relaxed, calm demeanour meant that she soon found herself helping other dogs through GSRV, Xena would go on assessments and help other dogs feel at ease in her presence, she was one in a million. It wasn’t long before Xena got the call up to be an ambassador dog for our events, specifically the Dog Lovers show, where she absolutely loved being the centre of attention receiving all the pats and treats on offer. Xena soon found herself crowned with the nickname ‘melting dog’ because she would flop onto the floor and it looked like she had melted into it, her calm, beautiful nature the perfect fit to show off our beautiful breed. It seems unfair and cruel that we have lost Xena less than 2 weeks before the Dog Lovers Festival, where we know she would have once again charmed everyone and been the star of the show, we will be missing our melting girl so much on the day.

When Xena wasn’t being the best girl ever for GSRV, she loved to play with Dakota and absolutely loved getting wet in her doggy pool, or chasing the hose. Xena loved her life with her family and was spoiled rotten until the very end.

Kruger more affectionately known as Krugie or Krugie Bear, lived a miserable life with a backyard breeder until he came into GSRV care at the age of 7. Scared of the world and of his own shadow, we knew that Krugie needed someone special to foster him, and show him the love he deserved, so of course we called up the founder of GSRV Ange, and her beautiful Georgie Girl to help this poor boy.

Georgie took Krugie under her wing, and taught him everything she knew, he soon became a happy, loved dog and it wasn’t long until Ange realised, Krugie wasn’t going anywhere, and he was deemed a foster fail, he had found his forever home. Krugie carried on Georgie’s legacy when she passed away and has helped many foster dogs that have come through his home, his cool calm demeanour always reassuring them that they would be ok. Krugie has been accepting of playful puppies, grumpy older dogs and everyone in between, he was just that kind of guy… happy to go with the flow. Krugie now passes on his legacy to Poppy, Bubbles and of course another foster dog, Foxie… right up until the very end, he was teaching new dogs how to love.

The loss of these 2 amazing dogs on the same day is unimaginable, whilst Krugie fought a long, hard battle with cancer, Xena’s loss was very sudden. The pain for their families is the same, utter heartbreak.
We can’t thank both Xena and Krugie for their service for GSRV, for everything they’ve done not only for German Shepherds as a breed, but for rescue dogs in general.

To Andrew, Renee, Leilani, Phoenix and Dakota; and to Ange, Poppy and Bubbles, we are so sorry for the loss of your most precious friends. Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly hard time, please find comfort that both Xena and Krugie had such wonderful lives with each of your families, and both passed in your arms knowing how loved they were.

Sweet dreams Xena and Krugie, time to travel to the rainbow bridge together where so many GSRV dogs are waiting for you ♥️🌈 You are leaving a huge hole in our hearts.

DO YOU NEED A LITTLE BIT OF BLISS?

Beautiful Bliss is 3.5 years old and finds herself alone in the pound again due to no fault of her own. Bliss was found as a stray a few months ago, she was quickly adopted through the pound, however the adopter misrepresented the type of life they could give Bliss, and it wasn’t a match. Bliss now needs our help, we are determined that her next home will be forever.

Bliss is a complete sweetheart, she adores people and is very affectionate and snuggly with her favourite humans, she is as loyal as they come. Bliss is a classic ‘German Shadow’ she wants to follow her people around and would love someone to be home most of the time. Bliss enjoys being inside and is toilet trained, she is best suited to a home with children over the age of 5 who have experience living with a large breed dog.

Bliss is a clever girl that has shown she is a quick learner; she is motivated by both treats and toys and is working on her basic commands in the shelter. Bliss is looking for a breed experienced owner that will put in the time and effort into teaching her manners and boundaries in her new home, she would benefit from further socialisation and training to improve her impulse control and work under distraction.

Bliss is an active girl that is looking for a family that will meet both her physical and mental stimulation needs, she has shown good trainability and drive and may like to get involved in dog sports or agility. Bliss will need to keep her quick mind busy; enrichment games, training and puzzles will help to keep Bliss out of mischief.

