Coastal German Shepherd Rescue Orange County

Grab your popcorn people — this is a long one. We adopted our dog from CGSR back in March. When I originally inquired about Lars (previously Larry) via email, I received a call from Lorraine. She asked me a little about what we were looking for and why we had settled on Larry. Once we got all that out of the way, she told me that Larry had had MANY inquires and possible adopters but once they would meet him they would decide against it (yikes). A little background, Lars is a 140 pound Anatolian Shepard Great Dane mix around the terrible two age. He would jump, mouth, and was overly exuberant to say the least. In my mind I thought those people were all horrible and the dog just needed some training and exercise to get his behavior under control. Despite the warnings from Lorraine I was dead set on getting this dog. We met him, loved him, had the home check, and he was ours. When we got home it was clear he had never lived in a house but we didn’t have any major problems other than his over excitedness (i.e. Mouthing and jumping excessively). I had bruises on my arms from his constant jumping. You could not pet him without him mouthing. Then he became protective of the house. I could go on and on about the behavioral issues. Lorraine was always available to talk (thank god) and talked me off the ledge a few times! She explained that it can take dogs 3 – 6 months and boy was she right! With a lot of patience Lars is doing amazing and is such a good/​fun dog. CGSR even offered free training sessions when we adopted Lars! They want it to work out and try their best to make sure the pairing is successful. Poor Lorraine probably had some of my frustrations taken out on her but she was always willing to spend her personal time helping (side note-​this woman has a job, so she spends her own free time volunteering for CGSR) you go Lorraine! I’m writing this to show that it isn’t always rainbows and butterflies when adopting a dog. Dogs come with their own history and baggage and you have to be willing to work with them. It takes patience and persistence and for us it definitely wasn’t an overnight deal. We worked really hard to make sure our dog had the life we knew he deserved — and now we are all living happily ever after

I’ve had a great experience with Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. Within 24 hours of submitting an application for a dog, Lorraine contacted me and arranged for me to have a house visit within a day or two. I was so impressed with the quick response! After I passed the house visit, I met the dog I was interested in the following Saturday. We just finished our first week together. Cathleen and Joe at the kennel were very helpful and Lorraine has been a source of encouragement since the day of the adoption. Lorraine has spent hours talking with me and even came to my home twice to help me! She also invited me to come to a kennel near my home to practice walking my dog with other dogs. We did this today and it went well! I absolutely recommend this rescue. They do such amazing work and sincerely try to help you make it work.

I adopted a German Shepherd in September and the process was awesome. Unlike Lindsey who posted on 10÷3÷15, I also adopted via Lorraine and she was the complete opposite of what this woman wrote. When I first contacted Coastal with the dogs I thought I might be interested in, Lorraine contacted me to discuss my first picks — one of which she said would not be a good fit because he was aggressive and another because I work all day and the dog tends to have separation anxiety. So back to square one we went. She suggested a couple of others and when I decided to go see one, she accommodated my schedule, etc. I first met my new dog only a few days after he had been fixed. He was sweet and very playful with her — not so much with me and rightfully so — after all… he didn’t know me. When I brought my female mix out the following weekend to meet the dog — to get her approval, of course, Lorraine was very patient with my «baby» who wanted nothing to do with him at first. We walked repeatedly together until I was sure about the adoption. The poor dog had horrible diarrhea from the meds after his surgery, but I adopted him anyway. Lorraine contacted me daily to get updates and offer advise, etc. After 2 wks of not being able to get it under control and 2 appointments with the vet — he is finally feeling better. Lorraine was very loving to all the dogs I saw her with. To Lindsey, I am terribly sorry that the dog attacked your dog. I can’t even imagine. But they are dogs and sometimes the strangest thing will set off the nicest dog. Again, I am terribly sorry this happened, but surely it is not the volunteer, Lorraine’s fault.

