ABOUT CHAR-WILLS
We are a breed-specific rescue nestled in the picturesque mountains of Schuylkill County, PA.
Our growing group of volunteers & foster homes is dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for German Shepherds in need. We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
Diane Buhl
Founder
Diane grew up in a family that loved dogs. Her mother, Charlotte, bred and showed German Shepherd Dogs and Flat Coated Retrievers for over 40 years.
At 8 years old, Diane began working beside her mother (a 4-H Leader and Trainer), learning how to raise and train dogs for the Leader Dog Program when it was still in existence. That led Diane into her life of working with animals.
Over the past thirty years, Diane has worked at veterinary hospitals and shelters in many capacities. She started working early on as a Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Attendant, gradually working her way into Shelter Management, Animal Control (as a sworn Humane Officer) and as a State Dog Warden and Supervisor.
Her life work has brought her full circle as she continues her goal of educating the public and saving the breed she grew up knowing so well as a young girl.
Diane's deep love, understanding and knowledge of the German Shepherd Dog is the foundation upon which our rescue rests.
Join us as we strive to be ambassadors for this incredible breed.
Our Dogs
Our rescued German shepherds come from shelters throughout Pennsylvania and sometimes New Jersey, New York, eastern Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and from as far away as Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi. We also take in owner-surrendered dogs whose families are no longer able to care for them. Rather than posting the dogs For Sale or For Free online, these owners prefer to allow our rescue to place them up for adoption and find safe, loving homes with our pre-screened adopters. We take in all ages of adults and puppies, and all variations of German Shepherds: Black, White, Sable, Bi-Color, Black & Tan, Black & Red, Black & Cream and even Long Haired (Long Coated) GSD's.
Our adoptable GSD's stay at our own boarding kennel while they await new homes. Dogs requiring additional training or medical care are placed into foster homes where they can recover in a comfortable, loving environment. We have a team of volunteers who care for the dogs' daily needs as well as provide enrichment and exercise. On nice days, the German Shepherds can be seen in their outside play yards soaking up the sun, shade and fresh air.
Rather than purchase a puppy from a breeder, please consider adoption!
Our Facility
In late 2017, we broke ground on our new 15-kennel Adoption Center. This state-of-the-art rescue facility will house our rescue German Shepherds, and features a spacious office and meet & greet area. Each indoor kennel is designed to comfortably house a large shepherd and has access to a secure outdoor kennel as well. The heating & ventilating systems are designed with comfort & energy-efficiency in mind. Our roof features a section of south-facing windows, allowing the maximum amount of natural sunlight into the kennel area. Currently under development is our fenced-in outdoor dog park area, which will be attached to the eastern side of the building. Stay Tuned for Updates! We expect to have our Grand Opening later in 2019.