Bliss isn’t super experienced with other dogs, when she first sees them, she will sometimes bark and jump excitedly, but this is improving every day. Bliss is excited to meet others, she has made many dog friends in the shelter that she enjoys playing with, her doggy manners and greeting will need to be worked on in her new home, this is all very new to her. Bliss would love to live with a large-breed male dog in her new home, a friendly companion that is an even matched temperament. Bliss has not been tested with cats or other small pets.

Bliss will need secure fencing in her new home, she has escaped from wire fencing previously and taken herself for a walk when left without stimulation and not exercised. If Bliss is the only dog in her new home, she would benefit from having someone home most of the time initially.

Bliss is a beautiful, affectionate s***k of a dog that will steal your heart the moment you meet her, this girl has been let down by humans and is wondering what she ever did to deserve ending up in the shelter when all she wants to do is love and be by your side. This girl has endless potential and is a wonderful example of everything a German Shepherd should be; friendly to all but extremely loyal, clever and thrives with training, whilst still being a little cheeky.

If you are in need of a little bit of bliss in your life and can offer this beautiful girl a loving home, please complete an adoption application form via our website or email [email protected] if you are already on our waiting list and wish to adopt Bliss.

www.gsrv.com.au

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PER: RE146569

CAN HEIDI BE HAPPY WITH YOU?

Beautiful little Heidi is 5.5 months old and is looking for a very special forever home. We introduced you all to Maggie a few weeks ago, the shutdown, terrified dog from a puppy farm who was in the pound needing our help, Heidi is Maggie’s baby and was just as scared as her mum. Heidi has spent the last few weeks in foster care and has been learning humans and life can be wonderful, she is ready to bond with her new family and start her forever.

When Heidi arrived in care, she was extremely scared of everyone and everything, she would hide away and run from people, she didn’t want to be touched, refused to eat and wouldn’t make eye contact. It is typical of puppy farm dogs and puppies to find security and comfort in other dogs and Heidi is no exception to this, she immediately attached herself to one of the resident dogs in her foster home and has followed them everywhere ever since, looking to the other dogs for confidence and guidance.

Heidi needs other dogs around her; she is the epitome of ‘monkey see, monkey do’ and models their behaviour, including coming to humans for affection. Over the past few weeks, Heidi has slowly warmed up and now enjoys pats and cuddles on her terms, she will approach you, however, can still get overwhelmed if you walk towards her quickly. Heidi has been so brave and has become the ultimate couch snuggler and even snuck up onto the bed to cuddle her foster mum.

Heidi will need an understanding, patient home that will take things nice and slow, she warms up and approaches when given space and then is very affectionate and sweet. Heidi would do best with a quiet, predictable home that can be her safe place, big movements and loud noises still frighten Heidi, she will run and hide. Heidi is best suited to a home where everyone is over 8 years old that can respect her need to go slow.

Heidi is a good little puppy, she is crate trained, toilet trained and doesn’t jump up or mouth. This may change as she enters her teenage months and grows in confidence, however she responds well to gentle corrections and learns very fast. Heidi is very food motivated and will counter surf and go through bins, this has improved drastically, however she will need ongoing boundaries and training. Heidi will do well with positive reinforcement training, she loves being told she is a good girl and LOVES all food, she would benefit from attending group obedience classes for ongoing socialisation and to develop foundation skills.

Heidi MUST have a male dog in her new home, she relies on other dogs and doesn’t like being separated from them. Heidi loves to cuddle other dogs and doesn’t believe in personal space; she does like to play rough but is also very good at picking up on other dog’s cues. Heidi would do best with a large breed, friendly male dog that is old enough to give her guidance, but young enough to play and be her bestie… she will become their shadow whether they like it or not, so her new brother will need to love the company of other dogs.

