When I first laid eyes on her, I saw a dog in distress. Her open mouth, tight face, alert ears, and heavy panting were clear indicators. Her body was pressed against the back of the kennel, a sign of anxiety and fear. To most, she might have appeared as just another cute, smiling German shepherd. But I knew better. You just have to know how to read canine body language. I wasn’t sure if I could make a difference, but I was compelled to try.

Many are often surprised when I mention the number of German shepherds currently in shelters. To emphasize my point, I decided to show them firsthand. The sheer number of German shepherds and shepherd mixes waiting for a home is staggering.

One particular dog caught my attention. She didn’t even have a name. The absence of a name always tugs at my heartstrings. A name is more than just a label; it’s an identity. It’s the beginning of a journey, a way for others to connect with you, to love you, and for you to reciprocate that love. Names have power, and every dog deserves one.

I spent time with her, trying to comfort her and assure her that she wasn’t alone. I get comments in social media from people who argue that only spending 30-60 minutes with a dog might be more harm than good, but I’ve witnessed the positive impact of these moments. I’ve seen dogs transform, becoming more receptive to human interaction, which ultimately increases their chances of adoption.

I temporarily named her “Rocket.” The inspiration came from a humorous incident over the weekend when a pizza place mistook my name for “Rocket.” It might not be the perfect fit, but it was a start.

I heard that someone came to the shelter looking for a German Shepherd. They had seen my videos and were inspired to adopt. Initially they went to see Vince, the one-eared German Shepherd. but the meet and greet didn’t work out so they came to meet Rocket!

The meet and greet went well, and so they adopted her. They eventually settled on the perfect name for her: Emma. The joy was evident when Emma was finally adopted.

The shelter, Animal Friends of the Valleys, announced her adoption over the loud speaker, and the entire shelter celebrated. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.

Every rescue, every adoption, and every happy ending is a testament to the love and dedication of countless individuals. If you’re inspired by stories like Emma’s and want to play a bigger role, consider becoming a member of my community. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals.