Thanks guys.

The German Shepherd has been amazing. He was posted on facebook with a message stating if no one picked him up in a week he would end up in a shelter. I drove 8 hours to go see him and he was a mess and I couldn't live with myself to leave him behind. He's since put on weight and doing better! Couldn't have asked or found a more perfect and loyal dog. He thinks he's in doggy heaven I'm sure.

As for the beard, I'll post up some pics this weekend if I can find the time.