Introducing Thulani: A Second Chance at Life for Senior Shepherds

Today, handsome Rufus is thriving! photos: Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue

Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group  whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs). These dogs are generally 10 years old or older and come to us from shelters or other life-threatening situations resulting from abandonment. Medical condition is not a deciding factor in our candidate selection. We only consider whether the dog has some quality life left, no matter how short. 

Rufus wasn’t in the best shape when he was first rescued from the shelter.

We accept dogs from shelters and private parties, with a focus on taking in dogs everyone else has given up on.  Thulani is also unique in that we provide long-term support to both our dogs and our adopters.  We do not charge an adoption fee and we provide medical coverage, even after a Thulani dog has been adopted.

Thulani started by servicing animal shelters primarily in the greater San Francisco Bay region, but our reach has now expanded to include all of California.  This expansion has been driven primarily by the widespread need for the types of services that Thulani provides.  Since our inception in 2012, we have rescued more than 650 senior GSDs and currently average 70-80 dogs annually. 

One of our taglines at Thulani is “Giving Seniors Hope.”  We do what we do because we believe that older dogs can lead longer and better lives.  Many of our rehabilitation efforts have been astonishingly successful.  It is particularly rewarding to see a dog who was immobile in the shelter make a miraculous recovery with the help of our volunteers, fosters, and adopters.  

Love and proper care can go so much further than we imagine and that has truly been the case for one of our former Thulani residents, Rufus T. A 10-year-old German Shepherd, Rufus had been dropped off at a shelter because his former family could no longer care for him. This dog came to Thulani in September 2020, barely able to walk. 

Rufus was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia and spondylosis. Due to his diagnosis, he would lose control of his hind legs while running and walking. However, he never allowed his disability to hold back his enthusiasm for life. He loved people, dogs, and exercise.

We were thrilled when Rufus found his forever family in July 2021. He had gained so much strength in his legs during his time at Thulani, and his new family has continued working with him. His progress has been remarkable. Rufus, who could hardly walk a year ago, now runs at top speed getting completely airborne while playing peekaboo with his family! This is why we do what we do. 

Check out Rufus yesterday and today in this astonishing video.

Rufus, a dog without much hope who was left in a shelter, is now thriving and flourishing. His transformation has been heartwarming and encouraging. We are so thankful for Rufus and for his new family who will love him for the rest of his life.

Many people give up on dogs like Rufus because they are older and may have medical issues. But with proper medication, exercise, and love, these incredible seniors can surprise us and show us just how much life they have left.

Thulani currently has many wonderful dogs waiting for their forever families. Each one of them has a unique personality and quirks that they are excited to share. We have all types - love bugs, goofballs, couch potatoes, alert and active, athletic - so we know there is a senior pup who is just right for your home!

If you’re interested in learning more, please check out our available dogs page.

Other Ways to Help

Our dedicated volunteers, fosters, adopters, and supporters have made it possible for us to give hope to these amazing dogs. If you love German Shepherds, have a passion for rescuing animals in need, and are drawn to the plight of the most vulnerable, the terminally ill, or the extremely old, we would love to have you join us. 

Please check out Ways to Help to learn how to get involved, or find out how to  become a foster by filling out the TSGSR Foster Questionnaire. To contact us directly, you may email us.  

And please help spread the word! There is nothing like the love of a senior German Shepherd given a second chance at life.