The issue of GSD rescue has many sides. Several months ago, I was at a shelter which is very active in a very large city. As we toured the kennel area, the guide mentioned the high percentage of GSDs and mixes in their cages. The statistics for adoption at their shelter amounted to 70% of non-GSDs were adopted, and only 10% of GSDs were adopted.

The shelter guide mentioned that the issue of backyard breeding, and the wide range of temperament of GSDs are the downfall of adopting. We all know of wonderful GSD guide dogs and rescue dogs. We also know of the horror stories about GSDs that bite and maul innocent children and animals. Some stories are exagerations, but there are cases of individual GSDs being very dangerous dogs.

Because unethical and uneducated breeders and owners continue to produce GSDs, even the most experienced dog owner needs to be careful about adopting a GSD. Until the human side of this problem is controlled, even the best GSD rescue groups will not be able to help the large number of abused and unwanted GSDs.

I can understand why GSD rescue folks are overwhelmed by the unlimited supply of dogs suffering due to human stupidity. I hope that continued prevention and education will one day minimize the number of GSDs needing to be rescued.