Adopted!!!

The SPCA brought Cass into their care, and once he was kenneled, he became very territorial. He didn't do well with the constant pressure of the public walking by and all the commotion that shelter life will bring. Very few of the staff were comfortable going into his kennel with him and Cass' future started to look bleak. 

Thankfully, they called us, and we just happened to have one space available. Cass came into our care on March 19th.

Since coming into our care, Cass has been nothing but a dream. Yes, he does have some guarding tendencies, and would not fail to protect his people, but he is not unpredictable in his behavior, and he after all, a German Shepherd. 

Cass has got the hugest heart going, and he bonds deeply and easily with his people. He has a 'serious' face, that could put some people off, but behind that look, he is a playful pup. 

He gets along well with other dogs, but has shown some resource guarding issues with *some* dogs. He is not overly serious about it though, and is giving that up more and more as he relaxes again into family life. 

Cass is just so happy to be loved again, and he gives it back to you 300%. He is attentive and oh so willing to please. 

May 2009 ~ Update

Cassidy has fit into our household easily.  He is calm, gentle and polite with all the people he meets.  Cass follows his foster mom everywhere and waits patiently for her return.  

For the most part Cass walks with a loose leash and off leash, his recall is good.  He is very keen to meet new dogs and investigate new things.  People that meet Cassidy are amazed by his size and gentleness.  I am so impressed with his greeting of all people and dogs! He is patient with pups and dogs of all sizes.  In fact, one of his best buddies is Maya, a 9 month old Daschound.  

Cass has a good command of his basic obedience; sit, down, come, sit/stay and down/stay.  We are reviewing these daily and working on performing these skills with various levels of distraction.  Cass is also practicing some easy tricks like "shake a paw" and "high five".  He is very quick learner and eager to please.

Cassidy does have some prey drive, so we are careful on walks when the squirrels, deer or cats are about.  He is a very loving and loyal boy, and will make a wonderful addition to a family that is willing to make room for this big fella.  Cass loves to be included in all our activities and is a great traveler.  He has definitely captured our hearts!

... but "stuffies" beware ... he loves to shred them!

Cass' story is a heart break and was so unavoidable. A little education can go a long way, and Cass is the living example of people wanting to believe the best, but not fully checking things out or doing any follow ups. Dogs like Cass pay a heavy price when their caregivers let them fall through the cracks.

From a puppy, Cass was raised with a family. He lived inside as a member of the family. He he knew love, and he loved. 

For whatever reason, the family could not keep Cass, and they placed an ad 'free to good home' and gave Cass away, no questions asked. Cass was a prime target. He is huge, looks menacing, and he appearance alone would make a strong deterrent for any unwanted guests.

Cass was picked up by unsavory people, and became a chained up yard dog for a grow op. He lived like that for the next FIVE years. He became what they wanted. He guarded and started to learn how to scare people. 

In March, he was found running with another dog along the beach and was picked up by the SPCA. Did he get off his chain? Was he let go to fend for himself? We'll never know the answer to that... 

At some point, someone put the work into this boy! While a little rusty, he knows all his commands, and as we work him, the light goes on and he is becoming familiar with them once again. 

Like most GSDs, Cass needs a leader. He thrives when he has it, and pushes his way around when he doesn't. 

Cass does have a healthy prey drive for chasing fast moving objects, but stops on a dime when you call him. Because of this, Cass is not available to a home with cats or small animals. 

April 1st 2009 ~ Update

Cass came into our care needing major dental work to the tune of 1770.00. His teeth were worn down from chewing on something metal, and he had two molars abscessed that had to be removed. This boy was in a very real amount of pain. We're so happy that Cass found his way to us. We're all already in love with this boy, and know there is that perfect home out there for him! 

June 2009 ~ Update

Cassidy is ready for his forever home.  He has practiced on his foster family and figures that he is fully prepared.  Commands such as; sit, down, stay, here (recall), sit/stay and down/stay are easy for him and his bag of trick handshakes are very gentle.  Cass is a very focused dog and a quick learner.  Someone willing to work with him would be rewarded by Cass' obedience and intelligence.

He is a big but gentle boy, full of all those special German Shepherd traits.  Loyalty being number one.  He always looks to us for guidance and is easily brought under control when he gets too excited which often happens in our house with the other two hooligans, Tanner and Zeeva.

Although Cassidy is not super active, he enjoys his walks and sniffing around the neighborhood and forest.  However his favorite activity has to do with the water ... an ocean, stream, lake or wading pool .. that is his element.  He loves to dig, swim and chase ... shake all over you and then go again.  Cass can swim to retrieve sticks for hours.

Please, keep Cassidy in mind if you are looking for a loyal and loving companion.  Nothing but the best for this boy will do

Adopted!!! Thank you to Robert & Linda for opening your home and giving our special boy, a special home!

July 27th 2009 ~ Update!

August 2009 ~ Update!

Thank you to all of Cass's sponsors, who helped us help him in his journey:

For further information on any of our rescue dogs please email us  

But before you do, PLEASE read our adoption procedures under How to Adopt

We are a registered non-profit Charity as of April 1st 2005