German Shepherd Rescue group praised for work

Niko and his family paid a visit to Care-A-Lot Pet Supply on Saturday.

The 4 -year-old, 80-pound German shepherd stood close by Louis and Kathy Fernandez, who adopted him through the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.

The Lake Placid couple began fostering Niko on Mother's Day weekend and recently decided he was a perfect fit for their family, which includes three children, ages 2, 5 and 8.

The Fernandez family said the foster experience gave them the chance to get to know Niko and his personality.

"He's a great family dog. He follows the kids from room to room and always has to be with the family," Kathy Fernandez said.

"I like the breed. He's a great family protector," her husband added.

They joined other volunteers and dogs to help increase awareness of the nonprofit group dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of German shepherds for Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Store manager Nadine Moravec said the company hopes to open its doors to more rescue groups.

"We want to help all animals find a forever home," she said.

"We get calls from shelters, owners, police departments," said volunteer Diane Diaz of Lake Terrace.

The owner of three shepherds - Emma, Elvis and Misty a - Diaz said the reasons vary why animals cannot be kept. There may be financial problems, lack of time, relocation or death of an owner, she said. Some don't " make the cut" with the police departments, but become wonderful pets, Diaz said.

The rescue is considered "a last resort" for many of the dogs, who would be euthanized without the group's efforts, she said.

After determining if the dog is right for fostering, the group provides medical care and a suitable foster home is sought, said Diaz, who has cared for about 15 foster dogs over the past three and a half years.

Kempsville resident Pat Halpin is fostering 4-year-old Zeus, who she said "had a rough start in life."

Halpin, who has two teenagers, also is owner of 10-year-old Sadie, a German shepherd rescued at age 1.

"This is a beautiful way of having a second dog, Halpin said of fostering. "You can find out if this really is going to work for your family, plus you're helping an animal."

The Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, formed in 2001, has found homes for more than 2,200 dogs.

The organization is "desperately in need of more foster homes," said volunteer Christy Soelberg Hampton Roads has only a handful, although Northern Virginia has as many as 30, she said.

Regina Root, her daughter, Audrey, 7, and their foster dog, Gwen, a 9-month-old Dutch Shepherd, drove from Williamsburg to support the cause and increase Gwen's chances for adoption.

"She's a delight and is a fast learner," Root said of the dog that joined her family about a week ago.

"I will be sad when she leaves, but happy that she will have a good home," Audrey said.

About 65 dogs await adoption. Donations are needed to cover medical expenses, with the average cost per dog of about $350, Diaz said.

For more information on the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, call (703) 435-2840 or visit online at www.shepherdrescue.org.

Cindy Butler Focke, butler496@aol.com