From Shelter Scared to GSP Rescue: Sierra's Second Chance
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a dog filled with fear? Huddled in the corner of a holding crate at the animal shelter, a GSP's soulful eyes were cloudy with fear as she awaited her uncertain future. Dogs' barking filled the room and echoed down the halls, each from a dog unsure and worrying about their future. This image on the local animal shelter's website caught the attention of California GSP Rescue.
The German Shorthaired Pointer, Sierra, had been picked up as a stray the week prior. After being held to see if anyone would claim her and seeing that she was spayed, she was now available to be adopted or rescued. Unfortunately, at four years of age, the few visitors to the animal shelter passed her by.
When California GSP Rescue contacted the animal shelter to learn more about Sierra, they discovered that the vet had removed a small mass, one centimeter in size from her side while she was being spayed. With a continuous flow of dogs, and no empty kennels, the shelter staff knew California GSP Rescue and was happy they inquired about Sierra. Sierra's hold was up, and no one was interested in adopting her, so she was available immediately.
Arriving at the animal shelter, Volunteer Greg, no stranger to the number of dogs of all breeds at the animal shelter, encountered a couple standing outside. They were relinquishing two dogs that someone had dropped off as puppies for the family to watch. The pups got bigger, and the owner never returned, so the family brought the dogs to the animal shelter as they could not provide for the adolescent dogs that were nearly full grown. Inside the lobby, there were two playful puppies in a wire crate. The cute pups had been placed there for a reason - to get them more attention than they were receiving in the kennels. Sadly, interest in the puppies available for adoption was dwindling.
With a cone around her neck, Sierra was brought out from the back and burst out the door to the lobby. She didn't know where she was going and appeared not to care, as any place was better than where visitors paid her little attention. Her only souvenirs were stitches and a cone of shame. Little did she know, Volunteer Greg had a surprise for her. On the way back, they would make a quick stop at the park, where she could get a quick run and "hunt" the ducks in the pond. Her future was looking better. Gone was the look of uncertainty and fear.
If you have yet to own a German Shorthaired Pointer, you are most likely unaware of their energy and how they tend to settle down around five years of age. It's a great age for first-time GSP adopters as while they will still need exercise, the amount and frequency are lower than in the one- to four-year range. A five-year-old adult has plenty of years left to go on long hikes, run on the beach, or play fetch in the backyard. If you'd like to learn more about Sierra, please submit an adoption application. If you are interested in helping support California GSP Rescue's efforts to save GSPs from crowded animal shelters, please consider becoming a Rescue Hero. With the help of adopters and Rescue Heroes, we can make a difference.
