Who are we ...
The Northwest German Shepherd Rescue is an all volunteer organization which is run solely on donations and adoption fees. The rescue serves German Shepherds in need throughout the greater Northwest. Our network of foster homes provide a safe haven to German Shepherds as they make their way to quality, loving homes of their own. All adoption fees are used to cover spay/neuter, shots, worming and microchips for adoptable dogs. Additionally, dogs in need of extra medical care are given the attention that they need through the help of donations, adoption fees and sponsorship.
The Northwest German Shepherd Rescue was founded by a group of volunteers dedicated to saving German Shepherds who have lost, or are losing, their home. Saddened by the number of shepherds in local shelters with no hope of making it out alive, the volunteers decided to create a rescue capable of pulling these noble dogs into the safety of a foster network, and placing them in knowledgeable, committed and loving forever homes.
Kat Biggs 
Co-Founder Executive Director
Kat Biggs, Co-founder of the Northwest German Shepherd Rescue, is a lifelong lover of animals. Kat started riding horses at the age of 6 and showed them throughout high school. Kat worked and trained at Park Side Stables at Bridle Trails and later moved to Spokane, where she worked with Gary Stryker at Eastwick Hunters and Jumpers. Kat learned to love this magnificent breed of dog after her first shepherd, Dolly, found her family years ago. Although Kat’s family rescued Dolly from an unpleasant situation, she refers to this dog as her family’s “healing dog” because of the affect that she had on all of them. Kat’s love of the breed has continued to grow since her time with Dolly. She adores their intelligence, loyalty, and willingness to work for their handler. Kat adopted Gracie, another German shepherd, from another rescue three years ago. Gracie was an amazing dog full of love, loyalty and a nurturing spirit. Sadly, cancer took Gracie far too soon from Kat’s life. It was Kat’s adoption of Gracie that led her to take an active role in rescuing shepherds. For the past three years, she has been active in the rescue community, contributing much of her time and energy to save this noble breed. After Gracie passed away, Kat saved another shepherd named Sam. Sam is another amazing dog that pushes Kat to hone her training and leadership skills daily. Today, Kat, along with the rest of the rescue team, is committed to saving as many shepherds as she possibly can.
Karin Winter
Adoption Counselor
A lifelong animal lover, Karin adopted her first shepherd mix, Molly, in 1991. She now has shepherds Angus and Greta. She grew up with another herding breed, the shetland sheepdog, but pretty much loves just about every breed of dog. Karin has been volunteering in shepherd rescues for about 7 years. She enjoys talking “dogs” with other shepherd lovers and is able to fulfill that passion by speaking with the applicants who are interested in adopting a shepherd through the rescue. The best part of rescue for her is seeing abandoned, lonely or neglected dogs ending up in the finest, most loving of homes.
“Dogs give so much to their people and expect so little in return. They add an incredible element to our lives which simply cannot be duplicated by any other living creature."
Tina Lewis
Adoption Counselor
Tina enjoys almost any activity if animals are involved, particularly dogs and horses. She likes to spend time with her horse, Brinco, every day; she also rides with her friends several times a week.
Additionally, Tina volunteers with NWGSR as much as possible. She became interested in pet rescue after adopting Zeus, her male German Shepherd, in 2007. She enjoys helping these dogs find loving, ‘forever’ homes, and she enjoys working with the other volunteers who give so much if their time to this great cause.
Amy & Brad Kemp
Adoption Counselors
Amy & Brad Kemp are life-long animal lovers. In fact, they met while walking their dogs! Amy told Brad she had a dog, he asked what kind, and when she answered “A 90 pound German Shepherd,” the rest was history.
They have been volunteering with dog rescue and shelters for several years. They enjoy talking to new applicants about their amazing animal stories, placing foster dogs in their Forever homes, and learning more about the magnificent Shepherd breed and animal behavior. They are parents to 2 teenage sons, and their pack Courage, Jake, & Roo.
“Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.”
Milo
Test Kitty
Hi - I'm Milo. I'm an 18 pound chunk of sweetness. My job is to test all the German Shepherds in the Northwest German Shepherd Rescue to see if they like kitties. It's a tough job...but somebody's got to do it!