BEWARE of LORRAINE, a woman who works for Coastal German Shepherd placing dogs with families. Lorraine placed a German Shepherd with us who ended up attacking our small dog. Even after months of training, the dog remained aggressive and showed a strong prey drive. After we found another home for her with a larger shepherd mix, the dog attacked again. When we informed Lorraine of the situation, her reaction was horrifying – she placed all blame on us, dismissing our concerns about the dog being placed with another family with animals. This is not a review against the organization as a whole, but when we wrote a letter expressing our concerns, we were told we would be contacted after Lorraine was talked to – that was 2 weeks ago and we have heard nothing.
We would warn anyone thinking of adopting through this organization to beware of the type of people they have working for them – when I told Lorraine the dog had seriously injured 2 dogs, she didn’t even think to ask if the dogs were ok. She’s cold and irresponsible and is clearly not held accountable for her actions.
Based on how we were mistreated, we would never recommend this organization to anyone looking to adopt.

Coastal German Shepherd Rescue is amazing! After the loss of my dog in March, we considered getting a puppy, but after some deep seeded thought, we decided to get a rescue. I was once told that when a dog passes, the most valuable asset they had was «their place.» They passed on so another dog in need of a home can have a permanent place to call their own. We worked with Coastal German Shepherd Rescue and got the most wonderful Dog to fill a void in our lives. Coastal was thorough in checking us out, and the process was pretty seamless. They ask a lot of their adopters to ensure the right fit and that their dogs go to responsible new owners. We are forever grateful to Coastal German Shepherd Rescue and we will definitely use them again when the time comes for us to rescue another dog.

Although I have not yet adopted from them, this review is mainly for the individuals I have interacted with during my application process. The adoption counselor got in touch with me shortly after receiving my application and has been very quick to respond. She is not at all judgmental like some of the other counselors from other rescue organizations. I have met two of the fosters and they have done an excellent job with answering my questions. I even spent almost an hour with each of their foster puppies and the ladies were both very friendly. As a future first time dog owner, I love that they are not «turned off» by this fact and are able to guide me through the entire process (answering questions and giving me advice on how to puppy proof a backyard). It shows that they truly care. Can’t wait to get back from my trip to be able to adopt! Kudos to Liz, Linda, and Diana! It is because of their awesomeness that I am willing to drive (however many times) from the Antelope Valley to Orange County/​San Diego to find my future family member! =)

My wife and I looked to Coastal German Shepard Rescue after other rescues didn’t work out for various reasons. We are so happy that we ended up at Coastal because they made all our dreams come true when it came to getting our first dog. The entire process of adoption was easy and straight forward. They started with a phone call to discuss what we were looking for in a dog and then we schedule a home visit with a rep from the rescue. After that, we went to an adoption event to look at dogs even though we had one in mind already. That one dog was Heidi who we ended up adopting later that week.
We are so happy that we did because she is the perfect dog; obedient, respectful, and a great walker. Our friends all love her and she is making friends with her canine neighbors.
We also wanted to say THANK YOU to Lorraine from Coastal who helped us through the entire process and still continues to do so via text should we have any questions about Heidi. To anybody looking to adopt a German Shepard from Coastal, Lorraine will definitely set you in the right direction.

This organization is amazing! They are truly passionate about the animals, and have their best interest. We first fostered, and ended up foster failing. They listened to our interests, and paired the a dog with the perfect personality for us and our other dog. I worked with a few different counselors through our interview, foster and adoption process. I see some people may have negative reviews, but they may come across as protective as they should be. They want to make sure they are sending these dogs to the right homes, and won’t be returned when a person decides they can’t handle them. I think everything they do to help these dogs is great, and I will continue to donate and adopt from this rescue. We even kept the rescue vet for our dogs! Class act all around.

