Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Bagrosky.
Hi Candice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
All Shepherd Rescue was formed in 2010 by a group of avid German Shepherd Dog lovers and experienced rescue people . We wanted to start a rescue that focused on ” match-making” dogs to prospective adopters since German Shepherds sometimes require more mental stimulation & leadership than many breeds . Our goal was to match them with the right adopter, not just find them a new home.
Every dog that comes to ASR is treated as an individual. We address veterinary needs, learn about their personality and behavior, and work to understand what type of home will give them the best chance to thrive.
Just as important , we try to get to know our adopters—their experience, lifestyle, expectations, and home environment—so we can make thoughtful, lasting matches. We want this to be the last home these dogs know.
But our commitment doesn’t end on adoption day. **ASR makes a lifetime commitment to both our dogs and their adopters.** We provide guidance during the transition into a new home and remain a resource as the relationship grows. If there is a situation where the adopter can no longer keep the dog, ASR will bring him/her back to the rescue and find a new match.
We average about 20-25 dogs at any given time, primarily dogs in high risk situations in overcrowded shelters. Many dogs come from Maryland but also from high need states like North Carolina , VA and many other southern states .
As with all rescues, there are never enough foster homes so when we have to , we work with a local GSD Trainer and place our dogs there while we seek foster homes or forever homes . We give dogs a week or two to decompress and then start working on learning about their personalities as well as start basic leash training , which greatly helps their adoptability . So many people love the breed but often don’t realise when they see a friendly well behaved dog on the street ( or in a movie ) that those dogs are usually the result of hours and hours of consistent training. We require each adopter attend some sort of training to help them with the transition of their newly adopted dog. So many dogs are surrendered for behaviour that could be easily remedied with some basic training , it is truly heartbreaking.
We are a not for profit and soley funded by our adoptions, fundraisers and donors. Our two biggest expenses are Vet Care and Boarding. 100% Volunteer .
There is always constant heartbreak over the dogs we cannot help…….but we help every dog we can.
These dogs have been through so much, we want to help them find the right adopter and the right place to call home .I
t’s about making the right match, providing the right support, and giving every adoption the best opportunity to become a lifelong success.** Every dog deserves a good home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a volunteer organization , we are always seeking dog lovers to help care for the dogs, and fosters to open their homes . We are 100% volunteer based. We are funded 100% by donations, adoption fees, grants and fundraising. Our volunteers are all dedicated dog lovers but most work , have families and other commitments so finding enough help is always a struggle.
And funding, vet care and boarding is expensive and there are so many not for profits asking for help, sometimes the donation pool is limited. In recent years , with economic issues facing many people donations tend to be less while the number of homeless and at risk German Shepherds is higher than ever before.
Our challenge is always to balance how to help more dogs within our pool of resources, volunteers and finances. And to not lose hope when faced with larger and larger number of homeless dogs .
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My role in the rescue is multi fold . As a former professional in Commercial insurance I have familiarity with business practices .
As a lifelong lover of dogs, particularly German Shepherds ( my first GSD arrived when I was about 7 ) I have always loved the breed .
As one of the founders of All Shepherd Rescue and a Member of the Board of Directors, I am immensely proud of this group’s results in saving and finding good homes for these wonderful dogs. We always wish we could save more but every day we are working to save new dogs, find homes for the ones in rescue or working to raise awareness of the situation in shelters or for more funds so we can help more dogs.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
While I LOVE German Shepherds and most large herding/guardian dogs, I also love the spunky little ones like Dachshunds , Scotties and even Chihuahuas !!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allshepherdrescue.com
- Instagram: @allshepherdrescueasr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllShepherdRescue/
