When the majority of individuals think about German Shepherd dogs, they envision a protective canine that exhibits unwavering loyalty towards its owner. These dogs are known for their determination and, when necessary, their ability to appear intimidating.
Sarge exemplifies the typical traits associated with German Shepherds, but due to his owner's inclination for rescuing animals, they have uncovered a gentle and affectionate side to this remarkable dog. Today, we are excited to share Sarge's story!
Interestingly, Sarge has developed a soft spot for orphaned fawns requiring assistance due to injuries. Cheryl Stephen, Sarge's owner, has graciously provided us with additional insights into their lives on the farm. We found some delightful pictures of Sarge online, and we were excited to dig deeper into their story and reveal it to you.
A German Shepherd with a Compassionate Nature
Cheryl and Sarge reside on a quaint farm in Ohio, where animals are not raised for consumption. Instead, their purpose is to experience a life brimming with love and happiness, as every animal rightfully deserves.
Ever since Cheryl was a child, she has been dedicated to providing shelter to strays and rescuing animals. This passion has seamlessly transitioned into her adult life. As a mother of two animal-loving sons, she instills in them a deep respect for all creatures.
Sarge remains close to his family, assuming the role of a vigilant caregiver for the animals Cheryl rescues. He entered Cheryl's life nine years ago and is the sole purebred dog she has ever owned. The rest of her furry companions are delightful mixed breeds, which Cheryl considers to be the epitome of perfection!
After their previous owners abandoned them, many animals found a new home at the farm. It is a sanctuary for them, especially for dogs. They are all wonderful dogs who have become close friends and created a diverse family of canines.
Sarge, however, was not always so gentle. He used to be a mischievous puppy who enjoyed chasing kids around the house and nipping at their toes. But everything changed 6 years ago, when Cheryl brought home her first fawn, and Sarge showed a new side of himself.
The fawn was rescued by a friend of Cheryl's who saw it injured in the middle of the road while driving. They knew Cheryl loved animals, so they took the fawn to the farm. As soon as the fawn arrived, Sarge became its guardian and caretaker. It was such a touching sight!
Sarge, the Defender of Wounded Animals
The farm also hosts other kinds of animals besides dogs and fawns. They keep a rooster and a hen as well as a stable's pony, horse, baby goat and little black sheep who were up for sale as pets.
Cheryl also has some rock doves that came from a racing pigeon that flew to the farm and stayed there. As for the dogs, there are Sarge, Brownie, Dingo, Doodle and Scrunchers. Angus was also part of the pack, but he died some time ago, and Jack, who sadly disappeared.
Jack was also known for his kindness towards other animals and he once saved a chipmunk from drowning in a bucket. He also adored critters! Hopefully, they will find him soon and he will return to his loving family of humans and dogs.
Stephen's Farm stands as an independent refuge for animals, devoid of any official recognition as a shelter or sanctuary. Driven by their deep affection for animals, Cheryl and her family possess the fortunate advantage of ample space and resources, enabling them to offer shelter and assistance to unfortunate creatures that come their way. Consequently, they do not accept any form of donations.
Cheryl finds great joy in providing glimpses into the daily life of her farm and the heartwarming tales of its inhabitants on her Instagram account. Contrary to expectations, the true star of her page is not the German Shepherd, but rather a rescued cow named Bucky, who entered her life at just one week old.
Bucky's journey to safety commenced when Cheryl spotted him, bound in the back of a pickup truck, en route to an auction barn. Approaching the owner, a benevolent farmer, she managed to persuade him to sell her the young bovine. Under different circumstances, Bucky would have been destined for the veal market, but Cheryl's impromptu decision changed his fate forever.
Since that pivotal moment, Cheryl has never once regretted rescuing Bucky. Now a towering figure, weighing a whopping 2,500 pounds, he delights in spending his time lounging on the porch and occasionally venturing indoors. The captivating presence of this gentle giant has captivated audiences across social media platforms.
The images of Cheryl's animals elicit widespread adoration, prompting numerous individuals to express a desire to visit the farm in person and meet Bucky. It is the sheer enormity of Bucky's size that piques people's curiosity, igniting a yearning to witness his grandeur firsthand.
The Joy of Assisting Animals
Cheryl derives immense pleasure from sharing her beloved animals with the world and witnessing people's adoration for them. This sentiment also warms our hearts, as we firmly believe in the importance of loving and respecting animals. If you share this belief, we encourage you to spread this narrative among others, aiming to inspire individuals to assist animals in any way possible, regardless of their location.
A slight act of generosity for an animal can have a powerful impact. If you are unable to personally rescue animals, there are still ways to aid them whenever you encounter instances of their suffering or loneliness in the world.
Helping animals in distress not only benefits them but also nourishes our spirits. There is truly nothing comparable to the gratitude exhibited by an animal that has endured prolonged pain or lacked affectionate care. However small our actions may seem, they can always benefit their lives in a good way. So why not seize that opportunity?