Rosie Is Safe!
Rosie
California GSP Rescue received a notification that a local animal shelter had taken in a stray German Shorthaired Pointer. After monitoring her for a few days and no one claimed her, we messaged the Animal Shelter to learn more about this girl and see when she was available. When we didn't hear back, we continued monitoring her on their website. It hadn't yet been ten business days, the amount of time required to hold an animal that is microchipped, or even five days, the necessary number of days without a microchip. It was also the week after the Fourth of July, and the Animal Control officers were busy dealing with the influx of dogs.
Several days passed, and we received an email from someone who had visited the shelter but could not see the GSP due to health and behavioral issues. Concerned this could be a red flag, we again reached out to the animal shelter, letting them know we could assist, and they replied they were interested in our assistance. The Intake Volunteer immediately made plans to visit the Animal Shelter.
Kennel stress in dogs at Animal Shelters isn't uncommon and can result in health and behavioral issues, making the dogs less adoptable while increasing their chances of being euthanized. It doesn't help the dogs may lack attention and exercise. A recent article in the LA Times points out the challenges Animal Shelters face and the dogs that ultimately pay the price.
German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to be in the field hunting and need daily exercise. Unlike the battery-powered robotic dog or the couch potato dog breeds, GSP’s cannot be just turned off until the next time it's convenient to give them a walk. Being kept in a kennel without exercise would not be good.
Arriving at the Animal Shelter, the Intake Volunteer located the young German Shorthaired Pointer who had been placed back in the adoptable section. However, she was still stressed and reactive, with a chorus of dogs barking and people walking by. Most potential adopters would quickly pass her by - California GSP Rescue didn't pass her. California GSP Rescue has evaluated "rescue only" dogs at Animal Shelters in the past and understand if GSP’s are kept in kennels without proper exercise, they may develop temporary behavioral issues. Fortunately, this Animal Shelter took this GSP to a field where the Intake Volunteer could further evaluate her. Afterward, he was confident they could find a forever home for this young German Shorthaired Pointer that he started calling Rosie.
The Intake Volunteer let the Animal Control Officer know that California GSP Rescue would be taking Rosie. The Officer handed the leash to the Volunteer while he went to complete the necessary paperwork. Rosie was safe!
In the past several weeks, California GSP Rescue has had an influx of German Shorthaired Pointers showing up as strays at local Animal Shelters. California GSP Rescue can help these dogs because of individuals who donate and the support of The Rescue Heroes. Please consider supporting our efforts.
