Our Volunteers

Katie

Katie is the founder of GSROR and has been involved with helping dogs for the past 20 years. Her love for German Shepherds stated with her first gsd she named Zeke. After Zeke became part of the Hodgson’s family my eyes were opened to just how many animals were out there looking for that someone to save them. I became involved with our local shelters and a neighborhood dog watch program to help get lost dogs and strays into a safe environment. When Zeke passed away at the age of 14 years, I started looking for another gsd to love and found Front Range German Shepherd Rescue. I stared volunteering my time as a foster and became more and more involved with the process of helping rescued dogs.

Marchelle

Marchelle hails from Arizona but has been in Denver for over 20 years. She has owned Shar-peis since 1989, to include 6 males and 3 females during this time. All but 1 – her first Shar-pei – were rescue dogs.

She currently has two males, Monte and Dunkin, and one female, Sasha, a Shar-pei mix, that she shares with her husband Rich, in terms of their home, their love, and bed! Marchelle is also on the board of the Centennial Shar-pei Rescue Club, as the club Secretary for 2001-2012, and is very active in the Thornton Lions, an international service club. She became active in dog rescue work in 1997, when she met Louise Watson of the Centennial Club, and has adopted the last 6 of her dogs from this group. Over the years, Marchelle has also fostered a few rescue dogs when members of the Centennial group could not help with this piece. Dunkin was the last foster; she could not turn him down to keep as part of the family.

Her interest in German Shepherds stems from familiarity with the breed as her younger brother’s breed of choice. He had three male dogs at different times as a young adult, so learning about them was important since they were quite a big larger than her own Shar-pei causing concern when we both visited our parent’s home during the holidays, with our respective “dog kids”! She came to appreciate their personalities and intense loyalty.

When asked to serve on the Board for German Shepherd Rescue of the Rockies (GSROR), she did not hesitate and hopes that this new fledgling group will make a tremendous impact on the rescued German Shepherd population as well as serve to educate and bring together individuals with a desire to own this very proud and distinguished dog breed.

Monica

I have had German Shepherds most of my life, my first being a long hair shepherd named Smokey, Smokey was my constant companion. My fondest memory of Smokey is me driving with him in the back seat and sticking his big head out the window letting the wind blow through his hair, Smokey was 125 lbs of fur. After I lost my Smokey of 14 years, I realized my house was not complete without a German Shepherd. Since then I have had two more German Shepherds, Mariah and Dakota who were my running and hiking buddies. I always said my dogs are my best personal trainers because they didn’t care what the weather was like they looked forward to their daily walk/run. I also rescued an Australian Shepherd/Chow mix who became my son’s dog. Dakota and Hershey were best buddies. Dakota was my floppy ear shepherd and after twelve loving years he succumbed to cancer. Hershey did not want another buddy so I honored her wishes and it was the longest time I went without a GSD in my household, he passed 1.5 years later.

I wasn’t ready to commit so soon therefore, I decided I would volunteer for GSROR and get the dogs that were in rescue out for walks and both of us would benefit. I got my doggie fix and the dogs would get a break from day care and go and enjoy the great outdoors. One day I was walking a sister/brother GSD/lab mix, Lady and Rocky and when I returned them to the day care they looked at me with their big brown eyes and my heart melted. I decided to foster them and after two months I just couldn’t imagine Lady and Rocky not being part of my family so I decided to adopt them, I was a foster failure. I continued to walk the dogs for the rescue and another GSD caught my heart. Miss Lilly, called for her petite nature, was having troubles being in day care so I decided to take her home to foster. One summer night we had a bad thunderstorm and all three of my dogs were in bed with me and realized I was comforting all my children and decided to adopt Miss Lilly. My love for my dogs extend to the fact the German Shepherd is such a loyal and intelligent dog who offers endless companionship and love. I continue to walk the dogs for the rescue, help with events and thoroughly enjoy exercising, working with, loving the dogs still waiting for their own homes. I am always amazed at the resiliency of these rescue dogs and how a little bit of love and patience can turn a dog around and show them the world is not all bad. I am a firm believer in “There is no bad dog, just bad owners!”

