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.

Penelope is an adorable 7 month old puppy who was terrified in the shelter environment. As soon as she was out, that changed! She started smiling, and she's been very happy, grateful, and sweet with all of the volunteers and everyone that she's met. Penelope is doing fantastic in her foster home. She is a sweetie! 

Penelope is approximately 27lbs at 7 months old. We suspect she is an Aussie or Border Collie mix which are both high energy breeds, but she is well-behaved and has plenty of calm moments throughout the day, as long as she gets her exercise (walks are a must!). Penelope gets along well with other dogs and loves to play tug! She also really enjoys playing fetch. Penelope loves to play with other dogs, but she reads cues well, and when the other dogs have had enough, she will go and play with toys by herself. She LOVES humans as well, and likes to follow them everywhere. Penelope is working on potty-training and is doing well. She is crate-trained and currently uses a 36" wire crate. She is an adorable pup who's smart, active, sweet and affectionate!

Penelope appears to be an Aussie (or perhaps Border Collie) mix puppy. Like all puppies, Penelope requires good supervision. She loves playing with toys and other dogs. Penelope is very young and like all herding breed puppies, she will need lots of dedication and guidance to become a well-rounded adult. Lilly's ideal home will be an experienced household with good leadership skills and structure. While adorable, herding breed puppies are strong and mighty and require patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all herding breed puppies, Penelope will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of structured activity and socialization.

Penelope'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.