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.

Cadence is a lovely girl girl who came to us from a Reservation in SD, where many stray dogs live an incredibly tough life. Cadence is nothing short of a miracle. Cadence was found literally covered up in ticks. The vet had to shave the thick, matted hair to more easily do away with the hundreds of ticks, but also in order to clean and treat some infected areas on her skin. That along with some antibiotics, helped Cadence feel immediately better. 

Shortly Cadence arrived, we became concerned about her unusual breath sounds (louder than usual, and nasal). We initially suspected an upper respiratory infection, or sinusitis. When treatment failed to resolve those, an x-ray was performed, followed by a CT scan, and nothing could have prepared us for the findings: Cadence had been shot through the jaw at some point. The buckshot went through her jaw, is in her head, sinus cavity and very close to her eye. The fragments are still lodged in her skull, however, no benefit would come from removing them at this point, as the risk far outweighs the benefits. In fact, Mother Nature performed a true miracle on her, allowed her to somehow heal from the terrible trauma, while not starving to death on the Rez. What is even more amazing is that Cadence is not only resilient, but she is one of the most gentle, forgiving, happy creatures we have ever met. Despite her previous hardships, she holds no grudge against humans. She is the happiest girl around, so sweet, and grateful for every little thing. She loves a good walk and has no problem doing 2.5 miles/day with the other dogs in her foster home. Her tail never stops wagging! Everyone who meets her, instantly loves her. Cadence has no active health concerns, other than normal age-related issues (some arthritis, perhaps some declining vision issues) and seems to have no aggravated symptoms from her previous accident. She is happy, active, zesty, and lives life to the fullest every day!

Cadence is approximately 7 years old. She is potty-trained and well-behaved in the house. She has a happy, loving disposition, and a great temperament. Cadence prefers other calm, laid-back dogs, and would absolutely love to be a pampered, only dog in her forever home. She is great with people, including kids. This lovely girl will make someone a wonderful, moderate-energy level companion. She has plenty of energy for walks and hikes, and can definitely keep up with an active family. But she will not require strenuous exercise like some of her younger counterparts :). She is sociable and enjoys outings. In fact, her young fosters like to take her everywhere, including the school campus. We hear that Cadence loves to visit campus, where she likes to stop and visit everyone she passes. She is so sweet and adorable, that she always manages to win everyone over with her tail wags, butt wiggles, and cute little dancing as she tries to get people's attention. She is a doll! Cadence is a wonderfully loyal, sweet, and lovable companion who is a delight to have around. Once some exercise, she likes to find a comfy spot to lay down, although she will periodically come check up on you and see what’s happening.  She’s a graceful and lovely gal that will make a very lucky adopter very happy!

Cadence's adoption fee is $225, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (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.

ADOPTING A SENIOR: Seniors have much love and life left to give, and bring much happiness to the wonderful families who offer them a retirement home in their Golden Years. They are calmer, more mellow, require considerably less exercise, and are just as fun, loyal, and loving as younger dogs. Seniors are an excellent choice for first-time GSD owners or for anyone looking for a low-key, mellow companion! 

HUGS SENIOR REPEAT ADOPTER PROGRAM: When you adopt a HUGS senior, and later come back back to adopt another senior, you are eligible to pay a reduced senior adoption fee of $125. Thank you for loving these wonderful, very deserving dogs, as much as we do!