Thursday, September 30, 2010

One More Day

TWAS the day before the tournament, and all through the house;
ALL HELPERS are hustling, including the mouse!
Truck has been loaded, with treasures galore;
Artwork, collectibles, dog goodies and much much more!

GREAT DOGS are lined up, and ready to host;
Above everyone there, they say the most!
"Your support gave us the chance to live;
More dogs will benefit because you give."

GOLFERS are registered, ready to play;
124 on board for a SOLD OUT day!
Let's all hope someone makes that "Hole-In-One";
Lots of money and lots of fun!

SPONSORS are proudly displayed on their sign,
And soon will be listed "In Gratitude" on line.
Gold Stars have been added for each year they do,
Please support those who support our rescue!

The AUCTION is full of things so fine;
Check out the CATALOG, posted on line...
You still have today to place a bid,
Win an item and be glad you did!

WISH you all could be here;
If not, give the event a long distance cheer!
To all volunteers, we give a big "THANK YOU"
For all you have done and continue to do!

Sweet -

Virginia German Shepherd Rescue appreciates each and every one of our Golf Tournament and Auction sponsors and donors but we want to extend special kudos to those who have been showing their support over multiple years. Every donation is important to us whether it’s large or small, gift certificate or product, art or food!! Each and every donation helps one of our dogs in some way.

Wende Bodey of Simply Sweet Sentiments in Lakeville, Ohio has been supporting our Auction since the fundraiser began in 2008. Wende is a kindhearted person with a soft spot for German Shepherds! When first asked for a donation in 2008, Wende jumped on the opportunity – even though she is not local to Virginia – and sent a beautiful candy bouquet. This year she donated the Golfer’s Dream Bouquet. Please look for and ‘bid’ on it at Friday’s Auction. You can find this item and many, many others at Wende’s site: http://www.simplysweetsentsshop.com/

Wende also upped the ante by donating a $25 gift certificate for Thirty-One Gifts to this year’s Auction. Thirty-One Gifts carries a selection of stylish and affordable purses, bags, stationery and more. In addition to the gift certificate, she has set up an online VGSR fundraiser. If you purchase an item from this site: http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E304990&from=MYEVENTS between October 1 and October 20, VGSR will receive 15% of the total sales!

Here are some of the many items to choose from:


So, if you can’t make it to Friday’s event, and don’t want to participate in our Auction as an absentee bidder, you can still support VGSR if you purchase something from Thirty-One Gifts.
VGSR is incredibly thankful for all of our sponsors and donors! Please let them know you are part of the VGSR family and support our sponsors and donors in return!

Friday, September 24, 2010

New VGSR Supporters

VGSR is very pleased to share the exciting news about new and very generous Supermarket Chain donors.

Peapod is supporting both the upcoming VGSR Silent Auction – generously donating 4 $50 Gift Cards – as well as the Tournament, itself, by providing items for the players. For those of you who are not familiar with Peapod, it was founded in 1989, and has grown to be one of America's leading Internet grocers. Peapod began servicing communities in Virginia and Maryland, partnering with Giant Food, in 2001. Peapod’s local service area now includes DC, also - covering many of the same geographic areas as VGSR supports. Peapod prides itself on exceeding customer's expectations and providing friendly and superior service for each and every customer. “The company stands by its 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - meaning that if something about the shopping experience or order is not to a customer's liking, Peapod will make it right.” Never tried Peapod by Giant? Visit www.peapod.com and enter VIP Code: EM105287 in the designated area during checkout to receive a special offer. The gift cards are redeemable not only at Peapod but can be used at Giant, Super G, Stop & Shop, and Martins – all Peapod sister organizations. We want to thank Steve, a MD manager at Peapod by Giant, for his generosity to VGSR and his love of dogs. Steve met one of our wonderful VGSR volunteers at the dog park - and a great friendship began. Steve will be playing at the Tournament - so please look for him and give him a very special thank you.

Wegmans is a regional grocery chain which has been expanding its presence in the Virginia area. Many of the local Wegmans' stores are "superstores" with a large variety of foods aimed at an upscale market. Wegmans responded positively to our request for donations - both the Lake Manassas and Sterling Wegmans’ store managers donated gift cards for our Auction. We hope that this is the beginning of a great friendship between VGSR and Wegmans!

Harris Teeter’s Ashburn store showed its generosity by provided gift cards for our Auction. While Harris Teeter started as a Southern grocery chain, we find many stores in our local area which provide “exceptional customer service and newly "branded" departments.” On your next visit to the Ashburn store, please let them know you appreciate their donation to VGSR.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Ed's Heads Donates for the 3rd Year !!



Ed's Heads has supported VGSR for the 3rd year in donating Gifts Bags containing hair cut and style certificates along with hair care products for our auction.

Ed's Heads is an upscale hair salon that has been in business for over twenty years in Stephens City, Va.
To quote Ed "Our beauty environment is light hearted; we take our work seriously, not ourselves. All are welcome".

