_Shepherds Hope German Shepherd Rescue_

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Our Featured German Shepherd

Reign is a 2 year old German Shepherd whose front paw was run over by a car when he was 3 months old. His owners never bothered to fix his leg. At age 1 1/2 they dumped him at a kill shelter because they didn't want him any more. The owners were informed that he would be put down because of his injured leg, but they didn't care. His guardian angel took him in and raised the money needed for his surgery. We are deeply indebted to all those that donated towards his medical expenses.

Happy Birthday Reign! - On March 4th Reign was 2 years old!

6/17/08 UPDATE: Finally some good new for Reign! He underwent another surgery a week ago and all the hardware was removed from his leg so he is metal free for the first time in 5 1/2 months. Yeah! The bones have knitted and healed and he is walking on his leg and putting weight on it. Dr. Lesser said that it will be some time before he learns how to walk normally. Don't forget Reign's legs were broken when he was just a pup. Now that we can actually see him walk, he has a cute swagger that he developed because the car also fractured his pelvis so he has his own 'Reign walk' - and boy can he boogie when he wants to! The big problem is the MSRA infection and his elbow. The elbow will require another surgery but this cannot be done until the MSRA infection is under control. He will continue to be on super antibiotics for some time. At some point he may have to go back into the hospital for more introvenus antibiotics but we are hoping not. But as usual, Reign is in great spirits and just having a good time with his foster pals. We are still looking for a great home for Reign. If you want a dog to snuggle and love, Reign is your boy!

5/12/08 UPDATE: Well, Reign is back in the hospital for 7 days so he can be placed on intravenous fluids and special super antibiotic to try to stop the MSRA infection. He will have to get daily bandage changes and blood tests every two days to determine if the antibiotic is hurting his kidneys. The good news is that he seems to be walking on his leg more with the help of pain killers. Reign is still looking for his forever home, although we do not know when he will be well enough to go there. Reign needs a home that will give him lots of love and hugs. His favorite pass time is to sit right next to you and snuggle and be pet. I have never seen a gsd that is so cute, loving and affectionate. He really lives up to his name 'the baby werewolf.'

4/2/08 UPDATE: Reign just had another surgery to tighten the screws on the plate. The bones in his leg are very soft from lack of use and it is making the healing process very slow going. Another culture was done to try to find out why his leg was so swollen and not healing and we found out that Reign has developed a very serious staff infection called MRSA. This is contagious to both humans and animals so extreme caution has to be taken. Reign had to be hospitalized and received daily flushes to clean the wound and constant bandage changes. He is doing better but he must go back and forth to the vet hospital for daily care.

These additional costs were not anticipated so if anyone would like to make a donation: Please write the check to Shepherds Hope Rescue, and mail it to: c/o Donna Jiricek, 35 Brookville Lane, Old Brookville, NY 11545-2301.

3/21/08 UPDATE: Reign had surgery, yet again, on 3/20/08. A bone graft was performed and a plate was installed to join the bones. Dr. Lesser felt that he was not healing and wanted to strengthen the leg and give the bones a jump start to healing. Another culture was done to see if he is on the right antibiotics. He currently gets pain meds and antibiotics 3 times a day. Part of the problem that has inhibited his healing is that he never learned how to walk, he learned how to hop everywhere. So in order for the plate and bone graft to stay in place he will have to learn how to walk for the first time in his life. It hasn't been easy but with lots of praise and very slow going he is learning. Nothing gets Reign down and he is just as sweet and gentle as ever. I have never seen a GSD like Reign. Hopefully, the infection will get under control and he won't need to have his bandages changed every other day. Yikes! Will keep you posted. Reign sends his hugs to all.

3/11/08 UPDATE: Reign was rushed to the vet because he was in extreme pain. It was determined that he had broken ALL the wires in the ring cast. We have no idea how he did this. They did emergency surgery to remove the ring cast and he now has on this regular cast. There is a real problem with infection, we've changed antibiotics 3 times and done 2 cultures. This infection is inhibiting his healing. Reign will have this new cast on for 2 weeks and then the vet will x-ray him again and determine if a plate or graft can be done so the bone is stabilized and then hopefully he will begin the long healing process. And as usual, Reign is his bright and cheery self and still manages to have a few rounds of WWF with Linus the kitty. Reign says thank you to all that have e-mailed and sent cards and letters to him for a speedy recovery. 

2-27-08 UPDATE: Reign is improving very slowly but has had some tough set backs. Reign is in very good spirits and is such a trooper. I cannot imagine many dogs to endure such pain and discomfort with such cheer and gentleness. Throughout this all, he has never bitten, growled or lunged despite the pain or discomfort. He is truly a very, very special boy.

1-10-08 UPDATE: Reign had his surgery on 1/8/08 and is recovering nicely. 

We'd like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Arnold Lesser at New York Veterinary Specialty Center for doing such an outstanding job with the intricate surgery on Reign's leg. We are grateful for his skill and compassion.

Reign is just the sweetest, most loving, playful boy, despite his rough beginnings. He loves people, other dogs & especially his kitties! He did not receive much training in his first home, so he is learning his manners. He is fully housebroken, up-to-date with shots & neutered. We are looking for a very special home for him. If you think that could be you, please complete an Adoption Application or contact Donna at 516-801-3434, or via email at bluemoonblue@optonline.net.

Let us introduce you to
 a very special boy.......

Hi! My name is Reign!

Are You My New Family?

Please help us help them.

501(c)3 status is pending.

Who We Are

Shepherds Hope Rescue was formed by three independent rescuers who joined forces in order to more effectively help our beloved breed. We are disturbed by the alarming increase of German Shepherd Dogs in the country's animal shelters and in neglectful situations. We are not a shelter nor do we have our own facility. As volunteers, we house our rescue dogs either in our own homes, foster homes if available, or board them with dog sitters or kennels until placed with their new families.

We make the commitment to each and every animal to resolve any health or behavioral issues prior to adoption, and all dogs are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and heartworm tested. Our application and home visit process ensures we are placing our dogs in the best possible situations. German Shepherds are not for everyone, and as long-time, multiple Shepherd owners ourselves, we are familiar with the type of home/family best suited for this breed. We also take into considerations the dog's needs and temperament so that both dog and family are happy with the placement. Our goal is save as many German Shepherds and mixes as possible and unite them with loving and caring owners so that they will never suffer or know sadness again.

"I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," He replied. "I created You." ~ Jim Willis

Adopting A Friend

Please complete our online Adoption Application.  It is the first step toward bringing home your new family member.  If you would prefer to have us email you the application, please let us know! We'd be happy to send it.

_ Shepherds' Hope Rescue _ Serving the  Greater Metropolitan New York & Long Island Area Phone: (516) 801-3434 ShepherdsHope.petfinder.com Email Us: Bluemoonblue@optonline.net or  toomanyshepherds@aol.com

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