Laurie and Rob

My hubby Rob and I became associated with GSROR because of our Katie. We met Katie when we adopted Sherman from another rescue group. A year later, we contacted Katie when we wanted to foster Midnight. That foster turned into adoption only four days later 🙂 Katie soon after started GSROR and we just kinda followed her! When Katie asked me if I’d be interested in taking on the task of managing the GSROR Facebook page, it was with some apprehension that I said yes. I have never regretted my decision! We live in Cheyenne, WY. Rob and I have made it down to Denver for a couple of events but not as often as we’d like due to work schedules, bad weather and life. I feel like taking on the FB page is my way of helping out the group in some way. Rob and I cheer together every time I get to post an adoption in FB!

Angela

People often ask me ‘how can you do it?’ How can I spend time with a dog that isn’t mine and then knowing I may never see him again. It’s not how, but why. Animals have been a passion for me all of my adult life. By spending 1 day, or even 1 hour with a dog, I want that dog to feel special, like my dogs do. I want these dogs in rescue to know someone loves them and they are just a short time before they will be in their forever home. That’s the greatest reward for me. So far I have had 4 GSDs that I call family members. Each one with a special corner in my heart. Sure sometimes It’s tough, it’s hairy, and it can get expensive, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I met Katie and GSROR while searching for my next pack member. It broke my heart that I couldn’t have all of the dogs in our organization. So the next best thing I could do was volunteer to help. Some day’s that means walking dogs and some days it means taking one to a vet appointment or even a ‘meet and greet’. My hope is that soon we’ll have a shortage of dogs needing homes and lots more people looking for their forever friend. Until that day, I’ll do what I can to make each one of our rescued dogs feel the love that my own dogs feel. One hour, One day at a time.

RIP Zoie & Schatzie. Big furry hugs to my current pack Rowdy and Mel.

Janice

I have always had a love for dogs and while growing up, my parents would not allow me to have one. Well..I have made up for it the last 30 years!!

My first Shepherd, Ranger, taught me a lot about the breed and what magnificent creatures they are. I have worked and trained with Shepherds for the last 15+ years and I never tire of having one by my side. They are one of the most loyal and intelligent breeds that I have ever known.

I met Katie quite by accident and when she started GSROR I immediately threw myself in 110%. I had to step away for a little while due to family illness, but returned when all settled. It is always a wonderful feeling knowing you are a part of the rescue process for the Shepherds that find their way to GSROR, giving them that second chance at a life filled with love and care with a family. It is an honor to play a small role in the organization.

Liane

My first “rescue” was a German Shepherd in Taiwan whom I brought home to the US. I was then blessed with Duchess, another rescue – her breeders noticed her chained to a tree and had faith I would give her a loving home. She passed in 2006, and I continued to mourn her loss, so contacted a local German Shepherd rescue to volunteer. Martyn and I fostered about five dogs and successfully adopted all five to homes as far away as Wyoming. We fostered 2-3-year-old Bonnie who reminded me so much of Duchess I asked to adopt her. After adoption we found out that she had extreme bilateral dysphasia and had to have an FHO for her right hip. Though she continues to be a little “spastic” because of the left hip dysphasia and post-surgical atrophy in the right thigh muscle, she enthusiastically chases balls, and plays “soccer” by herself (one ball in her mouth and pushing the other with her front feet or nose), and “talks” to us. She is a very affectionate dog with a positive outlook on life, and I can’t help but feel that she has some the of soul of Duchess.

Wanting to volunteer for this rescue came natural to Martyn and me because of our love of the breed and our desire to save as many German Shepherd dogs as possible, so we are thankful German Shepherd Rescue of the Rockies (GSROR) asked us to join its dedicated endeavors.

Tracey

Following a desire to help with a dog breed close to her heart, Tracey volunteers her time with the German Shepherd Rescue of the Rockies (GSROR) as the In-House Trainer and Behavior Consultant. She provides assistance with in-coming dogs, dogs in foster care, and dogs who have been adopted. In addition to volunteering with GSROR, she works at a local behavior center and dog care facility, volunteers at a humane society, assists with public dog training classes, and offers private, companion dog training for families through her own business.

