Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

The Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue (OKGSR) Veterans Program launched February 29, 2024.

To date, we have successfully matched 10 Veterans with 10 basic obedience trained Shepherds who are supportive companions or show task training potential, free of charge.

Veteran Arnold/Ghost

Veteran Hurt/Kita

Veteran Wolf/Malibu

Veteran Adasiak/Lankston

Veteran Rodriguez/Bo

Veteran Renteria/Charlie Brown (Viper)

Veteran Carroll/Nyx

Veteran Crispin/Admiral

Veteran Walden/Thor

Veteran Pilch/Genesis

We were even featured on the local news!

Fox23 News

News on 6

Approved Veterans who adopt through our program, have the choice to utilize their adopted dog as a Companion, ESA, or to further their training to meet the requirements of a Service Animal if the dog they select passes Torchlight K9’s evaluation.

Due to the success of this program, the Crane Institute America (CIA) Giving Fund, agreed to match $1 for $1- up to $20,000- of funds raised during the month of May: National Military Appreciation Month! In total, $16,776 was raised! 

Because the program recognized the needs of Oklahoma Veterans to include what is beyond the scope of this program, a solution was found, and the GI Wishes Adjunct Rescue Project was birthed:

For Oklahoma Veterans who already own a dog with task training potential, or desire a different breed of dog (Labrador Retriever), 25% of proceeds raised was gifted to GI Wishes by the CIA Giving Fund for our program’s Adjunct Rescue Project!

Additionally, 15% of raised proceeds went back to the rescue to replete funds used for boarding or medically clearing eligible dogs.

To everyone who donated to the May Fundraiser, and who continues to donate- We thank you for your involvement in this program and for spreading the word!

As of 6/1/24, any funds donated through this GoFundMe went directly to Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue specifically for the Veterans Program.

As of 1/15/25, this GoFundMe has been closed. If you would like to donate specifically to the Veterans Program, please contact Jacquie Hair directly at veteransprogram[at sign]oklahomagsr.org.

If you would like to donate specifically to the Adjunct Rescue Project (currently in pilot phase), please visit: giwishes.org

OKGSR Veterans Program Overview:

The mission of our program partnership with GI Wishes and Torchlight K9, is to provide eligible OKGSR dogs who show task training potential, the opportunity to become an obedience trained companion animal, free of charge to Veterans.

Program Highlights:

-Revolving list of 5 eligible dogs*

-Waived OKGSR $350 adoption fee

-2 week board/train at Torchlight K9, valued at $2,100

-Lifetime Saturday group classes for brush up basic obedience (6 required classes within first year), or Veterans desiring to task train their animal

-If in dire financial need, one year of basic pet/Tulsa-based veterinarian assistance through GI Wishes

-Option to opt in/opt out of media involvement to raise additional awareness for the program

Important advisory:

It is important to note that many rescue animals have unknown genetic and breeding history, and cannot be expected to fulfill many specific tasks that a Veteran may require- for example, mobility assistance, seizure detection, etc. Thus, it is important that the tasks required not be a deal breaker prior to applying for our program.

Application Process:

To apply to our program, please e-mail:

veteransprogram[at sign]oklahomagsr.org

Our friend and community servant Ellie Finlay found a stray puppy recently. That puppy, now named Finlay, has been accepted into Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue, Inc where they are getting him vaccinated, neutered & are beginning his training. I’d like to see Ellie’s friends and fans of the breed pitch in to zero out the expenses Finlay is incurring so that his eventual adoption fee will be nothing but a blessing and benefit to the rescue.

More information about Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.: Our mission is to find qualified, forever homes for German Shepherd Dogs in need, to support responsible GSD ownership and to connect GSD caregivers with helpful resources. OK GSR is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable 501c3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. We are a foster-based organization working out of Tulsa and now Oklahoma City! Our dogs are cared for in private homes and we do not operate a shelter.

We are an all-volunteer organization.

In less than one week, the Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue has taken in two dogs who have been hit by cars and need surgery. All rescues are inundated with animals and vet bills right now due to the rising number of animals abandoned, left in shelters, and surrendered.

We need your help!!

We could not say no to these dogs in need, but our vet bills are rising. Now we have taken on another large expense for these two dogs.

Admiral (pictured) was found 8/1/23 by the Tulsa PD on I244. He was bleeding and had exposed bone from a nasty leg fracture. Good samaritans stopped to help him and TPD contacted OKGSR. He was rushed to the emergency vet for x-rays and to stabilize him. This alone cost the rescue about $1500. We found out one leg is fractured and the other has ligament damage, so he will need surgery on both hind legs. We have transferred him to another vet partner for surgery and he has said that tentatively prognosis is good. Despite being in immense pain and covered in ticks, Admiral is a sweet boy. He allowed rescuers to lift him and gave kisses once he was loaded up, knowing he was safe! We will update once we have an estimate for his surgery. The current estimate from the vet is approximately $2000 for the ligament damage (a lateral collateral tear; if there is no additional damage to his ACL) and about $1500-2000 for the open fracture repair. These estimates do not include his current stay at the vet. Admiral is young about 3 years old and deserves a fighting chance!

Lola is our second German Shepherd we need your help with. She is only 9 months old. She was hit by a car and taken to a shelter. She sat in the shelter for days waiting for her family to come get her, but despite the shelter being able to contact them, they never did. Due to her injuries, she was scheduled to be euthanized. However, with the help of an awesome foster OKGSR was able to save her from euthanasia. The estimate for her surgery to save her leg is $2500.

All of our funding comes from the generosity of supporters like you. Please consider donating, any amount helps us get closer to our goal! Please share and thank you so much for your support!

WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS