This is one of those adoptions that really makes us tingle.
When Cristene and Duane J. from Hauser Lake, Idaho, came out to the ranch last month to adopt three-legged Kasha, they also met -- and fell in love with -- blind Shep while they were here. They couldn't stop thinking about our little German Shepherd from Afghanistan. So when Cristene emailed to say they wanted to come back and adopt Shep as well, we were thrilled beyond belief.
Shep had miraculously ended up at the one animal shelter in all of Afghanistan, and then ... even more miraculously ... he made it all the way to our sanctuary in Montana in May. And his luck only continues to improve! As we mentioned when Cristene and Duane adopted Kasha, they offer a true “doggie paradise” at their home in northern Idaho -- including 50 acres of fields, wetlands, forest, three acres of fenced lawn, and a lake for swimming, too! (You can read our recent blog post about Kasha in her new home here.)
Shep is a tiny thing for a German Shepherd, a result no doubt of chronic malnutrition when he was in the womb and then a puppy. Although the shelter in Kabul had been feeding him for the couple of months they had him before he came to us, he was still terribly thin when he arrived -- so we can imagine how emaciated he was originally. His coat was rough and coarse. Shep has gained plenty of weight now and his coat is thick and soft. But he's still small, and we call him our "pocket Shepherd."
Cristene and Duane drove out to the ranch today to pick up this little guy, a sweet and affectionate boy who was all about giving kisses:
We had never had him around cats before, but Smoke the barn cat came out to greet everyone and Shep -- true to his gentle nature -- was wonderful with him:
Finally, it was time to say goodbye, and here's the farewell photo:
Thank you, Cristene and Duane -- we are so grateful!
My name is Ashley Sargent and my husband Rich is currently serving the US Army in Afghanistan. He and I are both animal lovers and supporters and he has become concerned about the welfare of many dogs found on the streets on the town/city he is serving in. He says there are puppies and grown dogs running around everywhere in various stages of malnutrition and abuse, and that most everyone local treats the animals very badly, kicking them, throwing things at them etc.
He has asked me specifically to do some research to see if there were any resources to help him save some of these stray unfortunate animals suffering on the streets. Neither of us have any idea where to start, but we know there must be someone out there who understands and would help support this cause.
If anyone knows of anyone who could help us and/or information to better enlighten us on how this rescue could best be served, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Ashley Sargent for
Spc. Richard E. Sargent, U.S. Army
[email protected]
Posted by: Ashley Sargent | August 15, 2009 at 08:01 PM
fabulous story about shep ; yes, these are the stories i want to watch and listen to on the 11.oo p.m. news...............so my dreams will be happy !!
Posted by: harrietbuono | June 24, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Wonderful people. I'm so happy for the two beautiful dogs and the life they will share with a wonderful family.
Posted by: Rita Boatright | November 30, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I am in Kabul right now and have question: my pal from Colorado is downrange in Afghanistan and we're trying to find any guidance as to how to get his pup out from the country. We know that Tigger House can help us with the trip home to the US but our problem lies with transport from Orgun to Kabul. Did RDR bring Shep back on their own? What other agencies are out there to help us bring his pup back home? We are also contractors, not military--so we tend to be at the mercy of ourselves. Any direction in this matter would be greatly appreciated! There are so many great animals here that we try to protect but getting our friends home is really difficult. Leaving them behind is a giant spirit-crusher.
Posted by: Theresa | November 08, 2008 at 02:08 AM
I am a friend of Cris and Duane Justus over here in Hauser and they are wonderful people. They have a great place for dogs and cats and are truly dedicated to raising their "family" with respect, dignity and much love. I met "Shep" today for the first time and he is just fabulous. What a smart and sweet dog. Thanks to all who spent their time, money and energy to create a happy ending for a great dog.
Posted by: Cheri Howell | October 28, 2008 at 09:08 PM
He grew up! He even grew into his ears!!! What a healthy and gorgeous shepard. He obviously did well under your loving care. You guys are incredible.
He is a lucky dog to go to such a lovely and dedicated family. They are lucky to have adopted him too.
Ev
Posted by: Evelyn | October 27, 2008 at 01:01 PM
There are only two ways to live; you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.
Albert Einstein
Shep's reaching RDR was a miracle; a miracle that's unraveled into another miracle!
Thank you Cristene and Duane for opening your home to another deserving dog!
Please send updates and photos to RDR from time to time; we would love to see how Kasha and Shep blossom!
Posted by: Boundforglory | October 27, 2008 at 09:29 AM
This is another heartwarming story! So glad to hear that Shep has a new home with siblings. Blessings and thanks to all involved in giving this precious pooch a new life in the US.
Posted by: Nina | October 26, 2008 at 07:42 PM
As someone who was part of the "team" that helped bring Shep to the U.S. from Afghanistan, I am just thrilled beyond words that he found a wonderful and permanent home. My husband and I adopted Shep's best friend (Skitters) when he was in Afghanistan and she is thriving too. WE continue to help the "team" that is involved with these rescues and it is the most satisfying task that we have been very pround of. Recently a three legged dog was brought to the U.S. who was also soon adopted by a wonderful family. Thank you, Steve and Alayne for taking Shep and finding him a wonderful home.
Posted by: Cora | October 26, 2008 at 12:52 AM
I love me a happy ending. As someone who works in rescue, it can and so often does go the other way and Shep's story is heartwarming. Thank you to the shelter in Afghanistan, to Steve and Alayne, and to Christene and Duane for giving him a second chance at the life every dog deserves to have.
