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.

Scarlett is an adorable 8 week-old girl puppy. Scarlett's mom, Maggie, was rescued this summer from a SD reservation. Maggie was hungry, thirsty, overheated, full of ticks and fleas, and heavily pregnant. Like many others, Maggie lived as a stray on the reservation right up until rescue. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. We are so glad that we were able to rescue Maggie, so that her puppies could be safely born in rescue, and so that they could all have better lives. 

Scarlett is a smart, sweet and sassy little girl. She loves playing with the big dogs in her foster home, and also loves the humans and little kids in her foster home. She is doing amazing with potty training. She crates well. Scarlett is very playful, but when she's done playing, she likes to cuddle. She loves the household dog, who she seems to think is her mom! She also likes to follow foster mom anywhere she goes. She is just a great, well-rounded little girl!

Scarlett is a wonderful puppy, who would be an excellent fit for an active adopter who is excited about training, socializing, and being active with an absolutely fabulous pup! Brent will need daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that puppies and youngsters require. 

Scarlett's adoption fee is $375, 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.