Barney Is Safe!

Barney

Barney showed up at a local animal shelter as a stray, and after not being claimed, he was made available for adoption. California GSP Rescue received a message he was available but later learned a visitor to the animal shelter had adopted Barney. Hearing someone went to the shelter and passed on the younger dogs to adopt a six-year-old GSP, made the volunteers at California GSP Rescue smile, and gave a little hoo-rah as it isn't often a six-year-old GSP is adopted from an animal shelter. 

While there is always the concern that someone will adopt from a shelter based on looks without knowledge of the breed. So many of the GSP’s rescued this past year are young, and were either purchased or adopted by individuals who didn't know or thought they knew about the breed. 

Unfortunately, things didn't work out for Barney, and his adopter returned him to the animal shelter. Not because he was too active, but because the adopter's dog and Barney didn't get along. Proper introductions are critical in a multi-dog home, provided both dogs are well-socialized. Sad for Barney as he was kenneled at the overcrowded shelter with another dog and had no incidents. However, it took only a short time for California GSP Rescue to be notified that Barney was returned. 

Because California GSP Rescue hadn't pulled a GSP from this shelter in several years, paperwork would need to be completed before being granted the privilege to pull. Once completed, Volunteer Greg arranged with the animal shelter adoption coordinator to get Barney the following day. Staying out of the morning commute without getting caught in the afternoon commute was the only concern for Barney's freedom ride. 

As planned, Barney's freedom ride pulled into the animal shelter's parking lot. After the paperwork was signed, Barney was to be brought out the back gate. There was a little wait, but soon Barney appeared. Tail wagging, he was happy to be out of his kennel and unaware of what was in store for him. This ride wouldn't be bringing him back to the shelter. Rather, he was on his way to being one step closer to his forever home. Barney was safe!

California GSP Rescue has seen an influx of younger GSP’s this past year. So many GSP’s at the shelters, and so many people that purchased a GSP puppy looking for help. Fortunately, with the help of volunteers, donors, Rescue Heroes, and adopters, California GSP Rescue has met the challenges faced. If you want to make a difference this year, consider becoming a Rescue Hero.