About Us | sweethomedoberman

About SHDSR

Sweet Home Doberman & Shepherd Rescue (SHDSR) is the only 501c3, not for profit Doberman & German Shepherd rescue organization in Alabama. Founded in 2015, SHDSR has committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused, abandoned, and/or neglected Dobermans & Shepherds. It is SHDSR's personal mission to assist these magnificent breeds in any way we can. In 2015 we focused on Dobermans, however in 2018, we welcomed the German Shepherd Dog to our rescue and mission as well.

We are dedicated to educating the public as well as future Doberman and Shepherd owners about these majestic, often misunderstood breeds. They are often portrayed as aggressive dogs who will attack at a moment's notice when in fact they are Velcro dogs who are loyal, protective, and want to please their family! A Doberman wants nothing more than to be by your side and on your couch. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal, loving, sensitive and want nothing more than to please their person.

All SHDSR rescues are up to date on their shots, HW tested, microchipped, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Some come into rescue injured or abused and it may take a little longer to ready them for a forever home.

Our adoption area is primarily the lower east side of the country, however every application is taken into consideration.

All foster and adoptive homes require calls to personal references, a vet check, and a home visit to insure our dogs are afforded a chance at a healthy, loving rest of their life after an uneasy beginning.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Open your home to fostering or adoption
Volunteer
Gift cards, gas cards, flea and tick prevention or dog food are much appreciated
Monetary donations are tax deductible and 100% go to our animal’s care

Board of Directors

Nikki Lilly President, Co-Founder

Nikki adopted her first Doberman in 2009 (with more to follow) and fell in love with the breed. She founded SHDSR with her husband in 2015 after realizing the misconceptions of this highly intelligent breed and the need for a breed specific rescue in the state of Alabama. Nikki strives to change the opinions of the publics view and educate them about the needs of the Doberman breed.

A.J. Steiner Vice President

AJ is a law clerk by trade who started fostering for SHDSR in 2019 when her roommate and his dog moved out. A.J's dog Mocha Bean needed a companion to curb her bored furniture eating, so she did her research on rescues, and loved the focus on education, and ‘best match’ philosophy that SHDSR employs. Her love for creating order in chaos forced her to volunteer as Adoption/Foster Director in 2020, where she combines her paperwork skills with her passion for dogs to the amusement of the SHDSR board. She’s still learning the breed, and insists there are NO stupid questions... because she’s asked them all.

Tom Lilly Secretary, Co-Founder

Tom is a US Army retired Vet. He has known and loved dogs since he could remember. He has never been without a dog, and could never bear to be without the company and love they bring. Tom fell in love with the Doberman breed after rescuing is first in 2009, Dutchess. Tom is a co-founder of SHDSR and has been a great asset throughout its growth.

Caitlin Bias Foster/Adoption Director

Caitlin has been a dog lover all her life and has never not had at least one dog in the house. She brought home her first Doberman in 2017 and became involved in rescue in 2021. The experience had a huge impact on her and she was in love ever since. She has always admired the look and personality of the breed and now gets to help save more every day.

Mike Sollie IT Director

Mike has spent over 20 years in various IT roles and has worked for private "mom and pop" companies, global corporate industry, local, state and federal government. Mike has had a life long passion for the Doberman breed and has spent nearly 20 years working with rescuing these wonderful dogs.
In addition to fostering, Mike will be assisting with all things website (with some help from lots of folks) and computer marketing.