Wendy began her research and after seeing the great dogs Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue is helping and the support system that SSR has in place she decided she wanted to do what she could in making a difference for these beautiful dogs.

In a time with so many discouraging stories it is a great opportunity to celebrate in the world of dog rescue. Harper was rescued by SSR from a high-kill shelter in south-Texas. She was around 1 year old when she was placed with her foster family. She had plenty of energy and love for playing with other dogs. She had a beautiful black coat and the softest ears. She was great with children and loved her people. And while it is always great to focus on the positives Harper also had some challenges. She was known to be mouthy, jumpy, and had zero manners. She walked on her foster’s island and even the kitchen table. She barked quite a bit and pulled on her leash. She had quite the prey drive and did not do well with cats or chickens. Thankfully Harper found a family that was willing to work through all of her challenging behaviors. She was adopted by a police officer and his young son. Harper goes on daily runs with her human and has been able to train with K-9 handlers. With all of her training she no longer bolts toward cats and has even improved her leash manners. She also has the best gift any dog could ask for-a boy who she adores. Harper is a great example of what SSR has been able to do to change the lives of not only the dogs but those who choose to make them part of their family.

Have you heard the saying “You don’t find the dog, the dog finds you”? Well this is exactly the case in our story of Maverick and his “meant to be” family with Julie and C.J.

Julie and C.J. knew they wanted to rescue. Julie began her basic google search which lead her to Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. After reviewing the website, facebook and instagram for SSR Julie knew this was the rescue for her and her husband C.J.. As Julie scrolled through the beautiful dogs looking for their forever homes .... there was Maverick! When I asked Julie how she choose Maverick as the dog she was interested in she said “There was something about one of the pictures Dana (Maverick’s Foster) posted online that I just fell in love with at first sight”. Julie explained that Maverick was sprawled out in front of sliding glass doors looking up at the camera like “what!.... am I in your spot”? Julie wasn’t sure why she loved this picture but she was convinced she had to learn more about Maverick!

When adopting an “older” dog, it is important to do you research and find out as much information that you can. Dana ( Maverick’s foster) and Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue were very DETAILED and HONEST about Maverick’s history and past aggression issues. Dana explained that Maverick would be completely fine one minute with someone and then out of no where Maverick would begin barking aggressively at you and may try to nip at your feet. There was not always an obvious trigger for Maverick’s behavior and to please have an open mind when meeting with Maverick. Julie and C.J. had concerns but did not let these concerns stop them from wanting to meet Maverick! Julie had grown up with German Shepherds and had experience with their protective nature. They both knew that by making the decision of not wanting to adopt a puppy there were going to be challenges and they were ready to work! 

Dana(Maverick’s foster) and Julie spoke several times on the phone before the first meeting and came up with a plan to try to help Maverick not feel threatened during the meet and greet. Julie admitted she was nervous when first entering Dana’s house to meet Maverick. She was pleasantly surprised when Maverick ran up and sniffed her. He didn't seem to pay much attention to her. Dana gave Julie and C.J. some treats and they started giving him a few commands and things seemed to be going smoothly. Then, just like Dana had warned them, out of nowhere Maverick switched and aggressively barked at Julie for no apparent reason. Dana had prepared them and told Julie to immediately say "no, Maverick", which they did and Maverick immediately stood down. Maverick needed a minute or two to calm down but once he felt comfortable he came back to Julie for a treat and let her pet him. They played outside with Maverick and about an hour in to playtime Julie and C.J. were on the ground cuddled up with Maverick. Julie explained, “Just like when I first saw the picture, there was something about him that made my hesitations go away. To be honest, we wanted a dog that would be a bit protective. My husband is a police officer and works nights so I'm alone a good amount and wanted to have that bit of security”. Julie also recognized that Maverick would have to be comfortable and ok with people entering their home. 

Julie was ready to take Maverick home that day but her husband suggested they needed to prepare their home for Maverick’s arrival. They came back a week later and the same incident occurred. Maverick seemed fine then snapped a little but Julie and C.J. quickly put him in his place and Maverick calmed down. 

Since the day Maverick jumped into Julie and C.J.’s truck to go home , they haven't experienced any aggression issues towards them. Julie stated “It was like he knew we were his new peeps. He settled in pretty quickly and didn't have as much anxiety as I was worried about”.

When Julie was asked about the top three challenges since  Maverick’s adoption and how Julie and C.J. have been working to overcome these Julie stated, “This may sound like a lie but there are not three challenges with Maverick. There is just one major challenge and that is his unpredictability with strangers. He is amazing when it's just us - listens (mostly), knows basic commands, the best snuggler, no chewing obsession (unless it's his toys), house and crate trained , but when introducing him to new people, you never know what you are going to get. Sometimes he's perfectly fine and you just get a bark or two. Other times, it's very aggressive and he nips at people's feet. We've been really trying to socialize him with people more but it's hard to get volunteers. Not a ton of people are raising their hands when you ask them to come over and see if your dog will react negatively to them”. 

The couple recognized Maverick is going to need more help than just what they can give him so in July Maverick will start an 8-week program that focuses on obedience and dog aggression. They are very hopeful that this will help figure out his triggers (if there is one) and make him less anxious with new people.  

Maverick has completed Julie and C.J.’s family. Julie and C.J. purchased a home last year. They do not plan on having children but they knew they wanted a dog.  Adopting a German Shepherd from SSR was such a monumental milestone in their life and they know Maverick was the piece they were looking for to complete their little family. 

Julie expressed her feelings of how nice it is to have Maverick to come home to after work. He may not be able to talk back but they have lots of chats and glasses of wine (water for him, of course) during commercials while watching Grey's Anatomy!

Julie and C.J. have found the are more active outside. Maverick forces them to get up, take him out, play, etc. Julie is training for a half marathon and Maverick does really well on the hands-free leash and has turned into a pretty good partner.

CJ wanted a riding partner for a long time. Maverick has filled that void! He LOVES riding in trucks and cars which is another reason they want to get him socialized more so they can take him more places! Julie was kind enough to share a snapshot of their beautiful relationship when she explained, “I'll make a cup of coffee, sit on the couch with a book and Maverick will lay on the couch with me and place his head in my lap. I think Maverick's favorite hobby is to stare out the living room window and check out what our neighbors are doing”.

Maverick’s absolute favorite thing to do is play fetch (but only with balls, he doesn't seem to care about sticks or frisbees. He loves to prance (yes, prance) with his ball in the yard. After he gets warm from running around, he will put his paws in his water bowl. Julie said “we thought it was super cute at first...then we started finding water everywhere , We still get a kick out of it and laugh every time”!

Thank you to Dana and Julie and C.J. for taking a chance on Maverick! For not giving up and supporting Maverick with the time, patience, help , training and most importantly the LOVE that he deserves!