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.

Shayla is a very sweet, kind, gentle, and lovable girl, who is also playful and interactive. Shayla is around 3 years old, and prior to rescue, she was kept as an outdoor dog in a terrible state of neglect, until a good samaritan talked her owners into letting her come into rescue. When Shayla arrived, she was very skinny, with chronic skin disease and severe fur loss. Her skin was an angry red color, crusty in spots, with thickened areas, very inflammed, and her elbows were deeply cracked. Shayla's neck, abdomen, trunk, legs and paws were practically hairless, and what remaining fur she had on the rest of her body was thin and greasy. And despite the fact that she had been given a bath the day before, Shayla had a terrible, yeasty-smelling stench to her, due to a severe bacterial infection on her skin, and she was very uncomfortable and itchy.

It took 3 months of TLC in her wonderful foster home, with a special hypo-allergenic diet and herbal supplements, several rounds of antifungal meds, antibiotics, steroids, and medicated baths several times a week, to turn things around! Now, 5 months later, Shayla simply needs a natural diet (dehydrated is recommended, but she has been doing well on a good-quality kibble) and herbal supplements. She is doing great, her hair is growing back on her abdomen and chest, and it's coming in thick and soft!

Shayla is great with people and loves being petted and getting attention. Like many GSDs, she is a strong chewer and needs plenty of durable toys and chews to keep her occupied. She is kennel-trained and potty-trained. She is a good girl and happy to sleep on her dog bed in the bedroom at night. Shayla gets along well with all of her foster siblingsgreat, but would be just as happy being an only dog. She absolutely loves to go for walks and is doing well working on her leash-walking skills. She rides great in the car. She loves her food and getting treats. She loves to run and play fetch with her ball. Shayla is very affectionate and loves to always be standing or laying down by her humans. She is a sweet, quiet, loyal, low-key girl who gets along with everything and everyone. Shayla is a great girl and the whole package!

It's always important for GSDs to be on a high-quality diet, as they are prone to GI upsets, allergies, and sensitivities. This will be especially important for Shayla, who has been thriving thanks to a good-quality diet and vet care. Shayla has been treated at 5 Elements Vet for her skin issues, and it is recommended that she continue continue on a natural diet, and that she be followed up as needed, as skin issues can sometimes recur, but are easily managed by being proactive.

Shayla'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, Shayla will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and sufficient 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 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.