Coastal German Shepherd Rescue

Coastal first heard of Aiden when we were asked if we could help this beautiful boy who was waiting on death row and his time had already expired. At that time, we did not know the extent of the tragedy about to befall this sweet guy. After looking at his picture on the shelter website and seeing a young girl who looked equally as sweet and beautiful as he, and, just like Aiden, her time had expired, we did some sleuthing and found out that they came into the shelter together. There was no question that we could not take one without taking both. So we had them transferred to a nearby shelter to pick up. Much to our surprise, when we got there, we learned that not only did they come in together, but they came in with six eight-week old puppies. This entire family was scheduled to be put to sleep. Working together with another rescue who was able to take all six puppies, we took Aiden and Serena, and the family is safe today.

This wasn’t the end for Aiden, though. When we got to the shelter to pick him up, he was just laying there, covered with urine and feces, not the normal amount from being in a run with many dogs. Literally, from neck to tail was covered. We had to wrap him in a blanket and lift him into the van. When we returned to San Diego, we noticed he was drinking water like he had never had it before and just couldn’t get enough. We thought it best to bring him to see the vet right away. But first, we had to clean him enough so the vet wouldn’t have to dress in a chemical protective suit to examine him. Aiden patiently stood there while we bathed him and dried him, and off he went to the vet.

After examination and X-rays it was confirmed that he had pneumonia. Not only that, but his front paws were infected from standing in urine and fecal matter. He was put in the hospital for treatment. Our hearts sank two days later when he still had not been released from the hospital and the word from the vet was that he was resting comfortable and she thought he would pull through, but he was refusing to eat and just didn’t seem to be bouncing back like she had expected. It was as though he had given up. After the third day, Aiden had just enough spunk to fight, and fight, he did. On the fourth day, he was back with us.

Aiden came back to the boarding facility we use for our dogs who do not yet have a foster home. He had a nice clean room now with enough food and water, but he was alone. On a Saturday, after a long day, one of the volunteers went into his kennel to sit for a while with him and give him some much needed attention. When the door opened for the volunteer to leave, Aiden slipped by. He walked a long gauntlet, by other kennels with other dogs, never stopping to visit. He walked by grass, never stopping to sniff. He walked all the way to the end , to the front of a kennel, where he came nose to nose with Serena, and this is where he stopped, reunited for the first time since their long ordeal began.

If you are interested in meeting me, please contact Teresa via email at baltao@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to fill out our online application.

The minimum adoption donation ranges from $350 to $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is 100% tax deductible.

Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.

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