How to Place a Dog Through GSRSV

I. GSRSV Program Dog
The most common way to place your dog through GSRSV is to allow me to list your dog as one of the dogs in my adoption program (thus the term "program dog"). Program dogs remain in the custody of their owners or guardians, but I seek adopters for the dogs the same way that I do for dogs in my own care. This includes listing the dogs on the main adoption page of my Website ("Dogs Available for Adoption through GSRSV"), as well as on GSRSV's adoption pages on Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com. I screen prospective adopters for program dogs the same way that I do for dogs in my care. I charge the guardian of the program dog $50 for my placement service, unless it's a dog that the guardian found and is simply fostering, or if it's a dog that was left homeless due to the death or illness of it's owner. I also charge the eventual adopter of the dog the same adoption fee that I charge for dogs that are adopted directly from me.

When a program dog is adopted, I use the same adoption contract with the adopter that I would if s/he were adopting a dog in my care. The contract obligates the adopter to keep the dog for life, or, if the adopter is unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life, to return it to me. The one exception to this rule that I make for a program dog is if the dog is returned within two weeks of the adoption, then I will ask the former guardian of the dog to take the dog back until we can find another home for the dog. I realize that it is not always possible for a guardian to take back a program dog, and if that is the case, I will take the dog in at my rescue facility.

There are four basic requirements for me to place a dog through my program:
1. The dog must be non-aggressive towards strangers (timid or aloof is OK) on neutral grounds.
2. The dog must be either spayed or neutered prior to its adoption.
3. The dog must have a recent negative test for heartworm, or have evidence that it has been on heartworm preventative routinely.
4. The dog must have a current rabies vaccination.

I can begin the process of finding a home for a dog prior to it being spayed or neutered, but the surgery usually needs to be completed before the adoption can take place.

Before GSRSV lists a dog for its guardian, I ask that s/he bring the dog to my facility in Pleasant Grove for me to evaluate. I do not do an extensive temperament test, but simply ensure that the dog is not aggressive towards me. At the time of the evaluation, I take a digital picture of the dog and take notes of it's personality for my Web listings.

There are several advantages to placing your dog through GSRSV as a program dog. First, the dog will receive maximum Internet exposure by being listed on the primary adoption page (as opposed to the "Owner Placement" page) of the GSRSV Website, as well as being listed on the other two Internet Websites. Second, I do the "legwork" in screening prospective adopters, including performing house checks. Third--and most important--if the adoption does not work out at any point (after two weeks with the adopter) during the dog's life, I will take the dog into my care, rather than referring the adopter to the former guardian.

How Long Does it Usually Take to Place a Program Dog?
Most people who are seeking placement assistance for their dog(s) are concerned how long it will take me to find a home for their dog. This is not an easy question to answer, as it depends on a multitude of variables. The most important determinants of how long it will take to find a home for a dog are the dog's temperament and its age. If the dog is friendly with people and other dogs, and if it is young, it makes the dog more adoptable and consequently will take less time to find the dog a home. Additionally, if the dog is good with cats, this opens the door to numerous prospective adopters who I would otherwise have to turn away. Finally, it certainly helps if the dog is a purebred GSD and if it has the "classic" GSD look.

In 2009, I placed 10 Program Dogs, with the length of time between posting and adoption ranging from 7 to 182 days. Most dogs were placed in under 30 days. The following table illustrates the variation in the length of time it took me to place each of the dogs.

Name of Dog	Purebred?	Age at Adoption	Number of Days to Adopt
Reggie	N	6 yrs	182
Athena	N	1½ yrs	34
Delilah	Y	4½ yrs	14
Piper	Y	6 yrs	28
Sadie	Y	8 mos	18
Bach	Y	1 yr	16
Hawky	Y	2¼ yrs	9
Inge	Y	5½ yrs	7
Chunky	Y	7 yrs	55
Goose	N	3½ yrs	81

II. Owner Placement
The second way for you to place your dog through GSRSV is via the "Dogs Available for Adoption through Owner Placement" page of the GSRSV Website. This page serves as an "advertising" platform. To advertise your dog through GSRSV, I only ask that the dog not be seriously aggressive. It's OK if the dog is a mixed-breed, and it need not be spayed or neutered (though I prefer that it is). When you use the Owner Placement option, you assume all responsibility for the placement of your dog, and I provide no assistance other than listing the dog on myr Website (except perhaps for referring people to the dog if I feel the match is right).

If you choose to place a dog on your own, I encourage you to screen all potential adopters carefully. Try to ensure that a potential adopter is not only a responsible individual with a safe, secure home for your dog, but that he or she knows the basic characteristics of German Shepherd Dogs. Consider asking some questions framed around the information provided on the page "Is a German Shepherd the Right Breed for You?"

GSRSV charges $20 to list your dog (with a picture) on the "Dogs Available for Adoption through Owner Placement" page of my Website. I will keep your listing on the Website as long as is necessary to find your dog a home.

I will list your ad within a few days after I receive both the necessary information (see below) and your listing fee. Listing fees are not refundable once I have posted your ad.

To list your dog, perform the following steps:

1. Mail (to the address below) or e-mail (to bab43@msn.com) a picture and description of your dog. Include the following information: the dog's name, age, sex, and size; its temperament and any health or behavioral problems; how long you've owned it and any training it's received; how it is with kids, cats and other dogs; what kind of home you think would be best for your dog; and the fee you want, if any. Be sure to provide your name, phone number, and your e-mail address (if you have one).

2. Mail a check for $20, made payable to GSRSV. Send the check (and picture & description of your dog, if not sent via e-mail) to:

GSRSV
P.O. Box 652
Pleasant Grove, CA 95668

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