You must be an ISR approved adopter to request and receive further information on our GSPs. The process includes an application review, Veterinarian check, and home visit. Please understand there may be approved adopters already going through various stages of our adoption process; candidates who submitted their applications before those still in the review process, or those who are in the home visit stages.

Expressing an interest for a particular dog already in our rescue does not guarantee that specific dog will be available when you’ve completed the approval process. Also, we must ensure the needs of the dog of interest is a good match to an applicant’s specific circumstances. Completing an application and going through the approval process will add your information to our network. A current approval with your information in our database offers you the greatest opportunity to be matched up with the perfect GSP; a great match for your entire family. To start the application process, please follow the instructions found on this page.

PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Lucy is a younger GSP and gets along well with other dogs; unsure how she will be with cats or young children.  Will require a fenced yard.

LUCY’S STORY:

Lucy is a female GSP weighing about 45 pounds.  She’s about 1 ½ years old with a natural tail and a very pretty muted roan ticked coloring.  She is still going through some “puppy” issues and will occasionally be a little “nippy” during play so if children are in her new home, we recommend they be older to understand this type of play and know how to avoid the nipping.  We aren’t sure how Lucy will be with cats.

We often mention one of our rescues is a “diamond in the rough”, and in Lucy’s case this saying is entirely accurate.  With patience and correct training, Lucy will be shining bright in no time!  She has all the GSP personality traits GSP lovers look for in a dog; friendly, willingness to please, “Velcro” tendencies, smart, playfulness, high energy, completely lovable, enthusiasm, and gets along well with all people and other dogs, too!

However, even with all the wonderful traits Lucy exhibits, she’ll still need a family with the patience and willingness to continue her obedience training and overall development to become a well-rounded, mature GSP.  She’s a quick learner and is very eager to please her foster parents…especially when any type of food or treat reward is involved. 😊  However, she still has room for improvement with her manners, especially during leash walks and trying to keep her from jumping up on people during her excitement to greet them.

Lucy loves playing with her GSP foster brother, Murphy.  As a matter of fact, her fosters tell us little Lucy can be a bit of an instigator when it comes to mischievousness and playtimes with Murphy.  Thankfully, Murphy doesn’t seem to mind and enjoys these rollicking good times with Lucy, too.  Lucy has a very high energy level and having Murphy as a playmate and as an outlet for this energy helps keep Lucy exercised and happy.  She also enjoys long leash walks and running, too.  Her fosters mentioned that with her high energy level and playful spirit may be well suited for Dock Diving and/or Dog Agility sports.

When Murphy isn’t in the mood to be coerced into playing with Lucy, she’ll move on and find her own fun by chewing on bones, playing tug with toys, and playing with her other dog toys.  Lucy just loves to play…with anyone and pretty much anything.  Lucy doesn’t show any aggression around food or toys; however, she always wants the same toy or item that Murphy has at the time.  Hmmm…sounds a little like kids, doesn’t it?

Lucy shows little interest in backyard critters, earning her the label of a non-prey driven GSP.  Yes…rare we know, but to some extent, this can also be a blessing to some families because prey driven GSPs can sometimes present quite a handful to owners, especially when on a leisurely leash walk.  Prey driven GSPs can quickly turn a leisurely leash walk into an “off to the races” jog if the owners aren’t aware of their surroundings. 😊

We already mentioned Lucy is smart.  During the short time she’s been with her fosters she’s learned a couple of commands including, “wait”, “stay”, and “shake”.  They’re also working with her on “sit” and “lay down.”  Lucy is crate-trained and doesn’t show any anxiety if she needs to be crated for a brief time.

When Lucy isn’t playing and has finally expended most of her GSP energy, she may spend some time following her people around until she’s tired enough to lie down next to Murphy or burrow under blankets somewhere.  She’s quite the little snuggler.

Lucy’s foster family loves this little girl and sent us quite a list of wonderful things to say about her.  They say Lucy is “an all-around adorable dog and we actually tease her about needing all the attention.  She is smart and sassy and quite entertaining!”  They recommend Lucy be adopted by a family with the patience and willingness to work with Lucy in a formal training class to help her and them understand the importance of boundaries and obedience.  If children are in the home, it will be best if they are old enough to manage Lucy’s playfulness, which is still very puppy-like, including roughness and occasional nipping.

If Lucy sounds like the “diamond in the rough” you’re willing to mold and shape into that beautiful, brilliant, shining gem and family pet we know she is and wants to be, please complete our Online Adoption Application.  It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.

