Oh how quickly things change. We have a new GSD. Meet Heidi!
For those who have been around this group for a while, you may remember Schatz, our last GSD. Well several months ago, now, Schatz has been successfully rehomed. Sad tale. Making a long story short, she attacked our Shih-Tzu and did considerable damage. So bad we had to take the little girl to a 24 hour emergency vet. She had pretty bad bite wounds on her back, side, and stomach, all pretty much in the shape of a 100 lb GSD's mouth. The Shih-Tzu is now fully recovered.
As a result we returned Schatz to the rescue, who had us drop her with a boarding trainer. On the same day we dropped her off (at 4.00) we had a vet appointment at 5.00 to put down our very old Border Collie. She had liver cancer and there was little to be done but say goodbye.
We lost two dogs that day, in different ways, but nonetheless the loss was devastating. I don't know of a single case where one family lost two beloved dogs in the same day. Indeed, in the same hour. It was awful. It was painful.
Since then, Schatz has been completely rehabilitated and I am so pleased to know she is again in a home and family where, I am told by the trainer, she is doing very well. She is, however, their only dog. And that's for the best.
We registered and were approved with at least six rescues, three of them GSD only and three of them all breed rescues. We interviewed at least a dozen dogs. One of our tests was how they interacted with the little one, who was by now fearful of big dogs. Heidi, a much smaller dog, at 65 lbs, than Schatz, at 100 lbs, passed the test. When we interviewed her, we watched her lick the faces of several little dogs with whom she'd been living at the rescue's kennels. She seemed very gentle. The Shih-Tzu wasn't sure, but neither was she spooked as she had been with several other interviewees.
Heidi came home with us. She was very frightened and timid. But not crazy.
Since then, she has settled in reasonably well. While she tries, clumsily, to engage the little one, she shows absolutely zero aggression or drive toward her. They still are simply coexisting, but they're doing that well.
Heidi and I are now in training with the trainer who put Schatz right. She trains champion GSDs and has an international reputation. We are pleased with the progress thus far. Heidi seems more advanced with training than did Schatz at this same point in the process.
Anyway, we are hopeful.
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and very sorry about that awful day you had to endure.
Keep us informed, hugs to ALL! 
I love it when they cock back one ear like that. so cute 
I hope y'all become a harmonious family. 
Very happy that the little one's alright, and happy for Heidi.
She's beautiful!
Sorry about your losses....we said goodbye to our ACD Murphy on March 13 (also diagnosed with liver cancer).
Enjoy every second with your new pup .
I can only imagine how terrible that must be! I'm glad though that Schatz has a new home more appropriate for him and that you have a new doggie that seems so much more appropriate to your home. I think she'll end up working out well especially with your little doggie. It will probably just take time for them to get used to each other. What a trooper your little Shih-Tzu is to still be willing to give it a go with Heidi despite the previous attack from Schatz! I think in time they'll be friends.
Hugs to you for all you've been through! I really think that Heidi will work out though it may just take some time.
