CHAR WILLS GERMAN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE

"I have volunteered a few times for Char-Wills, and have been very impressed with the care and effort they make in finding "forever homes" for the GSDs. I helped on a transport where I was the middle leg of a 3 leg effort from Johnstown, to State College, to Dauphin to Char-Wills. Seamless communication was provided amongst the drivers, and I witnessed the other drivers providing care above and beyond when moving the GSD between vehicles, making the GSD comfortable in an otherwise scary situation. Another time my wife and I were volunteering at the facility itself, helping to groom and walk the GSDs. I witnessed several adoptions that day, including one 3 legged GSD who won the hearts of his future family and their dog after they had walked another GSD, but decided the fit wasn't quite right. Needless to say, it was a very moving experience. Great effort is made to ensure a good fit with the GSD and the potential owners. If you are adopting and have another dog at home, you have to bring the dog to make sure there is compatibility. In fact there is a resident cat at the shelter so the volunteers and staff can determine how the GSD will react to a home with a feline house mate. The staff and volunteers are very dedicated and protective of their charges, attempting to make sure the GSD will be well loved and cared for. I hope the organization's efforts continue for many more years."

— douglas a.

Volunteer / foster

"I haven’t adopted yet, but they have been incredibly helpful and supportive of my current rescue situation. I am so thankful there is a German Shepherd rescue. These are wonderful loving animals. Unfortunately their size makes them first on the euthanasia list and that is horrible. Char-Wills helps these furry kids and is serious about the adopters. They are thorough which I welcome and agree with. You need to know this breed and what they need. I am approved to adopt through them and when I get my current adopted rescue adapted I will be looking there for a co-partner."

— kristen t.

Supporter

"Very dedicated, takes great care of any dog that comes to them. Wonderful to work with them. Staff is exceptional. Lots of room for dogs to exercise, lots of volunteers to help out, lots of fundraisers to raise money for their needs. I recommend this rescue for their love and dedication of dogs."

— ann v.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"On June 18th 2021, my husband and I along with our grandchildren and our other dog went to Char-wills German Sheppard dog rescue Where we went to adopt a new dog Well we fell in love with the place, and the way that the dogs were kept We really were not sure what or who we were getting Until they brought our Luna out to us to meet us Well she fell right for our grandson Kenneth They became instant buddies We were a little skeptical due to the fact that she had heart worms. We knew we couldn't afford the treatments for her But Diane reassured us that they were taking care of all of her treatments All we had to was take her to her appointments and take care of her. She is now a major part of my family and is doing wonderful. A spoiled brat living her best life So Luna and I would like for you to pick Char-wills to win for the BEST animal shelter in Pa!!!"

— donna d.

Adoptee

"Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest March 30, 2024 To Whom It May Concern: I am thrilled to support Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue (CWGSR) for the Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest. I have been a volunteer for CWGSR for several years and I have witnessed first hand their extreme love and safekeeping of the fur babies in their care. Upon visiting Char-Wills you will notice the large open areas some fenced-in, other parts cleared for walks with the dogs.The area is clean and well-maintained with several cleared trails for strolls with the dogs. The inside of the shelter consists of a large office with a portion set aside for inside meetings and greeting space. There is a large grooming space and area to sterilize bowls and other equipment. Adjacent to the office is the pet shelter portion which has large open crate areas from floor to ceiling. Each dog has its own space, complete with bedding, food, water, toys and access to the outside with a doggy door. Children from the neighborhood are invited to come to socialize with the dogs, give them love and just be with them. Char-Wills also has a shelter cat that is gently introduced to the dogs to assess their ability to be in a home with cats. All dogs have visits to the vet and are treated for any health problems, receive vaccines and are spayed/neutered if that has not previously been done. As a volunteer with Char-Wills, my duties are to screen potential adopters. To ensure that the dogs go to loving homes, the process involves several steps. Those wishing to adopt complete an application on line and submit it to Char-Wills. From there a trained volunteer reviews the application and does the following: Calls the adopter to review detailed questions they have answered regarding adoption Calls their vet to ascertain how they have cared for preview pets Calls two references provided by the adopter to gain more information about the applicant The volunteer responds by emailing the completed adoption application to Char-Wills with a recommendation to approve or deny. Char-Wills then sends an email to the applicant to make an appointment to visit, if approved. Applicants must bring all living in the home as well as any and all dogs living at the home to the appointment. The applicant meets with the Char-Wills qualified personnel and they are encouraged to walk and visit with any of the dogs. With the information Char-Wills has gained from the application and meeting with the future adopters, Char-Wills staff are often able to help the adopter find a perfect match. The dogs that come to Char-Wills looking for a safe haven are greeted with unconditional love and anyone working with them is dedicated to helping them to find their forever home. This in- depth screening is critical to insuring that our dogs find the right caring home. Consequently, we have very few dogs that are returned to Char-Wills and the well-loved dog testimonials are frequent and inspiring. Success! If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Shirley Donovan, Retired Teacher, State College Area School District Volunteer at Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue 814-360-3615"

