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.

Kiera is a beautiful young girl who landed in a small rural shelter in Missouri. She was terrified and didn't have any chance of getting out alive, unless she could find prompt rescue, especially as the small pound was quickly filling to capacity. Kiera was so relieved to be leaving the pound, and she was so sweet and grateful to all the transporters, volunteers, and later to her fosters. She is a real sweetheart!

Kiera is a very smart, sweet girl, who is a little shy until she gets to knows you. She is approximately 1 y.o. and appears to be an Australian Cattle Dog (aka Heeler). At only 30lbs, she is a little bundle of love and energy! She is playful, loves to go for walks and she has recently discovered that she likes to play Frisbee! Kiera gets along with other dogs and the household cat. Kiera is simply adorable! She is affectionate and likes to cuddle and curl up on your lap.

Kiera'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, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Kiera 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. Because of that, we would like for Kiera's adopter to have some prior herding breed experience (ex: Heeler, Aussie, GSD, Border Collie, or other herding breed).