WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Otto's is another sad story of horrific neglect and abuse.  The photos you are about to see are very graphic and disturbing.  Even some of our seasoned volunteers were shocked by what they saw when Otto was rescued.

Please scroll this page down to read Otto's story, and to see what he has been through prior to coming into the rescue...

...and read how Otto's story has a happy ending, thanks to many wonderful people who cared enough to reach out and help him!

Scroll down...

German Shepherd Rescue received a call from a concerned party regarding a 10 month old German Shepherd that lived in an open lot behind his owner's home.  They said this dog was outside 24/7, without food, water or shelter.  This dog had been confiscated twice by Animal Control for abuse and neglect, and both times was given back to the family, only to endure further suffering.  The neighbors feared that they were going to have to watch the dog slowly die, as he was skin and bones and covered in blood.  It was at this point that one of our volunteers agreed to go out to the area and access the situation...

The sight that our volunteer witnessed almost made her sick.  The lot was nothing but a muddy field littered with broken-down car parts and trash, and was beyond filthy.  There was no shelter for Otto at all -- we can only imagine him sitting there, shivering and wet in the recent heavy rain storms.  There was no sign of any food or water.  In the middle of this filth sat Otto.  This was his sad world -- the only world he has ever known.

Otto was so weak that he could hardly stand.  His skin is one big, bloody, oozing sore and smells foul.  He has the worst cast of mange we've ever seen.  We rushed Otto to our Vet, and people in the lobby were appalled at the sight of this poor dog.  One man demanded to know who had done this to Otto.  Once in the examination room, we discovered that Otto was emaciated, and suffering from horrible Demodectic Mange, badly infected ears, and a cracked tail.  Otto was immediately put on IV fluids.  He will require specialized medical treatment if he is to recover from his life of neglect.

Otto is now safe with German Shepherd Rescue, but we need to ask for your help yet again.  Our coffers are completely depleted, but we could not leave Otto behind once we saw how this poor dog was being been forced to live.  Will you please make a donation -- any donation -- to help us get Otto the medical treatment he so deserves?  You have never let us down, and we hope that you will agree that saving Otto was the right thing to do.  We just could not turn our backs on him.  Please help us to help Otto!  Click here to find out how to make a donation to his veterinary care, and be sure to include a message with your donation so that we can direct it to Otto!  As always, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

March 2, 2005:
What a difference 2 weeks makes...  Otto is NOT the same dog we rescued just a mere 2 weeks ago.  Otto is recovering more and more each day.  He is no longer a bloody mess from mange -- his wounds have now started to heal and his fur is growing back.  His badly infected ears are now clean and healthy, and he no longer shakes his head.  In a few more weeks, he is going to be stunning!!!  We think the difference in him is amazing...  And it is all due to the wonderful people who support German Shepherd Rescue and the dogs we save.  So, all of you please take a bow -- the difference you see in Otto is a direct result of you and what your support and donations enable us to do!

"Thank you for caring about me!!!"

We would like to say a special "thank you" to Major Stephen A. Labate, who is currently serving in Iraq with the United States Army.  Even though Major Labate is risking his life for our country every day, he took the time to send a donation to help Otto, and also sent him toys as well...  Thank you Stephen for EVERYTHING you are doing for ALL of us!  We are praying for your safe return home!

On the emotional side, Otto is REALLY not the same dog.  The dog we rescued was terrified of people and even afraid to take a much coveted treat.  The new Otto is a clown who adores people of all sizes and cannot get enough attention.  He is now what every puppy (or any animal for that matter) should be...  A happy-go-lucky, bouncy and sometimes naughty boy...

Kisses for Shawn...

With good vet care and lots of love from the volunteers of German Shepherd Rescue, Otto is making a miraculous recovery.

Soon, we will start screening for his forever home.  Otto is a 10 month old big baby.  He will probably top out at about 90 pounds, and he's a big boy.  He is easy-going and seems to like everyone he meets.  He also appears to enjoy the company of other dogs, both large and small and even said "Hi" to a cat while going for a walk.  He loves to go bye-bye in the car, and to take long walks in the park...  He is also a young dog and requires a huge commitment of time, energy, and love.  So, who's the lucky family that gets to adopt this very, very special boy?

Naptime!!!

Checking out the toy basket in Shawn's office.  Otto has no idea what toys are...  but we're changing that!!!

March 11, 2005:
Andy the Mail Carrier arrives with a very special package addressed to Otto.  What can it be?

Otto loves everyone -- especially Andy the Mail Carrier!!!

"A box of toys just for me?"
Otto says "Thank You" to Maj. Stephen Labate who is serving in Iraq and still managed to show Otto that he cared!

"All this for me?  Thank you Stephen!"  Love, Otto

"This giant red ball is sooooo fun!!!"

"I just love all of my fun, new toys!"

March 18, 2005:
Otto is well on his way to a happy life, and we are extremely pleased to announce that he has been adopted by a wonderful family.  Here he is with his new Mom and Dad.

Otto now knows how to play and had a ball wrestling with his Daddy...

German Shepherd Rescue would like to thank everyone involved in Otto's rescue -- the neighbors who could not just stand by and watch an animal suffer; the very special volunteer who went out of her way to pick him up and to oversee every aspect of his recovery; the animal lovers who donated money to help pay for his veterinary care; the veterinary staff who cared for him every day; a long-time friend of the rescue who sent toys for Otto to play with; and the wonderful people who opened their hearts and home to adopt this deserving dog.  We could not save dogs like Otto without all of you!  Thank you for caring!!!