Heartwarming Stories of Love and Second Chances

Happy Tails

At Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, every successful adoption is a story worth celebrating. Our "Happy Tails" page is dedicated to the countless dogs who have found their forever homes, thanks to the love and support of people like you. Here, you can explore heartwarming stories of transformation and joy, where each dog's journey ends with a wagging tail and a happy family.

Spud
Spud
Hi. Miley I can't thank you enough for all of your help. Well Spud has had a big day. We shopped for a crate and picked up a few treats and balls. We just finished a big walk and he is happy just chewing on his bone. Thanks again and we love Spud already.
Celia
Celia
Hi Miley! I am sure you are busy trying to find homes for the newest in your pack but we wanted to send you an update on Cali as promised. Cali is doing fantastic; she is growing more and more confident each week. She is turning into a great guard dog particularly when I am gone and Sharon is home alone. She has a serious bark. We are having zero problems with her. After the first week she just all of the sudden “got it” and realized we’re here for good. She hesitates to leave the house now, sometimes we have to put her on the leash to get her to go out the front door; quite the change from day 1. We are now doing extensive off leash work in the front yard and when she is done, she jogs back to the front door and patiently waits to be let back in. She and Ocean get along great. She is showing the early signs of hip dysplasia and we’re having x-rays done in a week. We already started hydrotherapy and she and I swim twice a week now at the Total Dog. She has touched us both and we are so lucky to have her! It’s ironic that we initially wanted to adopt an older “less adoptable” dog that could live out his or her life with us in a loving environment. While that is not what anyone thought was the case with then “Celia”, that is what we have with Cali and we are very happy to have her in our home and lives. Fate has a way. Keep up the good work!
Justin
Justin
Bolt
Bolt
Hello , I just wanted to update you on how things are going, now that it has been almost 8 months. Time has really flown by! Diego (formerly Bolt) is doing fantastic. He has adjusted so well, has been extremely active, and loves playing with other dogs, going on hikes, swimming, and lounging around. I really couldn't be happier with him. I took him to the vet just the other day, and she told me that he was in really good health. I am attaching some pictures here. Thank you again for all the work you do at your wonderful organization. I get so many compliments about Diego, and I always make sure to mention your name. Sincerely, RoseMarie
Joey
Joey
Hi Miley, Everything is going great! We kept his name. He responds to it, so no reason to change it =) He's getting more comfortable with her and having her around him. He's still a little iffy having her in his face, but he's letting her get closer and stay there longer every day. We've been taking him to a nearby dog park and letting him socialize with other dogs. He does really well, there's only been a few issues but they weren't caused by him. He's extremely attached to her. He's very protective of her, and us as well He let's other dogs play with her but if they try to mount her or if they show aggression, he puts himself between her and the other dog. I've attached a picture we took at the dog park. If you have any questions don't hesitate to let me know.
Mae
Mae
check out Daisy Mae in her new digs... :)
Gillis
Gillis
Dear Miley, Ashley and I are so happy to have given our new family addition a home! And in part it is all due to the hard work that you do - so, on behalf of Scout, let me say "Thank you for saving my life and introducing me to dog ranch heaven". He and Atticus have become great friends - so much so, that he doesn't notice when we are busy doing other things.... We will start leaving them both together for short periods of time where we can keep an eye on them, but he is an amazing, smart, and caring dog - we work with him an hour in the morning and one hour at night in getting his basic commands back on track... but he is very, very smart. Thank you again, for all the hours you put in, and for introducing this wonderful soul to our family. Yours kindly, Douglas and Ashley Collins
Marnie
Hi Suzanne and Angela, It was great to finally meet you Angela. Suzanne you are like family now so its always nice to see you. Marnie had such a great time seeing the two of you. She was so ........ Happy!!!! We are staying in Prospect near Crater Lake in Oregon. Marnie loves the forest. Enjoy the pictures. More on the way!
Billie
Billie
Here is a pic of Billy being a lazy dog. He is a wonderful dog and we love him very much.
Elton
Elton
Here’s Jake – he LOVES to play ball.
Frazzle
Frazzle
Hey Miley, We just met with a trainer and signed a contract to begin training April 18th. We really want to take care of the spaying Monday or Tuesday of next week, but are still waiting for the form we need from you. Can you see what you can do? One of us will even come pick it up if that will speed it along and avoid mail delays. If we do not do it next week, we will have to wait until the week of May 23rd. Please let me know. Attached are a couple of pictures of the P E R F E C T dog, Pace (pah-chay) she is really wonderful, thank you again for putting us together. Mike
Astro
Astro
Astro
Astro
Hi- we adopted Astro a few months ago and wanted to give you an update on him. He's very happy. He's put weight on. He's great with the kids and loves his new girlfriend Panda. His name is now Deuce. We love him. Attached are some photos. Hope all is well.........