Support those businesses that support rescue, call for an appointment and treat yourself to the best in salon services.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Player Teams are Named



VGSR and Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club will be hosting 30 teams of golfers at our upcoming Tournament and Auction. Each lucky team will be associated with a VGSR alumni or foster who has a story to tell. Each golf cart will have a picture of the dog and the teams will be known, for the day, by the dog’s name. We believe this is a fitting reminder of the Tournament and Auction message –“ It’s all about the DOGS.”

We wish the best to all the teams and hope that they are as lucky as the dogs they will represent for the day. Because of the role that VGSR played in the life of these dogs, they found love in their foster and/or forever homes:

Artemis; Axle; Black Jack; Brandy; Brody; Bruno; Bubba; Cagney; Chase; Dakota; Diesel FKA Dago; Duchess; Hasso; Java; Kacy; Leo, Krieger, Tyson; Lilly; Man; Max; Nani; Rambo; Ranger; Ransom; Rex; Rocky; Rosa; Salena; Sasha; Teddy; and Trooper

As you wander the golf course and club house, please ‘checkout’ the golf carts. These dogs represent VGSR and the thousands of dogs that have been rescued, by us. We cannot do it, though, without the continued generous support of our Donors, Sponsors, Adopters, and Volunteers.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Thoughts from a VGSR Volunteer


If all it took was love and dedication, animal rescues would flourish without limit. Volunteers pour their hearts and souls into saving animals, but this love won’t pay the bills. However, Rescues are faced with the challenge of fundraising.

The Virginia German Shepherd Rescue’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament is a great event that brings in much needed funds! The gorgeous course at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club will also host some of VGSR’s alumni and currently available rescue dogs. Who better to witness the $50,000 Hole in One Prize Contest than one of the rescue dogs? This tremendous prize will be split between the winning golfer and VGSR.
Throughout the day, you’ll meet these gorgeous dogs who have faced some unfortunate times but, with your help, VGSR is changing their futures and finding them the loving homes they deserve. Because of the extreme generosity from many businesses and individuals, there will be a fantastic Silent Auction, Chinese Raffle and other raffles. A delicious dinner will be served in the Clubhouse during which a Parade of Rescues will proceed and prizes will be handed out.

If you cannot make the event, you can still bid on those auction items! This year, you can view the catalog online (under Important Documents on the right) and you don’t have to be present to place bids!
The more successful the golf tournament is, the more dogs VGSR can bring in during the rest of the year. Some volunteers work year round to make this event a success. VGSR needs funding to finance necessary medical services from routine shots, spaying, and neutering to complex surgical or medical procedures which are provided for every dog according to individual needs. Additionally, these dogs need volunteers to face the challenges by their side - picking them up from shelters, taking them into their homes, tending wounds of neglect, bringing them to Adoption Days and tirelessly searching for the perfect forever home.

Here are my reasons to show up on October 1.
These two wonderful dogs would not be in my life had VGSR volunteers not stepped up and rescued them. We adopted Amelia in 2003 and Joey in 2008. Please consider joining our celebration to help VGSR find forever homes for dogs like Amelia and Joey!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Upcoming Silent Auction and Chinese Raffle

A friendly reminder to all that the 3rd Annual VGSR Golf Tournament and Auction is fast approaching. Some of the hardworking volunteers would like a little more time to prepare, but let me tell you - it will be a wonderful fun filled day for all. If you haven’t already done so – please submit your player registration or dinner reservation.


The Auction Catalog has been updated with some really terrific items. The Silent Auction and the Chinese Raffle have items which will appeal to all. Keep in mind that the holidays are coming up – and use the Auction as an opportunity to do some gift shopping and support a great cause. We’ve already received our first BID!

You do not need to be present to bid and win! Look at the catalog - under "Important Documents" on the right.
The variety of items is really amazing. We have received some very generous Auction donations.
Our categories include Vacation, Entertainment, Home Décor, Jewelry, Pet, Garden, Art, Fine Wine, Fitness, Games/Puzzles, Apparel, Sporting Goods, Sport Memorabilia and Miscellaneous.
Lots of gift certificates, gift cards, original designs, collectibles, fine wines, etc. - there is indeed, something for everyone.


We are delighted to have some new corporate donors this year in addition to our long term friends and supporters. The businesses are identified in the catalog and, after the event, will be included in the VGSR "In Gratitude" page. Please thank these businesses and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Remember that each dollar you give helps to save a dog. So, TEE OFF FOR RESCUE, Shop at the Auction and BE GENEROUS.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Meet some wonderful VGSR Alumni

Everyone loves to see our "working dogs" as they host our golfers and guests. Dogs will meet and greet our guests and represent the true purpose of VGSR. Dogs, with handlers, will witness the Hole-in-one competition as well as interact with players and participants throughout the day – on the golf course and near the clubhouse. We are also planning a "Parade of Rescue" during the Awards Dinner when each dog will be formally introduced.

