German Shepherd dogs, as well as the other herding breeds that we have in rescue, are highly active, energetic, working breeds. They require considerable vetting, exercise, socialization, training, leadership and mental stimuli in order to be well-adjusted, well-balanced, and well-mannered dogs. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings in order to work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. These breeds make great additions to active families who will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

If you are new to German Shepherds (and other herding breeds), please research the breed to make sure this is the dog for you. We ask that you consider the time and financial commitment that your German Shepherd (or other herding breed) dog will require before applying for one. Please review the section on our website (www.heartlandgsrescue.org) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.

Summer is a very sweet girl who found herself in big danger after she was hit by a car and taken to a high kill shelter in Southern California. Summer was recovering but no one came from her, and as the shelter kept getting fuller, they reached out to rescue not wanting poor Summer to die there. Thanks to our friends at Miracle GSD Network, we were able to pull Summer out in the nick of time and bring her to Omaha.

Summer is now doing great, and enjoying life in her foster home. She has regained full mobility and loves to romp and run around the yard, playing with the resident dog. She enjoys walks. She is a very sweet girl who thinks she is a lap dog :). She does do very well with the kitties in her foster home, but she does have some prey drive, and every once in a while she needs a reminder not to chase them; and she will focus on squirrels and bunnies during walks, and will want to go after them. Summer will need her adopter to continue working on not chasing smaller critters, and ignoring distractions during walks :). Summer does well in most environments, although she can become a bit reactive in very busy, crowded environments, especially after strange dogs repeatedly invade her space, and once she has had enough ;)

Summer is smart, loving, and great with adults and kids. She is a gorgeous, loyal, fabulous girl!