Rescuing Hearts: Vixen and the Unprecedented Surge of GSP’s in Southern California
Vixen
Six in six days. With Christmas around the corner, Vixen, a German Shorthaired Pointer, joined the list of five other GSP’s rescued earlier in the week. Interestingly, fate placed her in the same shelter where Precious, the first of the six GSP’s, had been earlier that week. Luckily, unlike Precious, Vixen didn't require medical attention.
Recently, a surge of GSP’s has populated this Los Angeles County shelter. Of the handful, only one found its way back to its owner, leaving the rest for California GSP Rescue and a few other rescues to pick up. Unusual for a shelter that typically sees only one GSP every few months.
David navigated the early Friday morning LA traffic to visit the shelter, enabling California GSP Rescue to commit to Vixen's rescue. The shelter staff expressed gratitude, knowing that saving one dog meant making space for another, delaying the fate of less adoptable dogs facing euthanasia.
For several months the animal shelters in Southern California and adjacent areas have been hit hard with a constant flow of stray and unwanted pets. The lack of commitment is real and to some, the Insta-Pet has outlived its social media life. To others, there might be understandable reasons for re-homing their pet, but they have no other alternatives. Sadly, there are those who didn't spay their pet and are now faced with the reality of being unable to find their pet's offspring homes, which brings us to Vixen and Precious.
Southern California shelters grapple with an unrelenting influx of stray and unwanted pets, revealing a societal shift where the allure of Insta-Pets fades and commitment wanes. Vixen's story intertwines with those who, facing unforeseen circumstances or irresponsibility, surrender pets like Precious, and unwanted litters.
Vixen and Precious, among several young GSP’s that have visited the same shelter in the past several days, hint at a disturbing trend—discarded litter surging in numbers. Unlike previous years, the demand for young GSP’s needing rescue has spiked. California GSP Rescue's documented rescues of pups this year underscore the urgency for education and accountability. Breed awareness prior to getting a puppy and proactive spaying to prevent accidental litters are vital in reversing this crisis.
In the spirit of change, David and Greg, dedicated volunteers, guide Vixen to a new chapter in her story in search of a forever home. A beacon of hope amid a more significant dilemma, Vixen will join a family of responsible adopters who are well-versed and capable of meeting the breed's needs.
To learn more about German Shorthaired Pointers and Vixen, we invite you to explore our website and read the articles about the breed, post from adopters, and then, if you commit to being part of the solution, submit an application. To champion our cause and help support our efforts, please consider making a donation or becoming a Rescue Hero.
