One Breed Fits All?

When it comes to a pet match, character counts

By Jenni Terry

Since the type of pet a person chooses says a lot about the owner’s personality, some choices—particularly breeds of dogs—can be downright baffling. I can only deduce, for example, that the petite woman in my neighborhood who owns a Black Russian Terrier is not afraid of a challenge, nor does she shy away from attention.

A friend of mine often says she dreams of owning a one-eyed pound puppy. I confess I have no idea what this says about her personality though I am sure there is an ambitious psychologist out there somewhere who would love to take a crack at analysis.

Yet, while some may have preferences for the size and even the visual abilities of their pets, others simply want a pet in need of a good home. And that, I believe, says more about a person’s character.

In Northern Virginia, numerous pet adoption and rescue organizations offer opportunities to take in an animal in need of a loving home. Last year, one such group—Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR)—was named our state’s top rescue and shelter organization and 20th in the nation by the Animal Rescue Site, www.theanimalrescuesite.com, and PetFinder.com’s “Shelter + Challenge.”

This volunteer organization, serving all of Virginia and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of German Shepherd dogs. For over nine years, the group has found homes for over 3,000 canines, many of which the organization says were forgotten, abandoned, lost or abused and in need of medical care.

Martin Shepherd, who serves a number of roles for VSGR—board member, foster, volunteer and transporter—says the organization holds several events during the year with the aim of educating folks about the breed and finding good homes for the dogs, such as adoption day events held at various locations year round. VSGR also holds fundraising events, including a golf tournament each October. Upcoming adoption days, available German Shepherds and more information on VSGR can be found on the organization’s website, www.shepherdrescue.org.

“I normally tell folks that my last name used to be Weinerschnitzel but I did not care for Daschunds,” Shepherd says.

For those considering adopting a dog who are not familiar with German Shepherds, VSGR fosters and caseworkers are committed to working with each applicant to ensure that a German Shepherd is the right dog for the family. “We attempt to match the dog that will best fit with the family’s lifestyle to ensure satisfaction on everyone’s part—especially the dog,” Shepherd says.

And after hearing Shepherd’s loving description of the breed, it seems to me that German Shepherds have all the qualities owners could ask for in a four-legged friend.

“In the right hands along with the proper social skills, these guys are the best. They are indeed true to their breed description: a loyal and courageous companion,” Shepherd says. “German Shepherds are very dedicated dogs, extremely loyal to their owners, and completely fearless when it comes to protecting their loved ones.”

Surely a breed that offers that kind of companionship would fit any human personality.

(January 2010)