You must be an ISR approved adopter to request and receive further information on our GSPs. The process includes an application review, Veterinarian check, and home visit. Please understand there may be approved adopters already going through various stages of our adoption process; candidates who submitted their applications before those still in the review process, or those who are in the home visit stages.
Expressing an interest for a particular dog already in our rescue does not guarantee that specific dog will be available when you’ve completed the approval process. Also, we must ensure the needs of the dog of interest is a good match to an applicant’s specific circumstances. Completing an application and going through the approval process will add your information to our network. A current approval with your information in our database offers you the greatest opportunity to be matched up with the perfect GSP; a great match for your entire family. To start the application process, please follow the instructions found on this page.
Izzy – Fostered in Michigan
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Izzy is good with other dogs, but not frisky dogs who will pester him all the time. Family with older children. Unsure if good with cats. Will need to continue medication for low thyroid function. Best in a home without multiple stories and stairs.
IZZY’S STORY:
Izzy is the cutest older GSP gentleman ever! He has the sweetest face and eyes that tell you right away he wants to be loved and to give love in return. He’s almost all liver colored, is about 11 years old and weighs about 55 pounds. We’re not sure what Izzy’s life was like before coming to ISR, but we do know he was “dumped” at an unmanned oil station and after about a week someone contacted animal control to have him picked up. Izzy couldn’t have been happier to see a kind person to save him from his situation. 😊
Izzy currently lives with 3 other GSPs and peacefully co-exists with them as long as they don’t get too rough with him or accidentally hurt him by bumping into him. When they do he simply snaps at the air and barks just to let them know they need to be more careful. Izzy hasn’t shown any aggressive behaviors toward the other dogs or his people. He’s a quiet guy and hasn’t really shown too much interest in playing with the other dogs in doggy play. He will, however, play a low-key game of fetch once in a while as long as it’s with a toy that doesn’t bounce around too much.
Izzy shows moderate prey drive and would probably give chase to a squirrel or small animal if he didn’t have to run too far or fast to get it. However, if he can get a squirrel up a tree he doesn’t mind sitting for a bit and giving the squirrel a piece of his mind by barking at him and letting him know he better stay right where he is! Since he’s a senior fellow his get up and go isn’t what it used to be…but don’t let Izzy’s age fool you! He still has a a lot pep in his step and enough energy to go for short leash walks each day. To see just how active and peppy he can be, check out his video above where he’s showing his toy who’s boss! 😊 Izzy does suffer from some orthopedic issues as a result of his age and shouldn’t be permitted to run long distances, play fetch for too long, or even be expected to jump into or onto higher places (SUVs, trucks, tall furniture, chairs, beds, etc.). He’s not fond of stairs but can do them if needed.
Izzy loves people and will do well in a home with older children who won’t be rough with him and who will understand he requires gentle petting and gentle ear rubs. Cuddling with someone or being near enough to get a lot of attention makes this boy very, very happy. His foster mom says Izzy thinks that if you’re sitting down your doing so specifically to pet him…constantly. Just like most of Velcro GSP dogs. If he needs to go outside and you don’t notice his cues, he’ll do something just a “bit naughty” to get your attention…like nibble on a plant or pull a paper off the table. He makes sure he’s close enough to you that you’ll notice and when you do, he immediately heads to the door.
Izzy is a bit slow to adjust and accommodate to new surroundings, but when he finds out how much he’s loved by the people he’s with, he’s as loyal and loving as they come. Once he settles in he’s pretty laid back and quiet, but if he’s unhappy or bothered by something he’ll bark to let you know somethings amiss. Training Izzy to commands won’t be a high priority for his new family as he already knows “come,” “sit,” and “no.” He’s also food motivated so if his new family does need to help him adjust to new surroundings and boundaries, treats and food will be the perfect motivator.