Adopting our pit from coastal was quite easy and pleasant. Yes, a pit from a German Shepard rescue. Anyways, I emailed about a pup and was contacted 2 days later. I had a home inspection and passed their background check and then had our pit in our house a few days later. They provided lots of information and made sure everything went well while taking the pup from the foster. They even provide a foster to adopt plan where we could bring the pup into our home for a few weeks to be sure about the fit. This was helpful since the pit did snap at our chihuahua on their first meeting (she had some issues). But after working with her for a week or two to resolve some of her negative behaviors, she was a perfect fit. That foster to adopt option really helped in our case to put my fiancé ‘s mind at ease about bringing a pit into our house. Couldn’t have had a better experience!

FANTASIC! Highly recommend!
I adopted my dog from them in January and it’s so clear he’s been well cared-​for and loved very much. They also took time to train him which is great. I keep in contact with Lorraine directly and they always appreciate hearing updates because they really care about every dog. Any problems I have or questions, they’re happy to answer. Not that my dog has ever been a problem, he’s just quirky (and smart, and silly, and handsome)
Before adopting him, we had numerous conversations to make sure I was the right owner and that I was placed with the right dog for my lifestyle. I’d recommend CGSR to everyone looking for a dog! I couldn’t have asked for a better pup or a better organization to go through.

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Coastal. We adopted two beautiful dogs from Coastal, one in 2013 and one in 2014. The adoption process was professional, quick, and fun. The Coastal volunteers are knowledgeable and thorough, they really take the time to get to know each potential adopter and match them with the right dog for their family. The dogs we adopted were a perfect fit for our family and I am so thankful we found Coastal. The organization and the volunteers are world class. Every member of the Coastal team that I have had the pleasure of working with has been warm, friendly, and dedicated.
We have also fostered five dogs for Coastal over the past two years. From a foster family’s point of view, Coastal provided outstanding support and guidance every step of the way. The dogs in their care receive top notch veterinary care, training, and endless love. When one of our Coastal foster dogs had a skin issue, we were immediately referred to a fantastic vet for an exam and treatment. When people learn that we foster dogs they often say, «I could never foster a dog, it would be too hard to let them go.» While it is definitely sad to say goodbye, it is a million more times rewarding because I know that Coastal does a phenomenal job of finding the best homes for their dogs. Knowing that they take the time to get to know the adoptive families and ensure that the dogs will have a safe place to live, it is truly an honor to kiss the dogs goodbye and send them off with their forever families. Our tears soon pass and the dogs have a lifetime of happiness ahead of them. So worth it. If you are looking for a dog to foster or adopt, look no further, Coastal is the best!

Thank you GSROC. I have wonderful GS adopted from you. In few days after filling application i’ve been called and with information what day rescue screener will come to my house. After being approved it took one day to claim my GS. I’m so happy having him as my 4 legged friend and companion.
Those people are really committed to there job finding families for those beautiful animals.

Costal GSROC is very unique Rescue. I had always good contact with the Volunteers. When my two GS dogs were lost last month they called me concerned. Volunteers are always helpful with big hearts!!! If everyone would love animals like them, the world would be a better place. They have saved thousands of dogs and nobody pays them for the time spent for dogs and with dogs.
Thank you, Costal GSR. You are wonderful People!!!

I reached out to Coastal GS Rescue a couple of years ago interested in fostering a dog I had read about on their website. He had already been placed in a home, so I continued looking. Last March, we decided to foster Nitro and after picking him up, fell in love. Not only has Coastal helped in adding an additional member to our family, they have been amazing with my phone calls, questions and anything I needed whether it was about Nitro or not. They are so thorough and knowledgeable in how they rescue these animals and where to place them. Even though we failed and blew through fostering to adopting our sweet boy, Coastal should be recognized for how much they do for these animals. Anyone I’ve had an interaction with has been professional, kind and puts the needs of the dog first. I could never repay them for bringing our sweet pup into our lives, and doing it in such a wonderful way that changed my views on rescue organizations. I’ll be getting my future dogs only through them. Whether you’re looking to foster, adopt or donate, there isn’t a more deserving organization than Coastal German Shepherd Rescue.

