Beaus Story

On May 12th, 2016, 22 dogs were impounded from a property in Geelong by the local council — 14 of them German Shepherds. Geelong Animal Welfare Society and several local rescue groups stepped in to help, but German Shepherd Rescue Victoria (GSRV) was urgently contacted to take in nine of the shepherds.

That same day, I had to say goodbye to my beloved black shepherd, Logan. A routine visit to the vet revealed an inoperable tumour in his liver, and my heart was shattered.

After a week of careful planning, GSRV safely transported the dogs — friendly but frightened — into foster homes or to temporary accommodation in Lara, generously offered by one of their supporters. All were lovely-natured dogs, though some needed desexing or treatment for medical issues such as wounds or ear infections. While anxiety was common among them, two of the girls were especially fearful and were placed into experienced foster homes to help rebuild their confidence.

Two weeks after losing Logan, the house felt unbearably empty. Life without a dog just wasn’t the same. I had previously bookmarked the GSRV website and, although I wasn’t sure I was ready to adopt again, I knew I was ready to open my home. I submitted an application to foster a German Shepherd.

It was then that I learned more about the nine shepherds GSRV had rescued from Geelong, all waiting for their second chance. My application was approved, and after a phone call to confirm the details, I was told that one of the young males would be coming to me.

Late in the afternoon on June 3rd, a car pulled into my driveway. Two wonderful GSRV volunteers had driven two hours to deliver my foster-to-adopt dog. Out of the back jumped what looked like a huge black wolf — except he was actually a long-haired German Shepherd. He had just been desexed, had no name, and arrived with a collar, lead, bowl, and a large bag of food.

It took only two days to know he was home for good.

I had worried that my heart was still too fragile after losing Logan, but this beautiful boy made it easy. He was gentle, affectionate, and well trained. He patiently let me apply soothing lotion to his surgical wounds, quietly lay beside me for hours while I brushed him, and waited calmly for his meals. He walked beautifully on lead and greeted both people and dogs with ease.

The hardest part was choosing his name. Shadow. Night. Devil. All seemed fitting for such a big, black, fluffy dog — but none felt right. In the end, we chose Beau, meaning sweetheart. And that is exactly what he is.

Next week, on January 9th, Beau will turn four years old. It has been seven months since he came into my life, and in that time he has taught me so much — to be patient with those who are unsure, to use kindness rather than a raised voice, and that the best medicine for a broken heart is learning to love again.

Thank you, Beau.
And thank you, GSRV, for bringing him into my life.

If you would like more information about adopting German Shepherds please click on links below:

German Shepherd Rescue Victoria

Sweet Shepherd Rescue

German Shepherd Dogs In Need

A foster-to-adopt rescue story that became a forever bond.