One of the things that Izzy’s foster mom has found incredibly cute about this guy’s personality is his love of having his head under a blanket. He absolutely LOVES his blankets! If you’re looking for him and can’t find him, be sure to look under the nearest blanket. That’s likely where you’ll find him. His foster mom says they really should have named him Linus because he’s so attached to a nice warm blanket. 😊
A quiet home life is what Izzy is best suited for. A family that has a relatively quiet home with older children (or none). He might make an ideal pet for an older couple (or single person) who are looking for a loyal, loving pet to share their lives with. He won’t do well in a home with a lot of loud/fast activity and where a family is gone all the time. After all, if his new family is gone all the time he won’t be able to share what is so perfect about him…the love he has and wants to share with a family that looking for the same thing.
If you’re ready to enjoy a lot of love and loyalty from this sweet boy, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
- Izzy is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.
- Izzy is altered.
Sponsor Izzy Adopt Izzy
Riggs – Fostered in Indiana
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Riggs is a young GSP, and will require a family that can give him a lot of exercise and snuggle time. A home with dog savvy cats would be fine. He is good with other dogs and all people. No young children or toddlers due to his high energy and rough playfulness.
RIGG’S STORY:
Riggs was found as a stray south of Indianapolis. He wasn’t neutered and no one claimed him. The shelter he was at wanted to make sure he got a great home, so they surrendered him to ISR. He has been neutered and is heartworm negative but, unfortunately, he tested positive for Lyme disease. He is currently being treated and shouldn’t have any issues going forward. His foster mom is a veterinarian and in 32 years of practice has never seen a dog develop long term problems. There is a less than 1 % chance of any issues developing. He should be monitored via urinalysis to check for protein every 6-12 months but otherwise shouldn’t need any other care.
He is about 2 years old, weighs 55 lbs. and gets along with dogs of every size. He is curious about the cats in his foster home but just chases them if they run. He doesn’t seem to want to hurt them. He does like to point at them in their cat room, though! A home with dog savvy cats would be fine. He does have some separation anxiety that his foster family is working on. He is crate trained, house trained and knows “sit”. He is a typical GSP in that he has two speeds “on” and “off”. He needs a fenced yard or a hiking/running buddy so he can get some exercise when he is “on” and prefers to be on the couch when he is “off”. He loves to snuggle in the human’s bed, but his foster family has too many other little dogs to let him do it a lot. He gives up quickly and heads to the couch. He is a super affectionate dog and loves to be with his family. He is very food motivated and that makes him easy to train but also leads to some resource guarding. He is fed in his crate and that solves any food guarding issues but he also seems to guard certain toys (balls mostly). He isn’t great on a leash but with his food motivation he should be easily trained to walk on leash better.
Riggs is a handsome and loving fellow and can’t wait to meet his forever family!
If you want to adopt Riggs…a handsome, loving GSP that is looking for a permanent family to love him, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
- Riggs is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.
- Riggs is altered.
Sponsor Riggs Adopt Riggs
Max & Rudy – Fostered in Illinois
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Max and Rudy should be placed together if possible as they have a bond. They are both very good with the foster family’s 3 other dogs. Rudy has enjoyed running and playing with them. They’ve all been interacting together very well. However, Max would prefer not to be bothered by energetic dogs, who might get in his face or possibly knock him down. He prefers to stay in the background and take it easy.
We do know they get along with other dogs, however, it depends on the other dogs as Rudy does not like high energy, barking, or dogs that will come at him. They have been carefully and over time integrated into their current foster home by very experienced foster parents.
They are good with children visiting, however, their previous family did not recommend them living with young children as they prefer a quieter, calm environment. Both Max and Rudy get anxious and stressed in a busy, noisy environment.
MAX & RUDY’S STORY:
Max and Rudy’s (human) Mom were tragically killed in a house fire. Thankfully, these two boys survived. The family was unable to care for them and surrendered them to ISR. Since they’ve been in our care (ISR) both dogs have been checked and are in good physical condition for their ages.
Max is 60 pounds and 13 ½ years old. As a senior dog, he has some of the common ailments that can be found in most senior dogs. He has some difficulty standing on smooth surfaces, which may be improved by fitting him with toe grips (Pawz Friction) or nail caps (Purdy Paws). The foster family has area rugs, which gives Max the necessary confidence to maneuver about their home. He also has some fatty tumors (lipomas) that are benign and don’t bother him at all. Also, his sight isn’t the best, but he seems to move about just fine.