Adopting a dog is a big decision. Adopting a German Shepherd is an even bigger decision. Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC knows German Sheps. (and their friends they have also rescued) Their needs, their quirks, anything there is to know, they will tell you about it. This particular dog is sought by many for protection of family and property. The German Shepherd will do this naturaly when you make the dog part of your family. Being part of the family means living INSIDE with the family. This rescue screens potential adopters, and if they don’t have the requirments to care for a GSD, then they won’t adopt out their dogs. This is done with the DOG in mind. If you want a great GSD, from a rescue that is responsible in who it adopts to check them out. They will work with you to find the perfect dog, no matter how long that process might take for you and your family.

We adopted our pup in September 2013. I was amazed by the professionalism of CGSR and their commitment to the dogs in their care. Of utmost importance to CGSR is that the dog will be properly cared for. Because of this, they have high standards for potential adopters and insist upon a telephone interview and then a follow-​up home visit before receiving any approval to even visit the dog you’re interested in. I wouldn’t have it any other way. They also are more than happy to answer any follow up questions after adoption. I love their commitment to finding their dogs good homes. Our pup’s foster parents explained that CGSR promises the dogs in their care that they will always have a home. This explains the high standards for potential adopters and makes perfect sense to me!

I hope they treat the animals better than the people. They are volunteer operated and after my family volunteered to foster puppies which we received 5 in total at one time, 4 appeared to be related and 1 was an outlier whom we later found out had 2 siblings that were kidnapped by the volunteer transporter and she left this one with the other 4. We had the 5 puppies for about a week when 1 appeared to be sick. We contacted CGSR and they provided meds and a vet we could take them to. Unannounced they removed all 5 puppies, to take them to a vet since one had been diagnosed with parvo which is very contagious, the next day and were terrible at communicating whether the puppies were ok or not. 4 of the 5 appeared on the website for adoption weeks later, seemingly fine but when I inquired about the one we specifically wanted to adopt they said he didn’t make it. I feel this is an outright lie since he was never ill nor one to be in question health wise. I am concerned he was kidnapped just like his siblings because he appeared to be full lab unlike the others. The entire process with CGSR has been heartbreaking and beyond disappointing. I will never allow my family to offer out help as we established relationships with these puppies just have them taken away and never heard about again. Hoping and praying these puppies go to better homes and don’t get an ounce of the poor service we received. So unbelievably saddened.

Best of the best. Wonderful, dedicated rescue.

I just wanted to write this just in case there was anybody out there looking for a german shepherd or other rescue dog. I started out looking through one of the other german rescue organizations in orange county and let me tell you, my experience has been night and day.
Other german rescue: see a dog, express interest to volunteers, put in application online, get an email back about 5 days later responding that there are a lot of other people looking at the same german shepherd, then nothing. 3 weeks later, the same dog I was interested in is still on their website and not adopted.
COASTAL GSROC.
Email Application, next day, email response /​scheduled home visit and cleared, tell volunteers what kind of german shepherd we were looking for (we specified calm, 1 – 4 years old, female), get a list of about 7 german shepherds we should look at same day, we specify 3 – 4 we were interested in and coastal gsroc arranged to have 3 of the 4 german shepherds at the adoption event at the petsmart in aliso viejo a couple of days later, we meet the dogs and choose our new family member. This all happened within 3 days!
Benefits of going through coastal german shepherd rescue:
–They are on top of their stuff! = I feel better that the money I am giving them is being utilized more effectively to get rescued dogs to families that want them quicker.
–Volunteers have a great feel for what dogs they have on hand and match appropriately.
–Volunteers and fosters are awesome!

Coastal German Shepherd Rescue is a non-​profit 501©3 public charity dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned German Shepherds in Southern California. Coastal’s Orange County Chapter exists solely because of your tax deductible donations, which support our efforts to save these very deserving animals. Please donate today and help us save German Shepherds.
They are a very dedicated and loving group of individuals. I am incredibly impressed with Coastal GSR!