The most special German Shepherd in the world

I groomed a 14-year-old German Shepherd once. He was so gentle and regal. I loved being around him, he had this look in his tired, crusty eyes like he's seen everything there is to life.

I had a boxer that developed GM. My vet told me that I kept him alive longer than he has ever seen, almost for 2 years. I did have to express his bladder and bowels. I carried him every day to his favourite places and even travelled with him. When it became hard for him to breathe I had to make the hardest decision at that moment of my life. He was an amazing dog and because of him I started rescuing and then developed my own unique school of behavioural understanding k9s. Since then, 25 years and thousands of dogs have been rehabilitated through my school with the worst behavioural cases, including dogs rescued from fighting rings. RIP Moby, I’ll see you at the rainbow bridge 🌈

I had a German Shepherd who developed hip dysplasia when she was around 9. By the time she was 10 she needed a sling to walk, like what you showed Gaston walking with at the beginning of the video. That said, it didn't negatively affect her quality of life—she actually started showing a more sassy and happy personality, because she knew we would dance attendance on her the second she barked for it, and she relished in that extra attention. She died in her sleep of old age, after eating a full dinner and giving us all the business the whole day ❤

Gaston is the very picture of what a German Shepherd should look like. His coat is absolutely stunning and his bearing regal. Once he realized Vanessa wasn’t hurting him and was making him feel better, he really leaned into the grooming. Such a wonderful old boy. I’m devastated that he has a disease that will rob him of his regal bearing and dignity, and that it could have been prevented. Thank you, Vanessa, for giving this old boy some dignity back by treating him with kindness and compassion. And thank you to his foster for being willing to help him throughout the end of his debilitating disease. You are heroes. ❤❤❤

No one licks like Gaston No one's sheds like Gaston No one's fur as incredibly thick as Gaston's :D <3

My 13 year old long hair German shepherd crossed the rainbow bridge a few months ago, suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy from the age of 9. This video hits close to home for me, so I thank you for taking care of this beautiful boy.

We are now caring for my daughter's 12 year old German Shepherd, since she had to move and could no longer keep her. She still comes to see her several times per week. I feel privileged to be able to make her senior years as happy and comfortable as possible. She, in turn, has made it her duty in life to watch over and "protect" me to the best of her ability. Her body is old, but that great heart is as big and strong as ever!

If that's not enough to break your heart and make you want to cry, you're not human. He was such a good boy, just looking around, curious. I'm glad to hear that the disease doesn't cause pain. I wish him a comfortable life and thank you for taking such good care of him.

Vanessa - thank you for showing so much compassion towards this sweet old man! We all deserve to be treated well, even an old junk yard dog. I love and respect what you do. ❤

Gaston is a sweeheart and its sad he suffers from degenerative myopathy that will eventually take his life. This is exactly the picture people have of a German Shepherd! They’re loving, loyal and devoted to a fault. Gaston took his groom with stride! 😊

I had a German Shepherd who was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She was my best friend, and she was such a sweet, loving, and protective dog. ❤ prayers to this gorgeous boy.

I love how you work with the rescues and treat them with such compassion. Also how you always educate us about the health issues with dog and the importance of ethical breeders. ❤

I cried thru this entire video. We lost our 14 1/2 year old German Shepherd 3 weeks ago. He was the best, he tolerated me but loved my wife and kids. I could go to work or town and know my family was safe. Rest in peace Reptar, i love you.

Gaston's condition is so sad, but it warms my heart to see folks give him such loving care. I am a HUGE proponent of fostering elderly and terminal animals! They deserve just as much love and attention! Thank You Gaston's owners and Vanessa for all you do! ♥🐶👍

The poor creature took the whole groom like a champion ❤️ i think he eventually understood that he would be more comfortable with the groom done. Both his foster family and Vanessa have so much kindness and compassion, it's heartwarming to see ❤❤

Thank you of being honest that adopting a dog can be a challenge and not everyone is able to face this challenge. I adopted once a dog, but he had aggression towards my family, bite my father, tried to bite my brother and wasn't muzzle trained and even tried to bite me when I tried to muzzle him. As a first time dog owner with not enough money for lots of intensive dog training, I had to give the dog back. I felt bad, but it was the right decision and now I'm a cat owner and that suits me better.

So sad. Thank you for making him more comfortable before he leaves to puppy heaven

As a German Shepherd owner and responsible breeder, its of utmost importance to have potential breeding stock tested for DM as well as hips and elbows at the appropriate age. We could eliminate these horrible afflictions if every breeder would just try. Magnificent old guy, good luck and God Bless you Gaston. I can't help but cry... German Shepherds deserve so much better than this. Not what Vanessa is doing right now! , she is so kind and gentle with him.. Thank you, girl...

Degenerative myopathy sounds a lot like ALS. The fact that he is now a free, loved member of a family of angels is awesome. Almost anyone can foster, but rare are the fosters who take on the 'more unique' members of the world.

Oh man I teared up watching this whole thing. He's such a beautiful creature. He must've felt the best he's ever felt after you were done with him.