Max is very friendly and enjoys being with people. He doesn’t show a lot of interest in other dogs. He is happy to find a spot on the couch or in a dog bed on the floor to relax or nap. If you’re sitting with Max petting him and then stop, he’ll place his paw on your arm for you to continue petting him.
Rudy is smaller at 50 pounds and younger at 10 years old. Rudy constantly wags his tail and likes to play. Like Max, he also has some fatty tumors (lipomas) that are benign and don’t bother him at all. As expected, he’s a bit more agile than Max and he’s happy to engage the foster family’s other dogs with toys or bones or just running through the house. Rudy also likes to carry his bowl around for a bit after he eats. If he drops it, he’ll use his paw to help him pick it back up.
The level of excitement is adorable when Rudy and Max know they’re going outside for a walk. They truly love being outdoors. They both pull very little on their leashes. The foster family uses a simple harness, which works well. They’ll spend lots of time looking for critters, birds or anything else scurrying about near them.
Both Max and Rudy have a low-medium prey drive and it mostly shows up when outside near wooded areas. The foster family lives near wetlands, which has kinds of interesting critters. They would not be good with critters or cats in the house. Their foster family doesn’t have children and neither did their previous home, so we’re unsure how they would be with children younger than 12 years old.
Both gentlemen do well in a crate. Also, neither of them has any food or toy aggressions. They are both so easy-going. Neither of them has ever marked in the foster family’s home even though they have an intact male. Both know basic commands such as “sit” and “stay”, and Rudy will even go to the door to let you know when he needs to go outside.
According to the foster family, “Max and Rudy are the easiest dogs we’ve ever fostered. They are super sweet and easy going.”
Are you the family that wants to give Max and Rudy more years of love and fun? They’d love to have a family to love him as much as they’ll love you!
If you want to adopt Max and Rudy…two senior GSPs that are sweet, loving, and looking for a permanent family to love them, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
- Max & Rudy are up to date with routine shots and is house trained.
- Max & Rudy are altered.
Sponsor Max and Rudy Adopt Max and Rudy
Finnegan “Finney” – Fostered in Illinois
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Finnegan (Finney) is a young GSP who is great with children and other dogs, we’re not sure about cats. Will require a lot of exercise to expend his puppy-like energy. Fenced yard because he loves to spend time outdoors. Finney came to ISR with a “bad” rear leg (unsure what happened), but that hasn’t slowed him down and it doesn’t seem to bother him. The leg is getting stronger with all the activity he’s been getting.
FINNEY’S STORY:
Finnegan, a.k.a. Finney, is a 1 ½ year old male GSP. He’s a very handsome white and liver boy who weighs about 60 pounds. He gets along well with other dogs (big and little) and absolutely LOVES children! We’re unsure how he would do with cats, but since he has high prey drive, we don’t recommend him being homed with a cat or other small pets that are “out and about” in a home.
Finney gets along well with the other dogs in his foster home, so much so that he can occasionally be seen lying or sitting on top one of them, or least as close as he can get to them. He’s known to be quite the “space invader.” And if the other dogs don’t want him in their space, Finney doesn’t have a problem ignoring their “stay away” cues and continues to do as he pleases. Same goes for any toys they have that Finney may want…stealing a toy is just a way for him to engage in play and have some fun. While Finney enjoys all the time he spends with his doggy mates, he’s also content to spend some alone time in the living room lying on the dog bed.
As mentioned earlier, Finney has very high prey drive and LOVES being outside. He’s always on the lookout for something to point and/or chase. Squirrels are very, very brave (or maybe not too smart?) to cross his path if he’s out and about in the yard; he’s come very close to catching one or two of them. Even when he’s inside the house, he’s frequently found looking out the window watching all the movement and action. When ground was snow covered, he would actually stick his nose in the ground/snow and try to root out voles in their tunnels. Along with Finney’s high prey drive, he also has a high level of energy. After all, he’s young AND a GSP. 😊 His foster family has found that as long as he has enough exercise during the day to expend his energy, when he’s inside he becomes very calm and a total snuggle bug. With Finney’s love of the outdoors and his high energy level, he’d make an active family a great companion for most outdoor activities as long as he has ample time to rest his bad leg as it continues to build muscle and get stronger with exercise.
