GSD Welfare Fund

GSD Welfare Fund

Arnie came to us at 20 months old and has only been with us a short time. He was relinquished to rescue after being described as reactive to “everything” — dogs, people, children, barking and lunging at them all. He had been crated for long periods and only walked in the early hours of the morning, so he arrived with very limited experiences and almost no socialisation.​When he first meets someone new, he will bark so needs a little time to work out who you are. Once he knows you, he is the sweetest, most affectionate lad. He travels brilliantly in the car, settles on the back seat, and doesn’t react to passing people or dogs. He loves affection and interaction with people he knows.​We’ve been taking him to quiet places for his walks and gradually introducing more sights and sounds at a distance he can cope with. He loves getting out and exploring, and he’s showing us every week that he wants to learn and feel safe.​Arnie is ready to be adopted, but he isn’t a dog for busy streets, narrow streets or crowded parks just yet. If he’s pushed too close to things he finds worrying, he will bark, which we want to avoid. He’s a work in progress — not difficult, not dangerous, just inexperienced and trying his best.​Arnie needs to be the only dog in the house and no cats or small animals as we suspect he would chase.​He needs adopters who are happy to continue slow, steady socialisation: taking him in the car to quiet parks, letting him watch the world from a safe distance, and building his confidence at his pace. In the kennel he settles quietly, shows no destruction, and thrives on predictable routines.​With patient, consistent handling and a calm home, Arnie has every chance of becoming a fantastic companion. He just needs people who are willing to continue the good work that’s already started.Meanwhile we will continue working with him on socialisation, till we find the perfect match.​​​​​ ​​​

GSD Welfare Fund

Hello… I’m Bear.Some people call me Mr Eyebrows or Mr Oversized Fluffy Cloud. I can’t argue with that — my eyebrows are very expressive and my fur is unbelievably soft. I actually enjoy going to the groomers because they take their time with me and let me settle.​I’m somewhere around seven years old, give or take. I’m a steady lad who likes a calm home and people who move at my pace. I’d love someone who’s around a good amount of the time, especially while I’m settling in. Once we’ve built things up slowly, I can manage short periods on my own.I do a little whinge in the car when we’re heading out — that’s just excitement. On the way home, I’m quiet as anything.​Walks are one of my favourite parts of the day. I’m a proper sniffer. Every scent tells a story, and I like to take my time reading them. I’m hoping for someone who won’t rush me or try to “get the walk done”. Slow, thoughtful walks suit me best.​About other dogs… I’d prefer to be the only dog in the home. When I’ve got enough distance — like the other side of the road — I can walk past calmly. If another dog gets too close, I can get a bit over‑aroused and ramped up all excited, and that can make things tricky. A bit of space, or crossing the road, helps me stay settled so I can have a look and then carry on.​One of my favourite things is sitting on a bench next to you, watching the world go by before we wander off for more sniffing.​I don’t think I’ve ever lived with children. I can’t remember, and because children can be loud and fast‑moving, I’d prefer a home with grown‑ups only.No cats for me, thank you. Birds and ducks I can ignore.​If you’re looking for a gentle, thoughtful companion who loves slow sniffy walks, and sitting quietly beside you, I might be your lad.​Location: Stamford, Lincs

GSD Welfare Fund

Beau is one of our permanent residents; this is due to her suffering with a disease called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).Her case is extreme so needs medication with every single bit of food she has; even if it's a small treat. We did home her once but sadly her adopters didn’t stick to the guidelines that we provided and poor Beau lost so much weight we had to bring her back.Whilst we will provide life long sanctuary for Beau to ensure she stays happy and healthy, we will consider her for fostering to the right family who are experienced with the disease. We will continue to pay for her medication if you provide the love, the home and the usual vet checks.

GSD Welfare Fund

Hugo is a lovely old boy of 12. He's a short coated sable male who came into Welfare through no fault of his own. He had been kept in a barn for the first two years of his life. He was not socialised at all so therefore can be reactive. He is not good with male dogs and can be choosy with the females. He has a very high prey drive so not good with small furries. He has never been around children. Hugo is a small GSD but he is like a little pocket rocket. He is neutered and microchipped.​ We did re-home Hugo but they brought him back because of his reactivity. Hugo finds it difficult to settle in a home and can get quite stressed. For this reason we have decided to keep him in our care but we do feel he would really benefit from a nice, quiet foster home where he can spend his time just pottering around in the garden.​​​Annual £35​Monthly £3​