— shirley d.

Volunteer / foster

"We adopted our dog Diesel May 2020. He was afraid of everyone and everything. We knew he needed us and he needed patience to become the best version of himself. Today he is a full figured, 5 year year old, spoiled baby. There is not an aggressive bone in his body. He is the sweetest German Shepherd and everybody loves him. He is so well behaved and really appreciates a loving home. We couldn’t have asked for a better dog. Char Wills does a wonderful job with all their rescues. They take the time to ensure each dog fines their perfect family and families fine their perfect family Member. We plan on adopting another Shepherd from Char Wills within the next year or so. I will only rescue from Char Wills and sing their praises to anyone who will listen. I highly recommend Char Wills as your go German Shepherd Rescue."

— susan s.

Adoptee, Fan

"We have adopted 6 dogs over the years from Char WIlls GSR. We will not deal with any other dog rescue because none of them come close to the care Char Wills gives them while they are there. Staff know GSD's and they evaluate them to help place them in the best home situation available. Medical issues are addressed immediately through a top notch vet and staff. Living area for the dogs is extremely well set up and very clean. Dogs have excerise areas, comfortable beds to sleep in, volunteers who come spend time with them, walking, playing and helping the residents to be as comfortable as possible while they are there. Every single one we have adopted has been great."

— diane s.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

"Char Wills German Shepherd rescue is special. Special because it serves the community. The community reaching far beyond a single surrendered German Shepherd Dog. You see, the group of people are holding on to the belief that good exists. The good is seen when a dog is accepted into the shelter. The good happens by providing a place for the dogs to be seen for what they are, and by providing care at the rescue and within the community for ultimately a successfully placement. The good is further seen by affording the most basic to advanced health care/treatment, and merely socializing humans & canines. Many dogs have landed in the wrong hands or were bred irresponsibly. The Germans Shepherd Dog is a breed that is not for everyone. Sad to say, people often don't do the proper research when 'getting' a dog. When these dogs get into the wrong hands they are not are able to thrive socially. This results in surrender, abandonment and worse cruelty and neglect. German Shepherds are smart, stoic and proud. It is known these dogs undergo traumatic stress in changing environments. This shelter sees through the scared and defensive fronts and helps the dog through. They provide adequate exercise and assessments for each individual. Good things happen when a dog has time to get comfortable in its surroundings. This rescue engages the community. Socialization classes for the dogs are provided at a local prison, obedience training centers, and quiet RNR at experienced foster homes. Additionally with a modern kennel, ample turnout and volunteers these dogs are served honorably. While a dog is being transitioned from it's former life, the shelter provides a temporary home. Key word is temporary. Potential adoptees are thoroughly screened and pre approved. Additionally, the staff placing the dog(s) knows the dog intimately. Good happens when a dog paired with a matched parent and gets placed in the right home."

— stacey n.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Volunteer"

— tammy d.

Volunteer / foster

"Char-will is an amazing rescue. They're kind of like a "full-service"...if you will...rescue. I've dealt with them and knew of them forever. I just adopted a pup from there a few weeks ago. The one volunteer knew I was heartbroken after losing my Angel, and she knew just what I needed to hear, and didn't mind me bothering her all the time about how much I hurt...and helped me every step of the way to rescue the dog I felt my Angel sent. First, they checked if we seemed compatible....any training issues, told us to come down and they'd help...which they did. There's a groomer there, they board dogs, all kinds of training.....but most importantly....These people genuinely love these pups and are trying to help as many as they can. It's a very hard, very tiring life filled with every emotion....but they do it all with a smile....because their life has always been about helping the dogs."

— karen s.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan