By Janet McAfee
Blossom’s favorite hobby is playing in the water. This 1-yr-old Shepherd most resembles a German Shepherd though smaller at 30 pounds. Smart, sweet, and command trained Blossom is a staff favorite waiting for a home at the Loving All Animals shelter in Coachella. She loves every human she meets and enjoys playtime with the other dogs.
German Shepherds are my favorite breed. They are highly intelligent, loyal, and protective of their families. My German Shepherd “Boy” saved my life when I was a small toddler. Unfortunately, in 2025 there are more German Shepherds than there are homes for them in the Coachella Valley. Many of our residents are seniors who prefer small dogs, and others seek dogs small enough to travel with them in airplane passenger cabins. HOA pet size restrictions in some communities are also present a challenge.
Though she is active and enjoys running outside, Blossom is attentive and calm indoors seeking human companionship. Medium size dogs like Blossom are the perfect size for young families and active retirees. Among many other advantages, the bark of a larger dog inside your home provides the best security protection. Smart large dogs are quick to house train.
In June 2024, a Good Samaritan found two small Shepherd puppies roaming in a field in rural Mecca. He brought them to Loving All Animals shelter only to find out they were at full capacity. An emergency email plea obtained a foster and the sisters were safe. Blossom and Cupcake were vetted and proved to be happy healthy puppies who entertained people with their playful puppy antics.
However, a month later the foster parent left town, and they were returned to LAA’s shelter. During the day they happily played in the outside yard and were kennelled indoors overnight. Cupcake caught the eye of David, one of the volunteers, and he became what’s fondly known as a “foster failure”. Cupcake is happily thriving in her forever home. However, the months passed without adoption interest in Blossom as she grew larger beyond “cute puppyhood”.
Loving All Animals contracts with expert dog trainer Valerie Masi (Best Paw Forward) part time. Blossom attends Valerie’s behavior training classes and happily goes on outings with volunteers. She is a super star in the Saturday agility class, jumping over posts and running through tunnels. Adopters can utilize Valeri’s private assistance and classes at no extra cost to ensure a successful match.
Smart Blossom figured out how to open the backyard door so she can happily hang out with the staff and volunteers. Blossom is leash trained. You will enjoy walks with her through your neighborhood and have a hiking buddy on the local trails that permit leashed dogs.
Blossom posed happily for this photo on Valentine’s Day. She dreams of having a forever home with her own humans. The “month of love” may have passed. However, there is no time like now to experience the grateful heart of a rescue dog. Having a dog like Blossom promises to add more joy to your life every day.
Check out Loving All Animals website at www.lovingallanimals.org
