Rip Is Adopted!

Rip, a magnificent 5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer who’s handsome features told a story of transitions, a stark reminder of the challenges of re-homing a pet. Someone, possibly with good intentions, gave him away, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that led Rip to a shelter. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Was his first owner qualified to gauge another's readiness for the boundless energy and specific needs of a GSP, or was it just more convenient? It's a gamble where the dog's heart is on the line.

The gamble led Rip to a small, remote shelter, and then to California GSP Rescue.

Since arriving in our care, Rip blossomed under the patient guidance of our dedicated volunteers. Their runs and attention revealed a brighter, more engaged spirit in him. This showed what dedication and understanding can achieve. Imagine the joy of a dog who finally understands his boundaries, his eagerness to please shining through after a good bout of exercise.

Someone might have liked Rip's natural hunting skills, dreaming of fun outdoor adventures. But like any skilled athlete, a hunting dog needs a strong foundation. Basic obedience is key for trust and communication. These important steps are often missed.

We were looking for an active person or family for Rip. One who understood the needs of an active GSP, and who could devote the time to provide him with the exercise and training, filled with the promise of trails to conquer and miles to explore.

Josh and Robin applied for a young GSP. They wanted an active dog to accompany them on hikes, and walks, and to be a companion for Josh, as he had recently retired. Josh had a GSP in the home as a teenager, and was also a dog handler, focused on obedience. He was committed to provide the needs of a young GSP, and understood the importance of stimulation, exercise and training.

They had interest in a few dogs, and we narrowed it down to 2 for them to meet. One an easier to place female, and Rip who had been with us far too long, and had some challenges. At the end of the meeting, they chose Rip, and we could not have been happier. Rip deserved this chance to be a part of a family, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect fit for him.

We have received some updates from Josh and Robin. Rip is doing amazing, and living the life we dreamed for him.

First day

“Hi Teri,

Thanks so much for the kind words and picture, we are thrilled to have him! We decided to keep his name; we love it! His first night went great. He slept in the crate. He seemed a bit uneasy, so we had to get up with him and take him outside three different times last night. However, we know it was just the first night and he had quite a day getting to know us and his new home. We took him on a walk yesterday, and to our surprise, at mile 2.2 he plopped down on the sidewalk to take a break. We giggled, gave him a break, then continued on for our 4 mile total walk. He ate all of his dinner at about 5:00 pm, and all of this breakfast at about 10:30 am this morning. We provided him with his breakfast at 7:00 am, but he was not interested. He did much better on our 4.6 mile walk this morning. He is so excited to explore our backyard, but we are waiting to ensure he will come to us when we call before we let him back there off leash. As long as he is not focused on a lizard or a bird, he listens really well. But we still need him to work on listening to us when he is focused on prey. In the house, he has been wonderful! He already knows the command, "out of the kitchen," and he listens when he is told, "no." He LOVES staring out our many windows. Although Sadie made our decision very difficult, we are so happy to have Rip as part of our family.  

Thank you for everything,

Josh and Robin”

One week

Good morning,

Rip's first week went very well. We walked/hiked between 4 and 7 miles every morning and often went another mile after dinner. He is very comfortable in his crate and has slept there every night along with a few naps during the day while I ran errands. We can let him go in the backyard now but I still don't let him out without supervision. He is very calm and mellow in the house, but outside his prey drive kicks in and it's hard to get him to focus on anything else. I have to keep him out of the side yard because he has already gotten into our pond twice, going after the koi. He learned the doggy door very quickly, but again, I don't fully trust him to not jump a fence so he doesn't get free access yet. Also, he really likes the pool so he may never get complete freedom to the backyard. He is eating well. We are so happy to have found him, and it seems as though he feels the same way. Rip is such a sweet boy and we love every minute we get with him. Take care. 

Thank you for all of your help and support,

Josh and Robin”

One Month Update

“Hi Teri,

The month has whizzed by, and we have had a great time with Rip. He has assimilated well into our family, and he knows the routine (morning walks (4-7 miles), breakfast, play in the backyard all day that includes "helping" Josh with yard work, hunting for lizards, and going into the pool to rinse off and cool down, dinner, rest in the bed while we watch some TV). 

As trust is developed, more so on our part with him, Rip is getting to obtain more freedoms. He is able to be in the back yard with less supervision, and he gets free reign of the whole yard and pool with the exception of the side yard where he likes to hunt our koi fish. His leash training is going slower than we hoped because he has such a strong prey drive, that he forgets to listen. However, Josh is consistent and patient and he is getting there. He even gets to go to the park and is learning to come on command from farther distances. We have taken him to the dog park a few times, and he plays well with all other dogs. He still would rather have his nose in a hole hunting gophers rather than play with the other dogs, though. 

Over the past weeks, we have taken Rip to our parents' farm, and he got to meet his cousin-dogs. They played well together. He traveled well, and he LOVES to be the co-pilot in the front seat. He loves to stick his head out of the window when driving, but he makes us nervous, so he only gets that privilege on rare occasions. We also took him camping, and he loved it. He enjoyed hiking and being with us all day outside. He didn't love being tied up, but that was for all of our own good as there were many squirrels and chipmunks there.

Rip continues to be such a love and a joy. He listens well to both of us, and he is very well-mannered and mellow in the house. We hope everything is going well for you and all of the other GSP’s. 

Thank you,

Josh and Robin”