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.

Guinness is a calm and loving guy, and a sweet soft teddy bear! We rescued Guinness from a high kill shelter in CA, where he was running out of time due to lack of space. It was painfully obvious that Guinness had not had an easy life, as his coat was in poor condition, he had fly strike on his ears from being kept as a neglected, outdoor dog.

Guinness couldn't be happier and more grateful to be in a loving foster home. He loves his people and is what you might call a "velcro dog."  With good care and nutrition, he has transformed into a regal, majestic boy. He takes treats like a gentleman and gently tongues them out of your hand. He is crate-trained and potty-trained. He loves to play in the yard, likes to toss his ball around (and will sometimes fetch it), and he enjoys stuffed toys as well. Guinness will often choose to curl up on a blanket over his dog bed. He really enjoys walks, car rides, and outings. He knows "sit" and "kennel up." Guinness tends to get itchy, but has been doing great since he was switched to a raw diet. 

Guinness is a sweet guy who truly just wants to please his humans. Guinness is looking for a home where he can be an only pet, as he loves people best, and his favorite thing is to hang out with his humans. He is well-behaved in the house, enjoys having adult company over, and he greets family and guests politely at the door. He is a great boy!

Guinness' minimum adoption fee is $125, 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.

ADOPTING A SENIOR: Seniors have so much love and life in them, and bring much happiness to the wonderful families who adopt them. 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!