GSD Welfare Fund

I’m Kia, a working line sable girl with brains, bounce, and a brilliant nose. I thrive on sniffing out food and toys — it’s not just fun, it’s my kind of therapy. I’m learning to slow down, choose sniffing over constant toy play, and enjoy calm, thoughtful routines. I’m busy by nature, but I’m also learning that stillness can be wonderful. What I love:Sniffing games that tire my brain and bodyAffection— let me choose - once I know you I’ll come back for more if you don’t rush meToys, especially when they’re part of a calm setupWatching the world go byCar travel – I am the perfect travelling companionPredictability and routine – once I understand the routine I will flourish What I need:A home that understands my working brain and gives me calm stimulationPredictable routines and quiet walksGuardians who respect my space and let me choose connectionGentle grooming with breaks — I’ll come back when I’m readyTime and patienceQuiet walks where I can sniffChoices – if you give me true choices it helps build my confidence knowing I can walk away if I am overwhelmedNo other dogs, definitely no cats and no small furries as I have quite a high prey driveNo young children as I am very grabby with toys My ideal home: I’m looking for someone who sees my brilliance and meets it with kindness. I don’t need chaos or constant activity — I need thoughtful engagement, calm enrichment, and a relationship built on trust. I’m not bothered by other dogs, and I’m learning to watch quietly when I have space. I’m ready to thrive with someone who understands that busy doesn’t mean frantic — it means fulfilled.

GSD Welfare Fund

My name is Lexi and I am a 6 year old girl. I have previously lived with children and other dogs so with careful introductions and lots of visits I could potentially live with another dog.​I love people once I get to know them by I am very nervous of lots of things.​I need to be in a home with no children or men ideally.​Location: Mildenhall, SuffolkMy name is Lexi and I am a 6 year old girl. I have previously lived with children and other dogs so with careful introductions and lots of visits I could potentially live with another dog.

GSD Welfare Fund

I’m Luna, I'm five years old — a young sable girl with a heart full of hope and a nose for adventure. But life hasn’t always been kind to me. Before I arrived at rescue, I was sent to residential training where harsh methods were used to try to make me “like” other dogs. It didn’t work — and it left me worried about hands, touch, grooming, and even having my awful choke chain removed.But I’ve been working hard. Really hard. And now? I love affection once I know you. I’ll even demand it — snogs included! I’m happiest in a harness, trotting through nature reserves or paddling in streams. I’m a delight on walks, and I travel beautifully in the car, watching the world go by with quiet curiosity. If I have sufficient distance I can walk past other dogs. If I don’t have enough distance I will likely shout at them. What I Love:Affection from trusted humans — I’m a snuggle queen once we connectSniffy walks in quiet, natural spacesMan trailing — I’m brilliant at it!Paddling in streams and exploring country pathsCar rides — I settle quickly and enjoy the viewPlaying with toys and also playing with you What I Find Tricky:Other dogs — I need to be the only dog in the home and definitely no cats!Busy urban areas — I struggle with close-up dog sightings, loud people and noisy roadsGrooming and handling — I’m much better now, but I still prefer short, gentle sessions My Ideal Home:Rural or semi-rural, with access to quiet walking routesNo other dogs, and no busy roads or high footfall areasGuardians who understand trauma and offer patience, predictability, and emotional safetySomeone who’ll celebrate my progress and help me keep blossomingAccess to an off lead field or a large gardenNo young children as I may knock them over in my enthusiasm Why I’m Special: I’ve come so far — from fear to affection, from avoidance to connection. I’m playful, loving, and full of potential. I need someone who sees beyond my past and into the bright, brilliant girl I’m becoming. With the right support, I’ll be your loyal companion — joyful, gentle, affectionate and deeply connected.​Location: Sleaford

GSD Welfare Fund

Hello… I’m Macy. I was born on 20 May 2020, right in the middle of lockdown, and because the world was so quiet back then, I didn’t get to learn much about people, places, or other animals. So now, as a grown‑up girl, I can find a lot of things quite scary.​I get worried about new people, dogs, cats, and anything that feels unpredictable. I’m also a bit unsure about human hands, especially when I don’t know someone yet. Hands can move fast, and that makes me nervous. I need calm, gentle people who let me choose when I’m ready. I don’t bark or lunge at people, I just keep my distance until I am sure and need time to do this.The good news is… with the humans I trust, I’m soft, loving, and very loyal. I just need time to feel safe.​I am slowly and carefully having my little world expanded. We go at my pace, and I’m learning that new things don’t have to be scary. I’m trying really hard.​What I’m Looking For​Someone who really understands German ShepherdsA quiet, child‑free homeA home where I can be the only dogA patient, empathetic human who won’t rush meA human who will take time with me and not keep touching me until I am ready If you want to meet me, you’ll need to visit me lots of times so I can get to know you properly. I don’t fall in love quickly… but once I do, I’m yours.If you’re experienced, calm, and kind… I just might be your girl.​Location: Sleaford, Lincs

