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.

Wulfgar is a gorgeous 3.5 y.o. cream-colored German Shepherd, who came to HUGS with untreated Perianal Fistulas (PF). PF presents as lesions around the dog's anus, and when untreated (or during a flare up), dogs can experience pain when defecating; constipation/diarrhea; mucus or blood in stools; restlessness and crying out when about to have a bowel movement. When Wulfgar came to us, he was extremely uncomfortable and displayed all of the above. Luckily, his PF does not seem to be too severe, and with good hygiene, care, and diet, he is now in remission and back to being a regular, active dog, with a great quality of life. Wulfgar is doing fabulous with his current management plan, which includes some extra care, meds, and a special diet, as well as follow-up as needed at 5 Elements Veterinary Care. 

Wulfgar is a big handsome fellow who loves to be by your side. He is calm and gentle but does like to play fetch and tug of war. When you sit and relax he will be right by your side. He likes to go on walks and he rides well in the car. He is quiet and rarely barks and does not jump on people or furniture. He loves his blankie, especially at nap time, so he will carry it from room to room, which is really cute! He likes all toys but balls are his favorite. He does well with people, including kids. He is good with other dogs and cats. Wulfgar likes to be brushed, hops into the tub on command, and crates very well too. He is a very loyal and sweet boy.

Wulfgar's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all German Shepherds and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Wulfgar will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and plenty of activity and socialization. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that 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. Our dogs 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.