CALIFORNIA STATE – A German Shepherd named Roo has found her forever home — and helped a Northern California rescue reach a milestone 25 years in the making.
German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California announced that Roo became its 5,000th adopted dog. The adoption took place during the group’s San Jose adoption day, according to its announcement on Instagram.
The group also holds adoption days in the 925, including in Danville.
A photo accompanying the rescue’s announcement shows Roo sitting beneath colorful balloons, including a yellow one decorated with paw prints.
“Our milestone girl, Roo, embodies everything for which rescue stands,” the organization wrote.
The adoption comes as the rescue celebrates its 25th anniversary, giving volunteers and supporters two reasons to celebrate.
The organization credited the people who helped Roo reach her new home, from transporters and foster families to adoption counselors and the coordinators working behind the scenes.
The group also acknowledged the difficult work behind those happy endings. Its announcement described overcrowded shelters, unexpected owner surrenders and dogs left behind when people’s lives change.
For the volunteers, Roo’s adoption represents one of 5,000 individual outcomes built through that work.
“You are the reason we can pull dogs from overcrowded shelters,” the organization told its volunteers. “There is no rescue without you.”
The rescue serves adopters throughout the Bay Area, including Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Its work includes finding homes for dogs facing life-threatening situations in shelters, helping owners who can no longer keep their dogs and supporting affordable spay and neuter events, according to its website.
Supporters will have a chance to celebrate the anniversary at Wags to Riches, the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
This year’s event is scheduled for October 3 aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda. Organizers are advertising K9 demonstrations, food and hundreds of auction items.
The organization says the fundraiser supports both its rescue efforts and spay and neuter clinics, helping address the overcrowding that brings more dogs into the rescue system.
For East Bay residents considering bringing a German Shepherd home, there’s also an opportunity closer to home before the fundraiser.
The rescue’s next Danville Adoption Day is scheduled for September 19 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Pet Food Express, 609 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Organizers say they typically post the list of attending dogs several days before the eve
