I joined the AGSDR family in 2010 as a foster. Out of the three GS Rescue Groups I applied with, two called me right away asking if I could foster a dog. I did take in a foster from another rescue, however in the meantime, AGSDR was very thorough in their process by checking the vet reference for my personal pets, my personal references (neighbors), and set up an appointment to come to my home to ensure any dog they placed in my care would be in a safe, loving, securing environment. I thought, “Wow” this group really cares about the well- being of the dogs entrusted into their care. I knew immediately this was the team I wanted to be part of. Being a responsible pet owner, their process resonated with my passion for my love of the breed. The love, passion, and commitment of the AGSDR family to make a positive difference for German Shepherds in need has not waivered over my 11 years with them. I feel immensely honored they chose me to join their human and canine family. Our commitment to the pups in our care is for a lifetime and does not stop at adoption. We will never be the largest German Shepherd Rescue Team but will always be the best. Our passion of looking out for the best interest and welfare of every dog in our care will always be our paramount focus in what we do!
Cathy Sikes
My volunteering, almost 5 years, started after adopting a GSD from this incredible group. I have had the pleasure of being able to evaluate both prospective GSD’S as well as adopters, transporting and fostering. Along the way we have added 2 more pups to our own pack and fostered several. The entire organization here are always on a mission of helping as many dogs as possible from evaluation all the way through to finding a forever home. The care these pups receive from AGSDR is exceptional. I cant express enough the gratitude toward AGSDR for what they do by allowing me to be part of this group. Thank you!!
I first found out about AGSDR in the summer of 2012 when I stumbled across their annual Contest Calendar. Months later I was surprised to find out my dog, Gideon, became the first ever German Shepherd mix to make the cover! I met Cathy Sikes at the Dogtoberfest to pick up my free calendars and ended up signing up as a volunteer photographer!
In 2013 I took in my first foster GSD. In 2014 I foster WON our second foster, Esther, and again WON with our fourth foster, Aashish in 2015. Our lives have become so much more complete with our German Shepherds, and with the incredible friends I have made while being apart of the AGSDR. The people I have met have truly been some of the best people, and I'm so blessed to know them.
In 2014 I also ended up taking over the designing of our annual Contest Calendar. :)
I have volunteered with Austin GSD Rescue for several years after I adopted my own german shepherd from the Group. The level of dedication and care exhibited by all the volunteers is humbling. They travel miles to rescue dogs in need, place them in welcoming foster homes, arrange veterinary care as needed, and then make sure the dog is placed in the right forever home. We share experiences, problems, solutions, rejoice in our successes, and grieve when a beloved dog passes away. This Group is hardworking, compassionate, endlessly helpful, and the welfare and happiness of the dogs is always paramount.
We met Anne Burkett in 1998/99 after a picture of a white shepherd came to me at work. I called the number given and was advised to bring my other dogs to meet Shadow, as we named him, at Williamson County Animal Shelter. We were all a good match. That began our connection to AGSDR. We have been home to five wonderful dogs from them. The volunteers are outstanding and willing to do whatever to get these dogs a good home. From fostering to vet visits, and nursing ill dogs, they do it all with dedication and professionalism. I can’t give them enough credit for what they do.
AGSDR has provided me with multiple rescue dogs over the last 14 years. They do an excellent job of not only rescuing and caring for unwanted German Shepherds, but also guiding them to the right homes. Their volunteers are devoted to making a difference in the lives of these amazing animals, and it shows in every interaction. If i could give them 10 stars, i would!
Austin German Shepherd Rescue is an amazing rescue that helps GS's and GS mixes find their forever homes. They have a very thorough screening process to make sure their dogs go to the right forever home!
I've volunteered with Austin German Shepherd Rescue for 4 years now. I am so incredibly impressed with AGSDR's dedication to the breed and for the lifetime commitment of every dog rescued. The rescue may be small and foster-based but the economic value of the time spent bettering the lives of German Shepherds in need across Texas is HUGE!