An abundance of Intelligence is part of Finney’s make up, too. Like most GSPs he’s smart as a whip and wants very much to please his people. He already knows many commands including “sit”, “go lay down”, “up”, “let’s go potty”, “wanna go outside”, and “let’s go to bed”. Wow! As we said, he is a smart guy for sure. He’s very quick to learn, but the “come” command is still a little bit of work in progress. Finney is food motivated which makes training him a bit easier. Finney shows no food or toy aggression and is comfortable having his food bowl moved when he’s eating.
Finney is incredible with kids and absolutely loves them. His foster home has teenagers, and he really loves playing with them…inside and outside. Playing tug-of-war and rough housing with them is a blast for Finney and the kids, too. From what we know about Finney, his previous home had younger children and he was also good with them; however, due to his GSP playfulness and youth, we’d recommend supervision around toddler and babies – just to make sure he doesn’t inadvertently knock them over.
Finney shows no food or toy aggression with his people or the other dogs. Finney is not crate trained and he becomes VERY anxious and stressed when his fosters have attempted to crate him; his stress level gets very high and he panics. Luckily, his foster family has been able to leave him out of the crate without him getting into trouble or damaging anything, but this good behavior has only come with much due diligence on the part of his foster family. Finney wasn’t always such a good boy, but with consistency and patience, he’s quickly shown what a good boy he can be. 😊
Finney’s foster family have loved having him as their foster boy and their love and patience has helped so much in influencing the good behaviors they now see in him. However, Finney’s foster mom is quick to mention that Finney must know from the beginning HE is not in charge or he will definitely take advantage of the situation. His new family “needs to understand they are getting a toddler that functions at a gallop a lot of the time.” 😊 He needs rules that are enforced with kind, loving discipline and patience along with a lot of exercise. A routine that he learns and can follow will be his best friend and his new family’s best friend, too. He shouldn’t be left for long periods of time and crating is not a good option at this time; someone who works at home would be a great match for him. Finney’s foster mom said she would love for him to have another dog brother or sister that he could love and play with…another dog with an energy level to match his.
Finney’s foster mom has so many sweet things to say about him. She told us what a sweet natured boy he is and how much he loves his foster doggy brothers and his people. He loves to snuggle with someone on the couch and is a true Velcro GSP. His new family will be getting a sweet-natured snuggle bunny because when it’s time to settle down, that’s exactly what he becomes…and when it’s time to be active, he’s rambunctious, playful, fun-loving, and a true energized GSP!
If you want to adopt Finney, a very sweet, young, energetic GSP looking for a permanent family to love him, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
- Finney is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.
- Finney is altered.
Sponsor Finnegan Adopt Finnegan
Karl – Fostered in Indiana
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Karl is a youngster at about 5-6 months old and a cuddle bug. He’s not recommended for families with young kids.
KARL’S STORY:
Karl is tentative towards new people as he is gaining in confidence, however, once he feels comfortable he’ll warm up. Therefore, he is not recommended with families with young kids but his foster home has older children that are dog savvy to whom he responds well. He is a typical puppy – loves to play and rough house with other dogs, may jump up when excited which is being worked on as well as counter surfing, and is a wiggle butt when his foster parents come home.
More to come…
If you and your family see Karl as your perfect match, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
Diesel – Fostered in Illinois
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Diesel is appears to be good with other dogs of similar size. We’re not sure about smaller dogs. He’s interested in playing with the foster family’s cat, but isn’t aggressive or annoying. He has a low prey drive and medium energy level.
DIESEL’S STORY:
Diesel is about 6 months old and weighs about 45 pounds. More to come…
If you and your family see Diesel as your perfect match, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
Cash – Fostered in Illinois
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Cash does not do well with small children, and even older children may not be a good match for him. Young dog who will do well with fenced yard. He is good with other dogs playing outside or outside of his home. We recommend Cash be placed in a home as the ONLY dog as he resource guards food and toys. His foster family has had “play dates” for Cash outside with other dogs and it went well. We’re unsure about cats.
