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.

Heidi is an adorable 3 month-old girl, who appears to be a GSD mix puppy. We recently rescued Heidi and siblings (Apollo, Hans, Freya, Odin, and Thor). Within days of arriving, this adorable little gang came down with Parvo and had to be treated for several days, as they fought for their lives. All six are now fully recovered and ready for their furever homes!

Heidi is an adorable puppy who's very sweet, fearless, and sassy. Heidi has a wonderful temperament: she is very friendly, loves people and other dogs. She is a great cuddler and is very calm for a puppy.

Heidi is not only beautiful, she's also super smart! She quickly mastered "sit", going up and down stairs, and she's doing great with potty-training. She's very food-motivated and recently learned "shake". She likes to play wrestle and play tug of war with the other dog in her foster home. Heidi's favorite place to be is wrapped up in a blanket in your lap or laying next to another doggie. In fact, Heidi would love to have a dog buddy in her furever home. Heidi is a great girl -affectionate, smart, and playful- who will quickly steal your heart!

Heidi's adoption fee is $375, 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.