• Lucy is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.

• Lucy is altered.

Sponsor Lucy      Adopt Lucy

PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Kate is a senior GSP who will need a little more “TLC” and love for her remaining years.  She requires medication for arthritis. Gets along well with other dogs of all sizes.  Unsure how Kate will interact with children or cats as there aren’t any in her foster home.

KATE’S STORY:

Kate is a female, senior GSP who is about 13 years old and weighs about 45 pounds.  She was found as a stray and has now been fully vetted and is ready for her forever home with a family who can give her the “TLC” and love she deserves at this age in her life.

Kate is currently being fostered in a home with 7 other dogs and is very good around all of them; however, she’s not real fond of being “sniffed” when she is eating or drinking.  She isn’t aggressive when this happens, but she may give a little growl if she thinks the other dogs are being more of a bother than she wants.  We’re not sure how Kate will interact with cats or children, as the foster family doesn’t have either in the home.

Kate is very, very much a Velcro GSP and will be found wherever you are taking quite an interest in anything you may be doing.  If her selected “person” isn’t available, she has no problem finding another person to cuddle with and follow around in hopes of getting those much-loved pets and hugs.

Even though Kate is a senior and is currently taking medication for arthritis, she still has a lot of pep in her step and really looks forward to daily leash walks.  When on these walks, she acts younger than her 13 years and eagerly sniffs everything of interest, keeping her eyes and ears open for possible critter action.  Like many of us, as we age our minds continue to make us think of ourselves as much younger than our bodies will confirm we are, and Kate is somewhat the same way.  When she sees a squirrel or other backyard animal, she likes to give chase; however, there’s no danger to the prey because Kate just isn’t quick enough to pose a true risk. 😊

Other than taking Kate for long walks, she doesn’t require a lot of exercise and is a pretty low-energy GSP.  Kate is crate-trained but will put up a loud fuss once inside…unless she’s eating something.  Her foster family doesn’t crate her when they leave because with 7 other dogs, she’s never really alone and she hasn’t damaged anything or hurt herself if they have to be gone for a short time.

Kate doesn’t show any interest in playing with the other dogs or even playing with a Nylabone or a Kong; however, she may enjoy some stuffed animals in her new home.  Her foster family can’t allow stuffed animals in the home due to the rough play of the other dogs and their determination to “destroy all stuffed fuzziness in their reach.” 😊

Kate is very food motivated and when it comes to getting treats, you’d never know she’s 13 years old.  She can grab a treat quicker than that super speedy DC comic star “The Flash”!  She routinely beats all the other dogs to the treat, even the younger, quicker 3-year-old!  And if you’re going to open the refrigerator or trash can, the aromas coming from those items are pretty enticing to Kate, too, so it’s likely you’ll find her nearby hoping you’ll share whatever it is you are after.

Her foster family hasn’t spent a great deal of time trying to train Kate to learn new commands; however, she will come if called…as long as she doesn’t have something better that keeps her attention.  Then she might have a bit of “selective hearing”.  However, for the most part, she’s a good girl who will come to you when you get her attention.  Since somewhat arthritic, Kate’s not asked to sit or lie down but she’s pretty chill and doesn’t need to follow these commands.

Other than taking leash walks, Kate likes to roam around a bit in the yard, but really seems to enjoy her peace and quiet as she naps on one of the many dog beds…or even better, in her peoples’ beds.

Kate’s foster says, “Kate is loving and inquisitive.” It was fairly apparent by the information Kate’s foster mom sent to us that Kate is a very sweet, “mature lady” who has definitely won a place in the hearts of the entire family.  Kate will need a home with someone who wants to give this gentle, loving, senior GSP a home where she doesn’t have to meet a lot demands and with a family who would love to take her on a leisurely daily walk that all can enjoy.  Kate deserves a family who will give her lots of snuggles, hugs and pets and will love her for her remaining years. We hope the right family for Kate is reading this story at this time.

If you’re the person or family that has the desire, patience and love to give Kate her new forever home, please complete our  Online Adoption Application.  It's the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.

• Kate is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.

• Kate is altered.

Sponsor Kate      Adopt Kate

PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Willie gets along well with other dogs AND cats.  Still a puppy and will require a fenced yard and a family with a lot of “puppy patience” who can spend a lot of time with him.

