When my beloved GSD Thor had to be put to sleep very suddenly in November, 2018, I was devastated. The bottom fell out of my world." Never again" I told myself, as having lost a number of my GSDS in my life, I believed I really couldn't face the heatbreak of loving and
losing another dog .However it wasn't long before I knew in my heart that there was a huge empty space in my life - a space I knew that could only be filled by a dog and I realised my life would never be complete without one.

I had raised my previous 4 GSDS from 9 weeks but - as I am older now I felt a puppy would be out of the question. So what to do? One day I wondered if the adoption of a needy dog might be an option so I
decided to have a look at the" Dogs in Need "on the German Shepherd Rescue Scotland website because I knew only a GSD would fill the dog shaped space in my life. However I told myself firmly that I was only looking
out of curiosity, but there were so many dogs that were looking for their forever homes through no fault of their own I felt there just might be one that would be suitable for me.

So after a grear deal of soul searching I got in touch and had a number of chats with Carolyn and Dorothy, in which I explained my situation.They were so understanding and supportive, so I decided to go ahead. After I passed my homecheck , I filled in the form for adoption,
and sent it back. I had thought that I would need to wait some time before a suitable dog was available, but to my surprise only a few week later I was contacted - there was a dog called Sasha they thought might be a suitable match for me!

So in January my brother and I drove down to south of Edinburgh to meet Carolyn, John, Sasha's foster carer....and Sasha herself.When I saw the little sable girl who looked so forlorn with a gently wagging tail
and eyes full of hope my heart melted - It was love at first sight! I took her for a walk, and made up my mind there and then, - she was the dog for me.

I knew.Sasha had some issues, she was very fearful, nervous and unsure of people and dogs and had little formal training but she was still young,and having had Shepherds before I felt I could help her but it would need time and patience .At first when she arrived she was hesitant and shy, but began to relax over the following days and week and we began to bond. She gradually became used to her crate in my van, and now loves travelling.,She has leant to play with a ball, and I introduced her to on lead walks, simple obedience and my "doggy " friends.

That was nearly 5 months ago, and Sasha ( now called Sacha!). is a different girl, happy and confident, she is very quick to learn, and
incredibly loving.We now go to a local Dog Agility Club, where she loves the course, and everyone is so supportive (and special thanks to Gail who volunteers with GSD Rescue Scotland ,helps run the club and her
husband Derek, for their help and support with socialising her with all sorts of people and various dogs at the Club)

To see her so happy and content is such a joy, we go for long walks along the beach, into the forest, as she now has an excellent recall. I love her dearly, it seems she healed my broken heart and I think I am healing hers.

So if anyone is considering a rescue GSD then look no further, the support is exceptional. Dorothy and Carolyn are always willing to offer help and encouragement at any time. and there are so many lovely dogs needing their forever homes. I am so grateful to Shepherd Rescue for
finding me such a wonderful companion, Sacha and I are truly a match made in Heaven.