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.

Spike was rescued from a crowded high-kill shelter in California, where he was running out of time due to lack of space, and being sick with a URI. Spike arrived in Nebraska from Southern California in September and has quickly adapted to the good life! Spike is a typical shepherd who will test the boundaries to see who’s really in charge (counter surfing, climbing on furniture), but with consistent gentle correction, he quickly respects the house rules. Initially, Spike can be very shy and timid, but once he warms up to you, he’s incredibly snuggly and likes nothing more than being able to see his human at all times, cuddling, and getting love and attention! Spike loves to go for walks and go places with his humans. Spike is still figuring out what exactly ‘toys’ are, and prefers bones to toys, but he does have a playful side and will sometimes try to engage the other dogs (and human) in the house with a game of chase. If the other dog isn’t interested, Spike is very respectful and doesn’t pursue the game. Spike is still working on his leash manners, and needs a confident handler who is steady on their feet in case Spike tries to take off towards a squirrel or bird. Spike also rides well in cars (and can even handle cross-country drives). Spike has some separation anxiety (and overall anxiety) and would do best in a calm, structured household, with pet parents who are home a lot, and where he would normally not need to be crated more than 4 hours at a time. Spike is great with dogs of all sizes and would love a dog buddy in his forever home; he has not been tested with cats (we suspect cats might be an issue because he has quite the prey drive on walks). Spike is a wonderful boy with a very sweet, docile temperament, who is very well-behaved in public, and a delightful buddy for an active household.

Spike's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offsetting 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.