CASH’S STORY:
Cash is a handsome young male GSP who is only a bit over a year-old (1 yr. and 3 months) and is still considered a puppy by most GSP standards. Even though he is mostly a puppy, he’s very good when in the house, especially if he’s had a long leash walk…or two. 😊 He loves to romp in the fenced back yard and is happy to run back and forth along the fence with the neighbor’s two dogs…a Great Dane and a Cocker Spaniel; however, before he came to ISR we were told he didn’t care for his male litter mate and that is one of the reasons he was surrendered to us. Another favorite backyard activity is watching for birds and squirrels he can stalk and chase. He’s in the process of learning they’re hard little critters to catch, but he still enjoys the chase in typical GSP fashion!
Cash is a fantastic young dog, but he’s still learning so much and will benefit greatly from a new family that may want to work with him at dog obedience training classes to help smooth out the “rough edges” he sometimes displays. Cash tries very hard to please his people and is such a smart pup! If he needs correction, he seems to understand he was naughty and reacts appropriately…so much so it’s pretty hard to stay upset with him for any length of time.
Cash came to ISR from a home with small children and they surrendered him because he began resource guarding and growling when their small children approached him while he was eating. For this reason, we will be extremely hesitant to home Cash with a family that has children, especially small children. On a bright note, however, his foster parents (no children in the home) have taken many things (food and toys) away from Cash without him showing any negative behaviors. While Cash has exhibited resource guarding with small children when he encounters children (all ages) while on a leash walk, he happily greets them and lets them pet him.
Cash enjoys leash walks, especially long walks and running and playing in the fenced yard. He’s often seen running around with a toy in his mouth and loves ropes, bones, and doggy chew toys. Besides playing, he truly loves being around his people. He’s such a cuddler! What’s really nice about this guy is even though he loves being with his people, he’s also good when he needs to be in his crate. He seems to love his crate time and will often go in on his own accord.
Food is definitely high on Cash’s priority list. He’s very food motivated, which has helped with some of the training his fosters are working on with him. He knows sit and will come when called…most of the time. 😊 His fosters are also working on the “drop it” command because he loves having something in his mouth and it may not always be an appropriate something. One of Cash’s “not so cute” things is his counter surfing. He’s had a few unplanned snacks for sure. ☹
Cash’s foster parents love this little guy and have a ton of good stuff to say about him. They told us, “He is honestly one of the best foster dogs they’ve ever had. When he comes up to us for pets, he looks us in the eyes and is just such a sweetheart. The problems we have encountered can definitely be fixed and his personality shows us he is truly a diamond in the rough. He’s healthy, smart, willing to please, and loves people! And he’s really good-looking, too! He has beautiful markings and cute little fringe on his back legs and tail.”
Cash’s foster family recommends he be homed with an active family who want to include in their activities, especially outdoor activities. He loves having a fenced yard and spends many hours out there on the prowl for little critters. He’s a beautiful pup with a big personality and lots of love to give.
If you’re ready to have a young GSP who has a sweet personality and a lot of love to give, please complete our Online Adoption Application. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.
- Cash is up to date with routine shots and is house trained.
- Cash is altered.
Wilma – Fostered in Illinois
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Wilma is an amazing people friendly dog. We think Wilma would do well in a home with older children (8+). She can be reactive to smaller dogs and should not go to a home with small dogs.
WILMA’S STORY:
Wilma is a happy dog whose joy for life is infectious. She is exuberant meeting people and loves leaning in for any kind of pets.
Wilma came into ISR as a stray. We are guessing she is about 3 years old. She was captured by animal control after a few days on the run. We don’t know much about her background, other than that it is apparent she has had a litter or two.
Wilma has spent some time in boarding since she came into ISR. Her report card says that Wilma is good in a community of large dogs in neutral territory, but she can be reactive to small dogs. She is learning Leave It to address her resource guarding tendencies. She is learning Sit and other commands. Wilma would love to find her forever home with a family that will continue to work with her and provider her with the love she craves.
- Wilma is up to date with routine shots
- Wilma is altered