PetRescue may have helped connect more than 500,000 pets in need with their new families, but we never get tired of hearing the success stories of individual rescue pets - like handsome Max, from German Shepherd Rescue NSW, now happily adopted by Justine after she spotted him on the PetRescue website. And it truly makes our day when we hear from grassroots rescue organisations who have been able to save more pets like Max, by making the most of all the free services and support PetRescue membership offers.
“In 1997, I joined forces with a like-minded dog lover to form a rescue group dedicated to helping German shepherd dogs that found themselves in NSW animal shelters," says Co-Founder of German Shepherd Rescue NSW, Linda Peace.
"That was back in the early days, when there were very few avenues to promote rescue German shepherds needing forever homes. Advertising was expensive! But then some amazing people set up PetRescue, which has provided the means for rescuers to promote all manner of pets at zero cost.
"Many a time I would email PetRescue staff to seek their guidance. They kept us updated on promotions, opened doors to special offers and incredible deals to support us in our work. Without this amazing crew behind the scenes I know our rescue group would have struggled to exist. Thank you PetRescue!"
German Shepherd Rescue NSW now rescues from animal shelters throughout the state, and take dogs from private homes into their care to ensure they find loving family homes.
Max is one of those lucky rescues!
Max and Justine’s story
It was in March this year that Justine found Max on the PetRescue website.
“My husband and I were devastated when our nine-year-old shepherd, Jed, died suddenly after an unexpected episode of bloat. He was the first dog we ever had, and he’d had a massive impact on our lives. An impact we didn’t fully appreciate until he suddenly wasn’t there anymore. We also noticed an impact on our other dog Austin, who we got from the RSPCA in Adelaide.
“He would cry when he heard another dog bark. He got excited when we took him to our property we stay at on weekends, as he thought maybe Jed would be there. And sometimes we would find him sleeping in Jed’s kennel.
Within two weeks, Justine and her husband decided they should get another dog.
“I started Googling German Shepherd Rescue and that landed me on the PetRescue website. We instantly liked the look of Max, so I made contact with the group who was caring for him - German Shepherd Rescue NSW.
“To be honest, the first meeting with Max didn’t go well. It was a 40-degree day and Max seemed unruly when we met him. He just wasn’t the same as Jed, so we initially said no. We didn’t want to rush into it.
“Overnight I kept thinking about Max. I couldn’t help thinking that it wasn’t his fault he was excited to be out, or to meet another dog.”
The next morning, Justine contacted Linda from German Shepherd Rescue NSW again and said she thought Max could benefit from their lifestyle and experience with shepherds. So it was suggested they take Max for a trial weekend.
“Well, that trial turned into a permanent adoption. It has taken Max about two months to learn the way we live and he is settling right in. He loves running around our property on weekends, and he runs with me in the mornings. He is very playful and loves to hide toys. He is friendly with other dogs and gentle around children. He has had some issues with food around Austin and he has responded incredibly well to our methods to address this. He’s a very smart dog!
“We’re very glad that we overlooked our initial response to Max and instead gave him a chance. He’s a much-loved member of our family now. Thank you PetRescue for putting us in touch!”
“They love Friday evenings as much as I do!”