Heidi will need ongoing socialisation with the outside world, she will now walk on a lead when she has another dog to follow but this is still very new to her. Heidi stops and watches the world; she is not reactive but is unsure and will need positive exposure and lots of encouragement to build her confidence, having another dog around always motivates her to move forward and be brave.

Heidi has no issue being alone during work hours so long as she is with other dogs, she loves taking part in enrichment toys and games, with these, she hasn’t gotten into too much mischief. Heidi will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation as an adult dog, she would be the ideal café dog that can sit quietly waiting for her puppacino before going on adventures with you.

This beautiful little girl has so much potential and in the right hands, will make the most amazing companion. Right now, Heidi is not your typical crazy puppy and will need someone very patient and loving that will give her the time and space she needs whilst committing to her ongoing socialisation and exposure to ensure she grows into a well-rounded adult dog.

If you have a friendly male dog and can offer Heidi the loving, understanding forever home she deserves, then please, complete an adoption application form via our website or email [email protected] if you are already on our waiting list and wish to adopt Heidi.

www.gsrv.com.au

MC: 956000017459389
PER: RE146569

DASHING DUSTY DESERVES A HAPPY ENDING!

Dusty is a beautiful 15-month-old boy who was found as a stray in rural Victoria a few months ago, no-one has come forward to claim him, so Dusty now finds himself in a shelter confused and scared wondering if he will ever have a forever family.

Dusty is feeling very unsure in the shelter, it is clear that he hasn’t always been treated kindly by humans and he can be a little shy and wary at first when meeting new people. When given the space to come out of his shell, Dusty warms up quickly and then can be quite affectionate and leans in for a cuddle. Dusty can be head shy but is motivated by treats, he needs an understanding and patient person that can show him that humans can be trusted.

Dusty is just a big teenage pup, when he is feeling comfortable and silly he shows some typical puppy behaviours such as mouthing and jumping up, these behaviours also show when Dusty is stressed and seeking reassurance from his handler. Dusty will need a confident, breed experienced handler that can give him clear instructions and feedback, if he knows what is expected from him every time and has consistent training, he will thrive. Dusty is best suited to a home without children under the age of 12.

Dusty is very motivated by both toys and treats; he is keen to learn and engage with his handler and already knows some basic commands. Dusty doesn’t have the best manners on leash and pulls hard when out on walks, he will need ongoing training to learn impulse control. Walks can be pretty stressful for Dusty right now; the world is a scary place. Dusty is best walked in quiet areas or at quiet times of the day whilst he builds up his confidence with the world around him.

Once Dust forms a bond with you, he wants to be by your side and to please you, this gorgeous boy shows that incredible loyal German Shadow trait, we can just see him following his new human around the house ‘helping’ and keeping you on your toes with his goofy antics.

Dusty is looking for an active family that can provide him with plenty of mental stimulation through training, puzzles, games and treat dispensers, he is clever boy that will need to keep his quick mind busy. Dust will need regular exercise and would love to eventually go on different adventures and outings with his new family.

Dusty is conflicted around other dogs, whilst he has made 1 dog friend in the shelter, others he is not so much a fan of and lashes out when he is feeling unsure. Dusty will need slow, positive socialisation with other dogs, his new family would benefit from working with a trainer to gain strategies and techniques to keep Dusty calm and engaged when other dogs around. For now, Dusty needs to be the only pet in his new home, he is not suited to a home with cats or other small pets.

Dusty deserves so much better than the life he has had so far, now in the pound at just 15 months old, he is ready to start living his life and experiencing the world 1 day at a time, seeing all it has to offer. Dusty is desperate to love and trust, he is ready to completely give himself to someone that can give him all the time and energy he needs.