WILLIE’S STORY - Updated as of May 7, 2022

Willie is an extremely handsome white and liver male GSP year-old puppy with all the typical GSP hallmarks; he’s funny, snuggly, loving and has tons of playful energy!  Check out the video of Willie above.  When he needs to go outside, he grows excited, paces, and occasionally whines to let you know it’s time to “head for the door”. 😊 At night Willie sleeps on a dog bed in the bedroom but come early morning you can usually count on him to wake you up with a tiny bit of begging in the hopes you’ll let him into your warm bed to get some good morning snuggles.

Willie plays very well with other dogs and hasn’t met a dog he doesn’t like yet. His fosters have another GSP that Willie has accepted and seems to love.  When the neighbor’s Yorkshire Terrier barks at Willie, he just looks at him and walks away.  Good boy, Willie! 😊  Willie also gets along well with his foster family’s 22-year-old cat and doesn’t seem to mind when the cat shares Willie’s lounging areas.  His fosters don’t have children in the home, but he has been with a toddler and appears to be calm and interested (based upon a photo ISR has of him in a home prior to coming to our rescue).  At this time, however, since he's not being fostered with children we feel we should say we're not certain how he'll react with children.

Willie loves to play fetch and chomp on bones and plush squeaky toys. Like many dogs, he needs some supervision if you want to ensure the stuffed animals stay in one piece…or at the very least, two pieces. Lately Willie has been a bit more “merciful” with his stuffed toys and doesn’t seem to be destroying them as often, if at all.  Willie is still very much a pup, even at 1 year old now (as of April 24^th) and loves, loves, loves to play with a ball or his toys.  He’s learned to bring a toy to his foster mom and if she doesn’t play with him, he’ll hold the ball/toy in his mouth and bark/howl while he’s holding it and paces back in forth in front of her.  According to foster mom, the entire scene, and the noise he makes is all pretty hilarious.  He loves playing fetch and will bring the ball right back to his person!

Willie is a typical GSP in that he’s very smart and wants so much to please his people.  He’s also food motivated, which makes it easier to train him.  Some of the commands Willie knows include, “sit”, “down”, “wait”, “stay”, “kennel”, and “release”.  He seems to do especially well when told to “sit and wait” at the door until he hears “release” so he can go outside; however, according to his fosters, “Willie’s stays won’t win any awards…yet.”  But remember, he is still a young GSP. 😊

Willie has a fairly high prey drive and if given the opportunity, he’ll quickly give chase to squirrels and other backyard animals.  He doesn’t’ pull excessively when on leash walks but could take his walking partner by surprise if they aren’t paying attention, especially if he spots one of those dastardly squirrels flaunting their charms on his walking route.

Willie’s crate-training has improved so much over the last few weeks! 😊 His foster mom is currently weaning him off all anxiety medications that have been helping him relax when he has to be crated.  The entire crating experience is becoming less and less of an ordeal and more of a natural thing for him to do; consequently, his anxiety is lessening every day, too!  His foster mom is hoping to have him entirely weaned off of these medications soon now.  Another practice Willie’s foster mom has adopted to help ease his crating anxiety is to arrange a period of time for a good workout and exercise routine prior to crating him.  A tired Willie is a less anxious Willie. 😊 Willie’s foster mom feels an exercise routine prior to crating him has been one of the biggest aids for helping him through his anxiety.

Willie has shown he’s very happy with another dog in the house and with his people home most of the day.  Any home Willie goes to should have a family where someone is home at least part of the day.  They don’t have to be home all day but being gone for 8 hours or more a day will not be a good fit for this boy.  He’s a true Velcro GSP who loves his pack…humans and animals alike. 😊

Willie’s foster family truly loves this adorable, fun-loving pup!  They’ve sent us word saying, “Willie is sweet and very loving and will do best in a home with another dog that likes to play and run.”  Playing and running will be a very necessary part of Willie’s life.  All GSPs require more than the normal exercise that many owners experience with other dog breeds, and a GSP puppy is happiest when he’s well-exercised and mentally stimulated.  Quiet time is sundown for this boy and he’s quick to find his person or his foster mate to snuggle up with for the R & R he’s earned after his day.

If you want to adopt a GSP puppy and have an abundance of love, time, energy, and patience to help Willie become the well-round adult GSP we know he has the potential to become, please complete our Online Adoption Application.  It's the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.

• Willie is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.

• Willie is altered.

Sponsor Willie      Adopt Willie