Shadow
Shadow
Hi Miley, Well, you got me. I haven’t read all the info you gave me! Sorry, I should have looked there first. I know what my reading assignment is for tonight J. We decided to keep Shadow as her name as we didn’t have a better one and wanted to help make her transition to our home easier by calling her by a name she recognizes. I’m attaching a few pictures we took of her on our hikes.
KC
KC
Just wanted to let you know that KC is doing great thus far. Such a giant sweetie pie!
Dakari
Hi Mylie and Beth, This is LOOONG overdue, but it took me a LONG time because I don't have a camera so I had to borrow other people's. But I wanted to send you a little snippet of fun from Dakari, and a HUUUUUUUUGE thank you from me..!
Bo
Bo
Yup, He is PERFECT!!!! What a wonderful Dog. Keep us on the list. We'll take more like him!!!! Thank you. Gail n Bill
Bubba
Bubba
Happy New Year Miley! We are falling more and more in love with Cody every day, he is an absolute dream. I can tell he is becoming more comfortable now and LOVES his giant back yard and his walks around the neighborhood. In the yard he loves to interact with the 2 labs through the fence, they never pass an opportunity to say hello. Cody has learned that he can scale the hill in the yard, and his favorite thing to do is run up and down playfully (especially when we climb up there with him). He has amazing balance even in the steep areas, much more than I have! Cody loves Bobby and is very patient with him. Bobby always has trouble sleeping in his own room because he's scared, and last night he requested that Cody sleep in the room with him. So we moved Cody's bed in there with him and Cody slept there ALL night, almost as if vigilantly keeping watch. It was adorable! And Bobby actually slept in his room all night for the first time instead of hopping into our bed at 2am like he normally does. Cody is the perfect example of how great a mature dog can be. He's extremely well-adjusted and I have yet to find him doing anything wrong in the house. He knows all his basic commands and is super responsive on the leash. I'm sure if he could talk he would tell us how grateful he is to be here, he definitely shows it in his actions. I attached the pictures I have so far. I have quite a few of him sleeping on his bed in the living room (he loves his orthopedic bed, it's very "cushiony"). This is where he likes to be most of the time because it's where we all hang out. And if we're eating at the table he'll lay down at our feet. I'll definitely send more updates and pictures soon! Alana, Robert and Bobby
Belle
Belle
Hi Miley, Things are going well, Chic really seems to be settling in. She is now peeing normally and generally making herself at home. She's had no accidents but has chewed a couple of things that are not toys. Most of the time I've caught this though and then given her a nyla to chew on instead. She seems to be experiencing some separation anxiety, and will cry sometimes even when I'm sitting just feet away. The itching is continuing and I also noticed that her front teeth are completely worn down. Once we get her medical paperwork we're going to schedule a vet appt to see what they say regarding the itching. She's enjoying daily walks and also went for a short jog with TJ. Carmen is also doing a little better everyday. She is still too afraid of Chic to play with her but she doesn't mind that Chic likes to lay down right beside her or occasionally lick her eyes and ears. They also do very well together on walks. I think she'll realize soon enough that Chic is staying and will get used to it. We used the crate with Chic the first two nights. We didn't crate her the third night because we knew she would need to be in the crate while we were at work. We just kept the bedroom door closed and she did fine. She was crated Mon-Wed while we were at work and did well.. I was off yesterday and we're both off today so she has been out except for when I had to run some errands. She of course is a bundle of energy when I let her out of the crate but that's been the case with our other dogs as well. Carmen was crated until she was 2 but hasn't been in a crate since. The method we've used is to start with the crate and then use gates to slowly open up the house to them. So, the next step would be to leave her in the bedroom/bathroom area but with a gate rather than the door so she can see out into the house. I'm attaching a couple of photos of her making herself at home on the bed. Hope you have a happy new year. Molly
Phoenix
Phoenix
Sorry Tiffany. Our camera / computer hasn't been working. But here's a good Christmas family photo. And here's what we have to say about Dalton: Adopting Dalton was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He is a sweet, loving, sensitive and playful dog with a huge heart and a great attitude. Walking Dalton around the neighborhood is like walking with a rockstar. Everyone in the neighborhood knows his name and his story, and if they see us walking by people will come to their windows and balconies and cheer for him. And he loves every minute of it. Dalton is a happy, healthy pup in body, mind and spirit and our one and only regret is that we didn't adopt him sooner. Dalton is truly a member of our family now and his attitude and resilience is something that inspires us on a daily basis. We just love him. And that's all there is to say about that! I hope you have a great holiday and New Year and we'll talk to you soon. Cheers, -Thom
Pebbles
Pebbles
Hi Ladies, I wanted to share some pictures with you of Kona (formerly Pebbles) and her new sister, Phoebe! Thank you both so much, we adore her! Yasmin :)
Luci
Luci
Hi Miley, Laci, formerly Luci who was adopted from Coastal in September 2010, spent her first Christmas as a member of our family. She received a box full of her favorite toys - tennis balls, tennis balls attached to ropes, and plush squeaky toys. At first, she couldn't make up her mind which one she wanted to play with. She finally chose a plush white ball that she threw up in the air and chased, ran from room to room carrying it in her mouth, and flopped down on her back while chewing and squeaking the ball. Her next choice was a plush hot dog that had to be rescued from her jaws before she could separate the hot dog from the bun. Laci's all time favorites are the tennis balls that we threw from one room into another room with her in hot pursuit. By the afternoon, we had a very tired but happy little girl. With our sincere thanks to you, Beth, Sanika, and all of the volunteers at Coastal who rescued Laci the Luv Bug so that she could join our family, Joyce & Bruce
Clayton
Clayton
Clayton & Annie!!