If you have experience with German Shepherds and can work with Dusty to win his trust and build his confidence, we want to hear from you! Please complete an adoption application form via our website or email [email protected] if you are already on our waiting list and wish to adopt Dusty.

www.gsrv.com.au

MC: 956000016240767
PER: RE146569

HEALING HAZEL

Late last week, we were contacted to urgently help a 6-month-old German Shepherd pup. Hazel had been surrendered to Geelong Animal Welfare Society with a badly broken Tibia and need corrective surgery ASAP. We were horrified when we heard that Hazel’s leg had been broken for over 3 weeks without surgery being performed.

We sent Hazel’s x-rays to Dr Luke Ellis at Peninsula Vet Emergency & Referral Hospital who said, “get her to me by tomorrow lunchtime, and we will get the surgery done.” We couldn’t believe our luck, the day before a long weekend, and they were able to squeeze Hazel in! Now was the task of getting her from Geelong to Mornington… our volunteer picked up Hazel and met her new foster carer in Queenscliff, Hazel and her foster mum then rode the ferry back to Sorrento before the final drive to the vet.

Hazel had corrective surgery that same day, her bone had healed significantly more than initially thought, so the plan slightly changed, and an external fixture was placed to ensure minimal pain and maximum recovery for this gorgeous little girl. Hazel will be on strict rest for the next 3 weeks; the hope is that she should be almost fully recovered at this time.

We couldn’t save dogs like Hazel without the help from the wonderful team at Peninsula Vet Emergency who always do everything they can to help our dogs. Whether it be a phone consult, reviewing x-rays for us, or taking in a dog with little notice, they always go above and beyond. Thank you never seems like enough.

We also couldn’t take in Hazel or other dogs needing emergency help without our amazing foster carers, who are always willing to help whenever they can. We are always looking for more carers to help us save these urgent dogs, we are beyond grateful that Hazel’s foster mum said yes when she received our desperate call.

Hazel is now in her new foster home recovering, she isn't very happy being kept quiet, all she wants to do is play!
Welcome to your new beginning darling Hazel, only a few more weeks of confinement and then this part of your life will be a distant memory ❤️

A SECOND CHANCE FOR SWEETHEART INDY ❤️

Beautiful little Indy is just 8 months old and finds herself abandoned in the pound, alone and scared. This sweet baby has not had the best start to life, her lack of socialisation and distrust in humans is evident in the shelter, but underneath this timid pup, we see glimpses of a loving, affectionate girl that is ready for her new beginning.

When Indy arrived at the shelter, she was extremely shy and timid, the staff have been working with Indy every day to boost her confidence and gain her trust. When Indy knows she is safe, she leans into you for pats and gives sweet little kisses, Indy takes a little while to warm up and will need an understanding and patient owner that will give Indy the space to come out of her shell.

Indy can be a little frightened of sudden movements and loud noises, she will need a calm, quiet environment so that she can decompress and build up to a normal life outside of the shelter. Indy would be best suited to a home where everyone is over the age of 12 that will go nice and slow with Indy.

Indy enjoys treats; getting rewards and praise helps build up her confidence and makes it easy to shape positive behaviours from her. Indy is just a pup with minimal training, her new family must be committed to her ongoing training and socialisation using positive reinforcement only, she would eventually thrive attending group sessions where she can learn to focus and socialise in a controlled environment.

Indy will need a gradual introduction to the outside world, it is clear that she hasn’t had much exposure to new environments or situations, she is easily overwhelmed. Indy will jump up and seek reassurance from her handler, she needs to experience the world one positive step at a time.

Indy is a young shepherd that will need plenty of exercise and enrichment, Indy loves treat games and puzzles, when she works them out and gets her reward, her confidence and pride beams through. Indy will need an active family that can meet her exercise needs and give her mental stimulation so that she stays out of trouble and keeps her quick mind busy.

Indy is a little worried about other dogs, she is not aggressive, nor has she been reactive in the shelter, she just doesn’t know what to do with them and is a little shutdown, seeking reassurance from people. We think that living with a calm, large breed male dog could really help Indy to come out of her shell and show her the ropes, she will need her space to be respected, and perhaps some initial separation when she is unsure. Indy would also be ok as the only dog in her new home, she has not been tested with cats or other small pets.

