AURELIUS - Just three years after she nearly died from being neglected as a 4-week-old puppy, Gazi now stays by her owner's side, carefully examining every stranger that approaches her and her new family.

Tami Evans, a director of the German Shepherd Rescue of Central New York, said she originally took Gazi in as a foster dog after she was rescued from a Cortland breeder's bathtub, but decided to officially adopt her after another family said they were interested in Gazi.

“When I was told that they had found a home for (Gazi), I felt like I was going to throw up,” Evans said. “I looked at my husband and said ‘No, they can't have her.' I have three German shepherds now and I try not to get attached, but it's so hard.”

Gazi was just one of several German shepherds who visited the Petco in Aurelius on Sunday to help promote the shelter's work. The German shepherds walked up and down the aisles, played with other dogs and made new friends with the store's customers and staff.

“We get to bring some attention to our dogs and or organization and Petco gives us free food for coming,” Evans said. “We kind of help each other out by doing this.”

Gail Peterson, of Syracuse, was one of the visitors who was returning with a German shepherd she had just recently adopted from the rescue.

At four months old, Peterson said her puppy, Riley, was a key source of joy for her and her 12-year-old daughter Emily.

“Emily is great with him,” Peterson said. “He has taught her so much responsibility. When she gets back from school, she walks him and feeds him, and he is a really great walker.”

With their loyal personalities and protective nature, Evans said German shepherds tend to be easily trained and make great work dogs.

One German shepherd who was brought to the shelter, is currently with New York City's Transit Authority as a bomb sniffing dog.

Because every dog cannot work for a law enforcement agency, Evans said others, such as Gazi and Riley will rely on a caring and responsible family to take them in instead.

With their looks, intelligence and personality, Evans said she believed it will be hard for families not to fall in love with a German shepherd.

“When you look into those big brown eyes and make that connection with them, its hard not to feel anything,” Evans said. “You start to feel responsible for them.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net