Goose's Escape: A GSP's Journey to Rescue
Goose, a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) with a unique blend of intelligence, athleticism, and a love for adventure, had recently found himself in a shelter. The friendly stray had a knack for escaping his kennel at the shelter, leaving the shelter staff on edge, who placed him in a special escape-proof kennel. With the Line Fire burning nearby and the Big Bear Shelter evacuating animals, this local shelter was being asked to house animals. Goose needed a safe and secure place to go. When asked, California GSP Rescue answered the call and readily agreed to come get Goose.
It's not unusual for GSP’s to "learn" ways to escape. They are smart, athletic dogs, and when left to entertain themselves, the "hunting" can look better on the other side of the fence. It's very likely Goose was left alone in the yard for "exercise." German Shorthaired Pointer owners know that while GSP’s can entertain themselves in the yard hunting lizards, squirrels, and other small animals, they ultimately want to be with you. If left alone for long periods, that is when they can find trouble.
The Rescue Coordinator led the volunteer back to see Goose in one of the few covered kennels at the shelter. His nose was working, and his tail was tucked. Uncertain in his new escape proof kennel and of this new face, he looked scared and as if he didn't belong there. But underneath that fear, there was a spark of interest and a longing for companionship. Little did he know his life was about to take a dramatic turn.
While the shelter completed the paperwork, the volunteer did a quick tour of the other kennels. Most kennels held multiple dogs and cats. The number of young dogs was staggering. Accidental litters of mixed-breed puppies that used to be given away to neighbors and family were now being dumped at the shelter. Sadly, not all of them would be adopted or rescued - their last days would be in a kennel filled with other dogs and barking.
The volunteer waited in the lobby as the Rescue Coordinator brought Goose down the hall. He recognized the face of the stranger who had just visited him in his kennel and pulled on the leash toward the adventure that awaited him. Goose was safe.
California GSP Rescue has learned more about Goose in the short amount of time he has been at the Rescue. He has been walked on a short leash and a long line and run on a bike. He has met and done well with other well-behaved socialized dogs. He has a strong prey drive that multiple volunteers commented on. But mostly, he is a sweet GSP who needs a loving home that can manage him.
If you are interested, please submit an application. If Goose is too much for you, we urge you to share his post and video. Your share could be the key to finding him a home.
If you would like to do more to support our efforts, please consider becoming a Rescue Hero. Together we can make a bigger impact and help more dogs needing rescue.