Cisco
Cisco
Hi Beth, I don't have Miley's email address but I wanted to give her and the other volunteers at CGSR an update on "Cisco" who we adopted in September. His new name is Jerry and he's been such a wonderful addition to our family! We discovered he had mange after our first visit with him to the vet, but he's had multiple treatments over the past few months and he is now completely cured. He's also put on some much needed weight since we first adopted him so I'm happy to report that he is doing very, very well! Jerry is a very silly and loving dog. He happily greets any and everyone he meets. He especially loves my nieces and nephews, and he LOVES to play with other dogs. Visits to the dog park are his favorite so we like to take him as often as we can. He's just an all around good boy and we are so happy we found him! Thank you for rescuing him from the shelter and for all the great work you do! Here are a few photos of Jerry in his new home. Megan & Julio Morales
Barnum
Barnum
Barnum relaxin in the sun!
Balto
Balto
Hello and Happy Holidays, I hope this finds you all well. Balto is doing very well. He is feeling better and fitting into our household happily. Attached are some photos taken on or near Christmas, he is such a beautiful boy. Thanks again, Leslie Mandeville
Austin
Austin
Hi Miley, Maverick is such a cutie pie! I will be taking more photos of him soon! He has two big dog beds, but loves to sleep in the kitty beds!!! What a silly boy he is! More later.... Linda Arslanian
Ingrid
Ingrid
Here you go Miley. As you know we renamed her Maya. She is doing great and the family loves her!
Giovanni
Giovanni
He (Odin) is doing great! Thankfully, my son finally got over his fear of him and his sharp teeth and nails. We are loving him being a part of our small family! He is adjusting well and is starting to learn some basic Commands.
Tenzing
Tenzing
This is Diba (formerly known as Tenzing) who we adopted in July, 2012. He loves swimming in the sea with his human brothers, Nicholas and Thomas. The boys would love to see him in your "Happy Tails" album. Love Kirsten Classen.
Colt
Colt
Cabo (aka Colt) is very happy in his new home! The boys! Thanks for everything Graham Eves
Colt
Colt
Cabo (aka Colt) is very happy in his new home! The boys!
Naya
Naya
Pictures of a happy Naya in her new home!
Bally
Bally
Bowie
Bowie
Bowie
Bowie
Hi Sanika, Alex, aka "Bowie" was neutered in March. I will get the certificate off to you. He is such a character...sweet, mischievous and funny! I couldn't have picked a better pup to fit in with my pack. He's changed so much from what he looked like when I got him. I call him my blonde boy. I hope all is going well with your rescue crusade! Thanks, Kathleen Parsons
Oxana
Oxana
Hi Sanika, I thought I would send you an update on Molly. All is well here, she is a great little girl. She's learned basic commands and loves watching British soccer with my husband. We had family visitors from Scotland and she was great with the kids and has a heart of gold. To me - she's very Border Collie. I don't have Dianne's email handy - but please feel free to forward the information to her. Take Care - Jaya
Magic
Magic
Magic
Magic
Hi Beth, A year is approaching quickly and I wanted to update you on my life with Magic. First off-her name is appropriate. She has brought a magic into my life that I never knew before. I'm sure you remember that when I first applied for adoption you were weary because of my age and overall living situation. Understandable! I am so happy however, that you took a chance on me. Magic is a best friend to me and someone I will love forever. The first week I had her I was unsure of whether I would keep her or not. As with rescue dogs, she was very nervous and did not quite know if this was going to be her "forever home." I likened my experience to that of taking care of a child. Obviously I don't have children, but I knew having to keep an eye on her 24/7 seemed very parental. Eventually though, she realized she could relax and fit in with my lifestyle. Although it is not recommended, the first day I adopted her I took her to an enclosed off-leash dog park. I sat with her in the corner of the park, brushed her and let her play with a tennis ball. Other people at the park would come up to me and say, "I can't believe she just sits there and lets you brush her. She's so calm. How long have you had her?" I'd shrug and say, "an hour." She's very bright (as with all Shepherds) and just wants to please. You can see in her eyes how grateful she is and I hope she knows how grateful I am to have her. Sometimes I'll just look at her and I can't believe anyone would ever give her up, but then I realize I just got lucky. It's funny-my uncle says he cannot imagine me without Magic. I feel the same way. She is perfect in every way. Attatched are a couple of pictures of Magic loving life! Thank you for all the work you guys do giving these dogs new and wonderful homes! Shaina
