This old guy was found in Dallas during a snow/ice event, brought to the local municipal shelter by the cops. He was thought to have broken legs as he couldn’t stand up or walk. A rescue shelter in Houston was willing to take care of him, but there was no offer to transport him. I could not fly that time, so my neighbor Terry & I drove up to Dallas to pick him up and get him down to Houston.

Val’s Pals GSD and Large Breed Rescue, the rescue group in Houston, is specialized in German Shepherd and large dogs. Melissa and the team do a wonderful job helping Senior, Medical Cases and Abused German Shepherd Dogs, that are usually not attractive for adoption. They also have a very smart practice to pair a dog with an elderly person that can use company but may not have the means to take care of the dogs medical needs and expense. Check out their website here : https://valspalsgsdrescue.org

The poor old dog didn’t have actually broken legs but a severe case of dysplasia/arthritis. He was brought to the front of the shelter in Dallas in a shopping cart, as he could barely move, but somewhat loosened up during the 4 hours drive home. Very nice old guy, he didn’t make a noise in the entire trip, he just laid down quietly and watched the road… he was in very poor shape, with infected ears, patches of rash/infected skin, a very old leather collar encrusted in his fur.

After well-needed bath, the vet in Houston cleaned the ears and skin, diagnosed calcified ear canals, flee allergy, damaged trachea from being on a chain, and of course arthritis in the back and back legs. He has now all the proper care and medical support to bring him back to as-new condition.

He’s more than 10 years old, probably spent a large part of his life, if not his entire life, on a chain and outdoor. Despite this poor background and rough medical condition when we picked him up, he’s a sweet and good looking old guy with a great attitude, that deserves a good home to spend his few last years. He’s currently at Melissa’s house in the company of her other german shepherds, looking for a foster home or forever home.

Nic, PNP Pilot