German Shepherd Rescue

German Shepherd Rescue is a no-kill shelter dedicated to saving and finding homes for purebred German Shepherd Dogs.  We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by volunteers and funded entirely by donations and adoption fees.

The shelter is located in Burbank, California and was founded in 1979 by Grace Konosky.  Grace has been involved in animal rescue for over 21 years.  Her dedication to the German Shepherd Dog is what inspired her to open the rescue.  She operates the rescue every day of the year.

The shelter houses about 25 to 30 dogs while they are waiting to be adopted.  We get a wide variety of purebred German Shepherd Dogs, including all white shepherds, long-haired, AKC registered, shepherds of all different sizes and markings, and all different ages.  Most of our dogs are between the ages of one and five years old.  Although we occasionally get puppies, we find that many owners will keep a puppy until it starts to become an adult, and then turn it in to a shelter or rescue (if it's lucky).

While the dog is at the rescue, volunteers get to know them and evaluate each one individually.  This enables the rescue to match each dog with the best possible home.  Any known medical problems are also addressed at this time.  The dogs are well taken care of while they are at the rescue.

Because of the popularity of the breed, the rescue is always full.  A majority of the dogs are brought in by owners who cannot keep them for one reason or another.  There is a waiting list of people who want to give up their purebred dogs.  Because of this overpopulation, we cannot accept dogs that are mixes or other breeds.

Potential adopters are carefully screened to insure that they can provide a safe and loving home for a large-breed dog.  We believe that the dog should become a cherished member of its new family.  We also want to insure that the new home will be a permanent one, because many of the dogs are traumatized when they are abandoned by their owners.  Adopters are asked to sign a contract which states that, if the dog is relinquished for any reason, it must be returned to German Shepherd Rescue.

All of the dogs are spayed or neutered and are up-to-date on their shots before being adopted.  While at the rescue, medical care is provided to each dog based on their individual needs.  German Shepherd Rescue cannot guarantee the future health of the dog, and adopters are encouraged to take the dog to their own veterinarian for a thorough exam.

Grace's latest ambition is to start a sanctuary for the senior and unadoptable dogs that have no where else to go.  She has purchased some property in Tehachapi, several miles North of Los Angeles, for just this purpose.  Plans are currently underway to begin building the necessary housing and enclosures for the animals.  This is a huge project, and any donations towards making this dream a reality are greatly appreciated!  Read about the Tehachapi project in the news!