Baker
Baker
Baker
Baker
Hi, Tiffany! I thought I would send a quick email to let you know how wonderfully Jake is doing in his new home. He did great through his 1st level doggy training program and is an extremely happy, affectionate and playful dog who has even learned to be respectful and calm toward my cats! He's learned many new tricks and is obsessed with all of his Kong toys. I just can't tell you how much joy he has brought into my life. Jake loves getting hugs & kisses and is really just one big teddy bear. I've attached some photos of Jake in his Halloween costumes. Yes, he's even tolerant of playing dress up for the holidays. :o) I've also provided a link to his entry in the Orange County Journal's Passionate Pet Halloween Photo Contest. If you wouldn't mind casting a vote for Jake and perhaps sending the link to others who might vote for him, I would sure appreciate it...as would Jake, of course. Here's the link" Again, I can't tell you how much I love this dog and how grateful I am to have found him through your rescue organization. I've actually sent out photos of some of your other adoptable dogs through Twitter hoping that others will open their hearts and homes to another special guy like Jake. Have a wonderful holiday! Take care, Tracy
Nugget
Nugget
Hi Everyone - especially Miley: I just wanted to give you a quick update on Nugget. She has fit perfectly into our family and our lives! We just love her so much. She especially loves to go on walks and will pick up her own leash and bring it to us when she wants to go out. If we don't get the hint, she will also sit right by the garage door so we can't go out without taking her with us!! She is definitely personality plus! She and Baby Hot Dog like eachother alot - which is a great thing for both doggies! She is especially fond of napping with us and going on doggie playdates to our friends' homes. Thank you thank you thank you so much for rescuing her!! We can't imagine our lives without her. I've attached pictures of her being silly (she can play dead when asked!!), smiling and napping with her new daddy!! What you guys are doing is so wonderful!! Take care, Marla Shulman & Family
Greta
Greta
Lucky, a gorgeous German Shepherd-Black Lab mix puppy, adopted by the Sandhu's. Grethchen Sandhu writes: "My husband and I adopted our beautiful German shepherd-black Lab mix puppy, Lucky, from the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue a year ago, when she was 3 months old. My husband and I wanted to adopt a puppy for many years, however, he wanted a German Shepherd and I wanted a Black Lab. One day when I was searching on Pet Finder I saw a picture of a pure German Shepherd dog and her adorable puppies. When we went to see the puppies in person one particular puppy, Greta, fell asleep on my feet. We had to have her! We renamed her Lucky since my nickname as a girl was Greta. She is a wonderful dog! She is loving and smart. She loves to hike with my husband and I. We are taking her for training so that she can be a Therapy Dog someday. She now weighs 80lbs and still falls asleep on my feet."
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
Dear Sanika, Sorry, I haven't sent you any pictures, but I will make it up now. I don't know if you remember me but me and my fiance' adopted a German Shepherd puppy by the name of Rocky at the beginning of June. He has been such a joy from day 1. Well, except for the chewing and digging. man, he chews everything. He even got a piece of the wall that was painted just the month before. I bought him tons of rawhide bones, but instead of chewing on them he buries them to save them for later. He is my best friend. He is extremely smart and has been a joy to train. After 2 months we decided to get him a brother. A lab puppy named Toby. They play all day long and even insist on sleeping in the same crate. When I had to take Toby to get neutered, Rocky cried and refused to eat. As soon as Toby got home, he turned into his normal self again. Whenever someone comes over they always compliment him on how friendly he is. He loves to run around and play fetch with my 2 year old god son. I attached some pictures so you can see how big he is now. He is around 50lbs now. He grows way too quickly. I am sure he misses his Aunt Sanika. Sincerely, Alexander
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
Hello Beth, Just wanted to share our blast time with Rocky. He is a sweet heart. My wife loves her more than me now! We took him to his Vet and did a blood test, urine test, and a complete check up. He is doing great. He is very playful especially with my Mom! because he spends most of his time on a daily basis with her. He is going to have his first professional private trainer on Sunday. So far he has learned a lot from me( sit, stay, down, shake hand..... ) We are so lucky to have him as part of our family. Thanks again, Behzad
Otis
Otis