Indy is living with hip dysplasia; she has known this discomfort her entire life and currently doesn’t show any signs of pain. Indy bunny hops when she runs but otherwise gets around like any other dog. Our specialists have advised that Indy doesn’t need surgery at the moment, and possibly never will, it’s a matter of wait and see as she grows. We have made the decision to have Indy join our ‘Medical Adoption’ program, this means that if Indy ever needs surgery for her hips, GSRV will financially support her family with this, as well as with the ongoing management of her condition. Just because she is living with this condition, doesn’t mean she deserves a loving home any less, we are here to support her new family.

This beautiful little girl has so much potential, she is sweet and playful like any other pup, she loves toys and games and has a cheeky side that comes out when she is feeling safe and happy. With a little love, patience and positive exposure she will become the most brilliant dog.

If Indy sounds like she could be the one for you, and you are willing to open up your heart and home to this sweetheart, then please complete an adoption application form via our website or email [email protected] if you are already on our waiting list and wish to adopt Indy.

www.gsrv.com.au

MC: 956000017515790
PER: RE146569

Gorgeous 6 month old Ari is now looking for his forever home ❤️

To view his adoption profile and to apply to adopt Ari, please check out our website:
www.gsrv.com.au

Our gorgeous foster boy Bear is this excited that it is the long weekend!!! 😁

Stay safe everyone, enjoy this glorious weather ♥️

GORGEOUS GRETA NEEDS A NEW HOME

Greta is a beautiful almost 2-year-old working line German Shepherd who finds herself in need of a new home through no fault of her own.

Greta is a very friendly girl that enjoys meeting new people, she can get a little excited at first and will jump up, but soon settles and is happy hanging out and receiving pats. Whilst Greta hasn’t interacted with a lot of children, out and about she is happy to say hello to them. In the home, Greta can be a little boisterous during playtime and may accidentally knock over small children, she would suit a home where everyone is over 5, that have experience living with a boisterous large-breed dog.

Greta is a clever girl that knows her basic commands, she loves to be told she is a good girl and will do anything to please her humans. Greta is motivated by both food and toys; she loves learning and would do well attending further obedience classes. Training your dog is a great way to bond and have fun, Greta will be the type of dog that you can teach party tricks to and would do well in further training such as agility.

An area where Greta needs work is her leash manners, right now, the outside world is very exciting, she pulls towards everything full steam ahead and is lacking in any manners or leash foundation skills. Greta is currently walked on a Halti, however even this proves difficult to stop her pulling, Greta’s new family need to be physically strong to control her and committed to working on her leash walking over time. Greta has responded well in a short session with a trainer; however, this will need ongoing work in her new home.

Greta enjoys the company of other dogs, sometimes she can get a little frustrated and will pull hard towards them when she wants to say hello, but there is no aggression shown, just a teenager that wants to get her way. Greta has frequented an off-lead dog park and gets along with dogs both big and small, she is generally quite submissive with bigger dogs that intimidate her, she will only bark at others if they bark at her.

Greta may like to live with a male dog in her new home, she would also be fine living as the solo dog, the centre of attention.
Greta has grown up with a cat and likes to cuddle up with them, she may be able to live with a cat in her new home, however slow introductions and separation at first would be required. Greta hasn’t been tested with other small pets or livestock.

Greta is an active girl that will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, she enjoys puzzles and figuring things out, she would love to take part in games, training sessions, treat puzzles and other activities that will keep her mind working whilst building her confidence.

Greta will make a great family companion for someone that wants an active dog that can be involved in everything. Greta will thrive with some further training and has such a beautiful, sweet temperament, she will be your loyal, best friend.

If you can offer Greta a loving home full of adventures, training and fun, then please complete an adoption application form via our website or email [email protected] if you are already on our waiting list and wish to adopt Greta.

www.gsrv.com.au

MC: 956000015945968
PER: RE146569