She grew up in New Mexico with German Shepherds, as well as a host of other purebred and mixed breed dogs, horses, cats, rabbits, lizards, birds, and fish. She received her B.A. from the University of Colorado in Boulder; and after taking some time to start a family, she began volunteering her dog handling and training skills to local rescue groups. She continues to educate herself in dog training, behavior, canine body language, and the care of dogs by keeping current with new dog-related literature and research, regularly attending hands-on training seminars, participating in online classes, and working with other professionals in the field. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Mickey

I have always been surrounded by animals but my true love though came when I met my Aunt Marcy’s 100-pound purebred beautiful male German Shepherd, Champ. Champ seemed to love kids more than any other species he encountered. My cousins and I would spend endless hours chasing and being chased by that dog. When moved into my own place, I adopted Casey, and we had a great life together. Midway through college I lost Casey, but she had a good life of fourteen years. My life felt empty without her and one day I read the college paper with an ad for two German Shepherd pups looking for a new home. I picked Kelly, a crazy high energy puppy with a look in her eyes of all-knowing, a confidence in her behavior, and a connection that everyone felt from the smallest child to dog-fearful adult. She was 105 pounds of pure fluff with these soulful eyes that welcomed you in. She always pranced instead of just walking and her tail never ceased to wag. One Sunday in Estes I secured Kelly to a bench and walked into a shop for a quick peek. When I came back out there was a child staring at Kelly, the child had scars that covered her entire face and upper body, possibly a victim of a fire or a scalding. This bashful child never let her eyes leave the ground and when I asked her if she wanted to pet Kelly she nodded but she never lifted her gaze. I asked if she would like to walk Kelly. There was an excitement in her nod but her gaze still never left the ground. I handed her the leash and we were on our way. When the walk was over, she handed me back the leash and then the miracle happened – this child who lacked confidence lifted her head and smiled. Kelly gave her that confidence. She gave so easily of herself that others gained the courage to do so as well. That experience is the essence of why I became active in rescue. Animals are gifts that keep us grounded and connected to the important things, commitment, courage, communication and compassion. Shortly after the most exceptional dog I will ever have the privilege to know passed the media printed multiple stories about animal abuse. It was then that I knew I had to do what little I could do to change things. I want to help save the next “Kelly” that might change a child’s life, and to continue as long as I am able.

Lorri

I began volunteering over 9 yrs. ago with another shelter and then when Katie began GSROR I signed on because I love the breed. I got my first German Shepherd when I was 18 yrs old and have had at least one or two at all times ever since. They are so loyal, so smart and very people oriented. I love volunteering because it makes me feel so good to help in any way I can to find the dogs a good home. I have met many people through volunteering and have so much fun meeting all the dogs too. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Jenn

I started my love of GSD’s at very young age when my father brought home a black and silver puppy when I was just 3 years old. I’ve swore I will always have a GSD in my life. They are the most beautiful, loyal, smart dogs I have ever met! I just can’t stand to see any dog, especially GSD’s, in a shelter environment and wanted to do something to help. I’m not in a position to start up a rescue however I am in a position to give my time to rescue. I’m so happy to get the boarding dogs out for walks, giving them a break from daycare and getting to know them on a one to one basis. I get to meet some wonderful dogs and share information about the rescue with the people I meet!

Terri

I remember getting our first dog, a Springer/boxer mix with long ears and a short tail. We named him Rusty and had him a long time. He was followed by several Springer spaniels. By the time the last Springer traveled the rainbow bridge I had two teenage daughters and a husband who travelled each week. I was ready to be free of someone who waited for me to go outside. I resisted getting another dog for which I would have total responsibility. Those girls found a way to have a dog but not have a dog.

For the next five years we socialized puppies for the Seeing Eye Foundation of New Jersey. We started with a Lab that came back to us. As we worked with him and took him lots of places, I saw how much respect he received. (Totally underserved) For the same reasons I didn’t want a dog, I realized I needed a dog. Troy helped us raise four more of these puppies that went on to be working guides.

Three of these puppies were GSDs. Gina came to us tiny and sick. Even being miserable, she didn’t get tangled in her leash, which Troy still had problems with. My respect for the breed grew. She went on to work with a woman in NY, NY. This woman found us through a chat room and we have been friends ever since. Years go by and Troy comes to the end of his life and Gina is ready to retire. Vicky asked if we would consider having her back for the time she had left. She came to Colorado with us and left a big hole when she left us in 2010. It was over two years before I was ready to even look at other dogs.

Holly

I got my first German Shepherd in 1985 and have been a devout lover of the breed ever since. After I lost my third in 2014, I contacted GSROR, feeling it was time to adopt one of these wonderful beings who might not otherwise have much of a chance. After getting to know Katie and the wonderful work she and her other volunteers do I decided to try fostering. It felt like time to pay the breed back who had given so much to me. My partner and I fell madly in love with our third foster and adopted her. Now we’re waiting for the right boy to come along so we can foster again. In the meantime I’m happy to do whatever I can to help out: Process applications, transportation etc.