In our world, we know what "Needs Rescue" means on a dog's card in the shelter. They won't be seen by the public. They won't be placed for adoption. If they are lucky, when an already crowded rescue gets the call to help, they will make room for just one more.

In March of 2025, we got that call, not for one or two or even three, but a family of four. That day, we made room for Hank, Tia, Ari, and Jasper, and we are so happy we did. Jasper has watched as Tia and Ari have been adopted to wonderful homes, and Hank (most likely his dad) went home to a foster home. Any other dog may have said, "Why not me?" But for two-year-old Jasper, he acts like this is the only home he has ever known. And he thinks he has won the Lottery. He has a way of showing us each day that he feels safe, like he has a family, and we are very happy to be his family for now. For now, we will promise him a walk every day. We promise him that the meals he gets will keep coming, and we promise him that he will never again have to sleep on the cold, hard ground. He will always have a bed.

It hasn't been easy for Jasper. Being a stray can cause so many tummy troubles, especially for a puppy. Jasper had lost so much weight and continued to lose weight even after he was rescued. It took time and the right food for him to start gaining weight again. He has now regained the weight he lost, and he is gaining the weight he should be gaining as a growing puppy. He is going to be a big boy when he grows up.

Jasper has many favorite things to do in his new life. He loves to play with balls. He loves to show just how goofy he can be. After all, this big boy with the big paws is still a puppy. And he loves to play with the female dogs. Being the youngest in his family, he had seen a lot of corrections, and he learned how to be respectful to his elders. He will patiently wait for them to tell him they are ready to play, but when they do, it's game on for Jasper and his new friend.

One thing that may surprise anyone about a German Shepherd puppy is when someone calls them patient. Each morning when the sun rises, and it is time for all of his friends to wake up and move to their play yards, Jasper quietly watches as his human friends take them out one by one. Not a peep from Jasper, just quietly watching and waiting, knowing his turn will come.

Jasper has only known the home he has now. He may feel like he has won the Lottery, but all of the volunteers who see him everyday, who walk with him, who play with him, who just sit with him would love nothing more than for Jasper to get his forever home, one with a family that won't abandon him, one that will give him the love and attention that he deserves. Jasper would like nothing more than for you to let him place his head on your shoulder, just for a moment, while he enjoys what must be a dream for a moment. He would love to lean against you just to feel the gentle touch of your hand, and then he will know that it is not a dream. He will know that he is really finally at home.


If you are interested in meeting this dog, please fill out our online application first. Contact us via email at info@coastalK9gsr.org. 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 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.