The organization is a small, entirely volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing public education, veterinary care and forever homes for abused, neglected and/or abandoned German Shepherd Dogs.

GSRT works closely with shelters in the Greater Toronto area by offering assistance to dogs that are in danger of being euthanized.

'MAGNIFICENT DOGS'

"From the moment they arrive at our rescue's door until the day they are placed in their forever home, each and every one of these magnificent dogs touch our hearts and enrich our lives in ways that ensure our commitment to the next one in need of help," said Laureen Moran, founder and director of GSRT.

Each dog entering GSRT is evaluated for temperament and behaviour and is spayed or neutered. Their vaccinations are updated and they receive essential medical care and lots of TLC.

The dogs are then placed into foster homes while they await their forever home. Finally, each dog is carefully placed in a loving home with a family that matches that dog's temperament, activity level and specific needs.

"As we do not have a shelter, we can only take in a minimal number of dogs, but we hope to have more foster homes soon so that we can rescue more," Moran said.

To date, the organization has found permanent, loving homes for more than 40 displaced German Shepherds.

FOSTER HOMES

GSRT is in desperate need of foster homes that can temporarily care for dogs who need rescuing.

"Foster homes are a vital part of our rescue work because without foster homes, we would not be able to help these dogs. We are looking for special people who can provide a loving and safe environment for a German Shepherd Dog that has often been neglected, abandoned or abused."

People who provide a foster home must be in a position to care for and help socialize rescue dogs to help them become a loved member of their new family. Fostering is a serious undertaking, and the organization carefully screens all applications to ensure they would provide a safe haven for the dogs entering the program.

GSRT covers all food and any related veterinary costs for the dogs in foster homes.

The group also needs dedicated volunteers to help with transportation and fundraising events.

Join GSRT at their second annual fundraising event and car wash on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the A&W parking lot at 738 Central Pkwy. W. at Mavis Road and Central Parkway in Mississauga.

For more information on adopting, fostering or volunteering, visit www.gsrt.net

Sophie is about five years old and has been spayed. She is a super sweet girl who settled into her foster home and become quite comfortable with the daily routines. She loves to give kisses, knows 'sit' and 'down' and doesn't pull on the leash.

Sophie is a big girl at 80 pounds and gets along well with other dogs, but would prefer to be an only dog so she can have all her family's attention. She can not go to a home with cats.

Sophie is housetrained and keeps her crate clean. Sophie needs an experienced owner and a home without small children.

Shadow is a six-year-old spayed female, white shepherd mix who was rescued from a bad situation outside the city. Shadow only has half a tail and she is missing two toes on one back paw due to frostbite.

She is affectionate and sweet, and would need a home without cats or small animals. Shadow would prefer to be the only dog in the home or be with an older, docile dog.

She loves belly rubs and constant attention. Older children in the family would be fine.

For details on these dogs, e-mail Laureen at info@gsrt.net or call 905-831-0219.