GSD Welfare Fund

Hi! I’m Martha — a dinky little sable GSD with a big personality. I was found straying when I was about a year old, so nobody really knows my past, but I’ve made it very clear who I am: bright, busy, affectionate, and always ready for fun.​I absolutely love people. If you’re nearby, I’m probably trying to show you my toys although I do like to play with them on my own. Toys are my favourite thing in the world.​I also love travelling in the car. I sit nicely, watch the world go by, and take everything in. It’s one of the times I feel calm and settled.​Sometimes I can be a bit worried about noisy overhead aeroplanes. They make me stop and check what’s happening, but I recover quickly if I have some reassurance from you and soon get back to whatever I was doing.​I enjoy having a sniff around in new places but it takes me a little time to fully relax so slowly taking me to new places works best.​When I see other dogs, I get very excited. I want to go straight over and say hello, but my body gets ahead of my brain and I can screech, spin, and try to get to them by wiggling out of my harness. My handlers are helping me learn that keeping a bit of distance helps me feel safe and think clearly. I’m still quite young, so I’m also learning how to slow down, relax, and enjoy quieter activities.I’m a friendly, loving little whirlwind with loads of potential. With slow socialisation, predictable routines, and kind humans who enjoy an active, affectionate dog, I’ll grow into a brilliant companion. I do enjoy some fuss too when I slow down long enough.​No cats or small animals — I’d find them far too exciting. I’ve probably never lived with children, and because I can get easily over‑aroused, I’d prefer an adult‑only home where things feel predictable and safe for me.If you’re looking for a joyful, pocket‑sized GSD who loves toys, loves people, and loves watching the world from the car window, I might be your girl.​Location: Stamford, Lincs

GSD Welfare Fund

Hello, I’m Murphy — known to my friends as Mr Snuggle Bum. I’m around six years old and happiest when life is calm, predictable, and full of gentle connection. I adore people and love nothing more than a slow, sniffy walk followed by a cosy cuddle. Once I trust you, I’ll lean in for fuss and affection — and I’m a brilliant car companion too – well providing no dogs or horses are walking past as I do like to shout at them. My Ideal Day Includes:Peaceful walks with plenty of sniffing and spaceCalm company and gentle interactionA quiet retreat for naps and decompressionWatching the world go by (but preferably not through a busy window!) What I Find Tricky:Young children, horses, and other dogs — I’d prefer to be your one and onlyBusy environments or sudden activity — I feel safest when things are slow and steadyGrooming — I’ll tolerate a few brush strokes at a time, especially if I can walk away and come back My Needs:A home without children under 16 or other petsA quiet, emotionally safe space where I can relax and rechargeGuardians who understand my sensitivities and offer me space when I need itSupport with managing barking triggers — I may join in if nearby dogs are vocal or if I have a clear view of passing distractionsSomeone around most of the time – I can settle down quietly but I do like companionship

GSD Welfare Fund

Hello there, I'm Neo and this lovely Welfare place rescued me a few months ago from a pretty awful place called the pound.. These good peeps saved me from something called euthanasia, all thanks to lots of people who fell in love with me and donated and sponsored me. ​I've settled in very nicely and the girls here at Mildenham just love me! Of course! ​My previous owner got me as a puppy. Apparently I was bought to help my owner with his mental health. But I was never walked because my owner wasn't mobile. So I was put on the rescue waiting list, but no one wanted me so I was taken to this pound place. Info we have: Neo has been around children from aged seven upwards and was introduced to other dogs. He has lived with cats. Understandably he's nervous and can bark at people but he hasn't really seen that much of the world due to his isolated life. We see that Neo is a lovely friendly boy and after a couple of meets he'll be your friend forever. He loves his food so easy to win his friendship.​Location: Mildenhall, Suffolk​

GSD Welfare Fund

'Hello everyone, my name is Paddington Bear, aren't I cute! I'm nearly four years old (DOB Oct 2021) and I am the sweetest boy you’ll ever meet! I'm confident when meeting strangers and love to come and say a little hello. I know you'll fall in love with me and we'll become the bestest of friends. Although I need to be in a home with no cats, I am very playful, love a groom and would love a family of my very own. Oh and I travel brilliantly in the car.'​It is believed that Paddington has previously lived with other dogs and he has said some lovely hellos to dogs in kennels. He could happily live with a female dog (ideally of a similar size), or would be great as your only pet.​Sadly, Paddington was found as a stray meaning we have no history for him, so he cannot be home with young children. He came to us emaciated and after a thorough vet check we found that his paw pads were in a terrible state, suggesting that Paddington had spent a prolonged period of time living in urine. Despite his difficult start in life Paddington is just a bundle of joy! ​​Location: Mildenhall, Suffolk​