Posted by: Shannon | October 25, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Wow! It just doesn't get much better than this! What a story Shep could tell. I'm thrilled about his new forever home with Cristene & Duane & Kasha! His new home sounds marvelous! I hope we get updated pics of those two at their new home.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
P.S.
Thanks to each & every person that make this possible for Shep!
Posted by: ginger | October 24, 2008 at 03:06 PM
This is great news! Shep can run and play and be loved in a great environment. Hearts to Cristene and Duane for opening their home and their lives to this great dog. He will return that love with affection and lot's of kisses many times over! How lucky for all!
Posted by: Shelli Smith | October 24, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Afghanistan to America, Doggie Paradise Part 1 to Doggie Paradise Part 2. The Fates must love this little dog. A great story. Best wishes to Christene, Duane, Kasha, and Shep!
Posted by: Miranda | October 24, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Christene, Duane, Alayne and Steve, WOW! I'm crying and smiling, too. In addition to your wonderful compassion for animals, you are the best kind of goodwill ambassadors for the USA.
Little Shep is adorable, and blessed in miracles!
I like that term "pocket shepherd". My Katie is a Poulsbo Teapot Shepherd, but she doesn't really look like Shep.
Posted by: Margaret | October 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I was thinking about Shep just the other day so what a nice surprise to see him in your entry today!! What wonderful news!
I hope Cristene and Duane write to you soon. I'd love to know how they went about introducing Shep to the pack (of course he already knows Kasha.....won't they remember each other??) and how they show Shep where everything is at his new home. I'm fascinated by how they (and you and Alayne) manage so many dogs in a home enviroment.
Thanks for making me smile (and happy cry) this morning.
Posted by: Lynn | October 24, 2008 at 11:37 AM
This is a REAL happily ever after ending! These pictures are lovely. And how sweet that Kasha and Shep will be together with this great family in a luscious setting. Blessings to all of you for making this dream come true.
Posted by: Angela | October 24, 2008 at 11:02 AM
AWESOME! Talk about a "rags to riches" story. He and Kasha should make quite a pair!
Posted by: Linda | October 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM
And thank you, Steve and Alayne, for bringing this guy to a new country so he could find a new life. He is a beautiful creature who had no chance, no chance at all without you.
Posted by: Helen Rietz | October 24, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I've often wondered about Shep. I am so happy that he has found a forever home. He looks fabulous, and finally has grown into his ears! God Bless all of the critters. Thanks for a great story.
Posted by: Debbie Balevre | October 24, 2008 at 07:36 AM
My eyes are leaking!! How wonderful this boy has found his forever home with such a wonderful couple....wish we could do this for all of them!
Posted by: Debbie | October 24, 2008 at 07:30 AM
After seeing recent news stories on NBC about how difficult it is for our soldiers in Afghanistan, it's so wonderful to know of a good story from that neck of the world. Thank you to the animal shelter in Afghanistan to taking Shep in. A thank you to Rolling Dog Ranch for bringing Shep here and putting him on the road to recovery. And one last thank you to Duane and Cristene for giving Shep a forever home. In a scary world, it's so wonderful to know such kind people are out there to help those in need.
Posted by: Peggy Fields | October 24, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Wonderful, wonderful news!!! I'm overjoyed for everyone involved in this fabulous adoption. Way to go, Shep!
God bless you all.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | October 24, 2008 at 03:24 AM
Oh my gosh...I love this true life story. Shep has grown into a beautiful boy! Duane & Cristene your hearts are big and Shep is a recipient of your generosity and love. You make the world a better place!! This put a HUGE smile in my heart. Great way to go to bed tonight.
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | October 23, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Right on, RDR. I think that you have spawned another dog sanctuary in Idaho. Cristene and Duane J. have the beginnings of another wonderful doggie heaven.
Cristene and Duane J - please let us know what the visiting hours are - we would love to visit all the K9s that you have rescued! :)
What a heart warming story. 'Shep' has no idea of his great fortune. The blessing will be in the doggie days that he has romping with the pack in Idaho.
Rescued dogs are the best - they know the story and love their people.
Thanks to all who made this happy ending happen.
Posted by: jane | October 23, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I am so happy for Shep. This is a heart warming story and I wish THIS story were the headline on CNN instead of our declining economy. It makes me smil to know that so many people played a hand in getting Shep to his forever home. Bless each and everyone who cared enough to help this wonderful dog. Kristin
Posted by: Kristin | October 23, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Tingle was exactly the right word.
Posted by: lisa James | October 23, 2008 at 08:33 PM
All of our wonderful animals smiling down on Shep from across the Rainbow Bridge know he has a heck of a lot more living to do!!! Many, many thanks to his new owners! He has truly found paradise on Earth!
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | October 23, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Duane & Cristene you are so blessed to be able to do this for Kasha & now for Shep. Thank you for coming back for Shep & giving him such a wonderful forever home. Just from his pictures it easy to tell how sweet he is & how happy you both are with the newest addition to your doggie paradise. Shep has certainly been through a lot & deserves all the love I know you will shower him with. Please keep us updated. I have tears of happiness in my eyes as I write this.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | October 23, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Wow... this one brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for the reminder that anything is possible.
Posted by: Jamie | October 23, 2008 at 06:22 PM
That is such a touching story, my eyes are leaking! Blessings to those wonderful people, and also everyone who makes it possible to rescue the innocent ones who only want to give and receive love.
Posted by: Leila | October 23, 2008 at 06:21 PM
I am so so so so happy for Shep. He will have a wonderful home and life with many friends.Please keep us posted on his new home.
Dee
Posted by: DT | October 23, 2008 at 06:05 PM