Rescue Dogs: A German Shepherd Finds a Forever Home

This German Shepherd's story could have come right out of an episode of Pit Bull Boss, shown on the Animal Planet Channel. It could have also been a rescue performed by the "tough guy" bikers of "Rescue Ink" from New York. But, it wasn't....

This rescued dog's story unfolded in two small towns in the Midwest. The rescued German Shepherd came from Missouri, a State that is under fire in national headlines as the top puppy mill state. He went to a forever home in a small town in central Illinois, thanks to some kind caring people.

Sarge, the Rescue Dog's Story

Danny and Paula Kessinger live in the country, near a small, rural town in central Illinois. They are working class parents that enjoy a variety of interest. They are also animal lovers. The family had been searching for a German Shepherd to adopt, but each time they found an ad for one, it was usually too late.

While looking through Craig's List one day, Danny stumbled across an ad someone had placed, looking for a home for a rescued German Shepherd. He immediately called the number, hoping he was not too late again, and was told a sad tale of how the Shepherd had lived in deplorable conditions.

The people who had rescued the German Shepherd said that the dog was being kept on a chain that was barely a foot long. According to Danny, there was no food or water provided, even if the dog could have reached it. He was told that the Shepherd was "very skinny" even though they had had him for a week and were trying to put some weight on him.

According to Danny, the couple that rescued the Shepherd was a bit "spooked" when he first called them, because he works for a law enforcement agency and they feared there was a problem. Once he assured them that he had a genuine interest in giving the rescued Shepherd a home, they began to ask him questions to insure that the Shepherd was going to a good home.

Sarge the Rescue Dog Comes Home

Danny and his wife Paula took off for the 2 ½ hour drive to get Sarge. On the way to rescue Sarge, they called their vet and explained that they were going to get a rescue dog and that they needed him to be seen right away to have his health assessed. The vet agreed to see them the very next morning.

Danny stated that he thinks Sarge actually adopted them, instead of the other way around. "Sarge jumped right into the Explorer to come home with us, like it was meant to be." Danny said that Sarge was in pretty bad shape, physically, but that he had a great temperament.

The initial vet bill cost the Kessingers $130.00 to get the rescued Shepherd caught up on everything and to start treatment for worms. Sarge is still on a regimen of medicines for heartworms. They also purchased a large kennel for inside their home. "I figure we have about $400.00 invested in Sarge, so far." Danny told me.

A Rescue Dog's Forever Home

According to Danny, Sarge's health has improved by leaps and bounds. He has gained enough weight so that his ribs are no longer showing. Sarge is scheduled to be neutered soon, along with the family's other dog, a small Chihuahua. Danny hopes this will deter "the boys" from running around the house having a marking competition.

They are training Sarge to come into the house and live in harmony with their other dog and the cats. "He is pretty smart." Danny says, "He'll learn quickly that we are all part of the family. The couple plan to put an underground dog fence on their property, so that Sarge can roam freely, when he is outside.

Good luck Sarge, we are glad that you found a wonderful forever home. This writer will check in on you from time to time, to let my readers know how you are doing!A big Thank You to the Kessinger family for allowing me to tell Sarge's story!