BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue, Rochester, NY

The Senior to Senior venture of BrightStar German Shepherd Dog Rescue is a new program designated to help seniors, both canine and human, to fill the void and need for companionship. Many 'human' senior citizens have had GSDs in the past and feel the need for such companionship again. As mentioned in our SENIORS ARE SPECIAL page, many senior canines are 'disposed of' for varied reasons. Since many families consider their senior canines as disposable objects, particularly when they acquire a new dog, many senior canines find themselves in unfamiliar places, such as pounds and shelters. The old adage "Out with the old and in with the new" is an unfortunate reality in our society. It is the main reason why our senior GSDs find themselves in places where, sad to say, the majority of them are euthanized for no reason other than age.

Human senior citizens, for the most part, do not feel that they can cope with the antics, playfulness and energy of a young dog. For that reason and for the simple fact that our senior canines ( 7 yrs. of age or more) are deserving of loving 'forever homes', BrightStar GSD Rescue is initiating this program. In a loving home, our senior canines will be able to spend their time giving ALL their love, loyalty and companionship to their new found 'family'. After all, giving and receiving love, loyalty and companionship are what ALL OF US CRAVE.

Naturally, such a program must have parameters and guide lines, and this program is no different:

1. The adoption fee for a Senior GSD is $ 150.00. BrightStar GSDs are completely vetted.
This includes either a spay/neuter as well as being UTD (up-to-date) on ALL vaccinations. Our senior canines, as well as all of our dogs, are on a regimen of receiving the heartworm preventative medication on a monthly basis. BrightStar GSDs have also been tested for Ehrlichia and Lyme Disease.

2. Senior Citizens 62 years 'young or older' are able to participate.

3. Senior Citizens MUST have the financial security to aptly care for and tend to the normal needs and expenses of owning a GSD.

4. Over and above the normal veterinary care and food, senior GSDs should receive daily doses of glucosomine and chondroitin. ("MOVE FREE" is a glucosomine and chondroitin supplement that may be obtained (in New York State - from BJ's or at a Sam's Club for $ 23.46. That supply would last the senior German Shepherd Dog for 70 days.)

5. Senior canines, as well as all of BrightStar German Shepherd Dogs, MUST receive a year round monthly dose of "Interceptor", a Heartworm preventative.

6. If any 'extraordinary veterinary treatment' is deemed necessary for the health and welfare of the senior German Shepherd Dog, sponsorship from businesses will help defray the cost, if not totally pay for it, should the adopter, due to limited income, be unable to do so.

7. If unable to exercise their dogs, senior citizens MUST have a fenced in area/yard. Such an environment would allow the German Shepherd Dog to get the necessary exercise to maintain a healthy and happy existence.

8. Should senior citizens be unable to take their German Shepherd Dog companions to the veterinarian by themselves, a dependable person(s) should be available 24/7 in order to help with the transport and actual visit.

9. Our senior canines deserve the best in their older years, and, therefore, no German Shepherd Dog should experience a life where he/she would be consistently and constantly crated, left outside without supervision or left 'home alone' for long periods of time, whether on a daily basis or on a rather consistent basis, because of the life style of the adopter.

If you feel that a Senior German Shepherd Dog is exactly what you would like, AND that such a relationship would be beneficial to both parties, please contact our 'Senior To Senior' Coordinator, Mary: (716) 434-5475 and her email address is HBNUHN@aol.com.