A NEW rescue group dedicated to rehoming German Shepherd dogs has been set up in Okehampton. Devon GSD Rescue is still in its infancy and is looking for local supporters to help with fundraising, and for volunteers who might be interested in fostering dogs or in helping to find new permanent homes for them. The charity had its inaugural public fundraising event at Okehampton's May Fair, where they had a tombola, a car boot stall, and a couple of ambassador dogs who met the crowds to promote the group. The charity's secretary Judy Sanders said: 'We felt there was a need in this area for a rescue group specialising in German Shepherds. 'They're dogs that need lots of mental stimulation to be happy, and sometimes people buy them as pets without realising that. 'Our aim is not to kennel unwanted or orphaned dogs but to foster them and rehome them. ' It's often traumatic for dogs used to a home environment to go into kennels.' Devon GSD Rescue is still a small group, but it already has experienced home checkers to vet anyone offering a home to a dog, as well as dog behaviourists to ensure the dogs will be happy and settled members of their new families. The group is planning to hold further fundraising events throughout the year. On Saturday June 2, it will have a stall at Bovey Tracey's German Shepherd Dog Show, and on July 22 it will be holding a a family fun day at Taw Mill in Winkleigh, beginning at noon, which will include a Kennel Club-licensed family dog show, handy dog classes, a bird of prey display, and numerous stalls. Working trials training sessions are also currently being organised by the group, which are held every other Sunday from 10am to 1pm near Cheriton Bishop. To become a volunteer, offer a home to a homeless German Shepherd or for further details of the group's activities, call Judy Sanders on 01837 659292, or visit their website at http://www.DevonGSDRescue.co.uk">www.DevonGSDRescue.co.uk