Please plan on joining us for the 3rd Annual VGSR Golf Tournament and Auction and meet the following 4 legged VGSR representatives:

Rosa, Lexie, Hunter, Buddy, Duchess, Luka, Lexie (2),Teddy, Ginger, Raleigh, Athena, Jazz, Cierra, Rommel, Bear, Kane, Sparky, and Jane





These splendid dogs exemplify the true spirit behind VGSR and the wonderful families that adopt.



We thought we would share some of their early stories:
Teddy joined the VGSR family when he was 6 months old. Prior to this, Teddy was left outside chained to a tree. One of the men in the house would come out and kick Teddy around while he was still chained and did this repeatedly. A concerned neighbor convinced the owners to let her have the poor beaten puppy. However, her dogs would not allow Teddy into the house. So while Teddy was out of danger, he was still stuck out in the cold during the end of December. She called the VGSR hotline - Teddy was our "Christmas Call" that year. There is one every year; a call on the hotline during the week of Christmas of a shepherd in immediate danger. When VGSR met Teddy, he was a beautiful black and tan puppy weighing in at 85 lbs. However, it was clear that his right eye was damaged. VGSR sent him to a eye specialist. The diagnosis was that he was permanently blind due to trauma to the eye. The terrible beginning to his life was unable to take away Teddy’s wonderful personality. His foster family made their home Teddy's forever home. He is a "take anywhere doggie". He is a wonderful companion and a delight. He has never been much of a kisser, but he is an amazing leaner and snuggler!!!!

Luka was dropped from the back of a truck, together with two other dogs. These abandoned dogs were brought to the Clarke County Animal shelter in Berryville. While Luka’s buddies were adopted from the shelter, Luka was not so lucky. He waited from September until November until he was brought to VGSR’s attention. A shy boy, he spent his time hiding in his kennel so nobody noticed him. VGSR stepped forward and Luka moved in with his exceptional foster mom who took the time to find the perfect adoptive home for Luka. Luka is mainly chow-chow and keeshond - we are not really sure where the GSD part in him is- but this did not matter after his forever family met him and looked into his eyes. He went home with them and they successfully helped him with housebreaking, fear and weight issues, confidence building and obedience. It took Luka six months to blossom and to no longer be fearful of his dad or other men, but it was all worth it. His human parents are truly grateful that VGSR saved their mellow mutt for them. Luka is now almost 7 years old and lives with his sister GSD Lexie (see below) and cats Harry and Sally. His wagging tail and dancing bear performances are truly bliss to watch. His adoption also encouraged the family to start fostering and volunteering for the rescue.

Lexie (f/k/a Dixie) was left to starve; tied up in an empty apartment in Dublin, Virginia, with another dog. There was no food, just a garbage can and while the other dog was able to eat some garbage, Lexie could not reach it. There were also cats in the small apartment roaming for food. Pulaski County Humane Society was alerted when neighbors heard the noises from the apartment. Lexie was picked up totally underweight and in poor condition. This was April 18, 2007. It was end of May when Lexie came into VGSR and fostered by the same foster as Luka’s. Luka’s family was looking for a GSD to add to their family and to be Luka’s companion. Lexie is a petite girl – possible a GSD mix. She runs like a gazelle and is beauty in motion. Lexie who is now 4 years old, is playful, sweet but still freaks out over tall men with sticks, garbage cans and mailboxes. She either bolts or lunges, but as the saying goes “barking dogs do not bite”, she doesn’t. She would rather lick someone silly. Best of all, she nicely complements her brother Luka who is more mellow and laid-back. When there are foster dogs at the house, she is a great test dog and always has a way of bringing them out of their shell. It is her way of saying thank you to the rescue who saved her!

Duchess was a stray who had trouble finding food. When she joined the VGSR family, she was just a wiggly bunch of skin and bones. Less than a week after coming into foster care, Duchess went to her first VGSR adoption day and met her forever family. Everything sad about her story was suddenly in the past. Her new parents think she’s perfect but they don’t ‘sweat the little stuff.” For instance, it took Duchess 2 days to figure out how to leap up the stairs 3 or 4 at a time, and another year to finally start actually walking up stairs like a lady. The day she figured that out, she must have done it 50 times in between running back and forth to get someone to watch. Duchess would rather catch a ball or a Frisbee or a stick or go swimming than eat. She’s always the last dog standing at the dog park and is always ready to play. Duchess is a social butterfly and the social director at her local dog park; always making new 2 and 4 legged friends.

Come "TEE OFF FOR RESCUE" and/or take part in the auction and join us for dinner. Cheer on the golfers as they compete, shop and bid the auction, enjoy the scenic course and the clubhouse and be on hand for the Parade of Rescue at the Awards Dinner.