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.

Fonzie and his siblings from the Happy Days Litter (Potsie, Richie, Pinkie, Joanie, Ralph, and Chachi) were rescued from a rural area in Oklahoma. Fonzie is one awesome little pup! 

Fonzie is super chill and incredibly cuddly. Fonzie gets along well with the other two dogs in his foster home. He likes to play chase and wrestle with them even though they are much bigger. He will often hide under the chair then dash to the couch. He enjoys a good game of tug. Fonzie definitely likes his bully sticks and other chew toys. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, but often is very observant. He is quickly learning sit and to wait patiently for his food, even though he gets very excited about feeding time. He is working on potty-training. At first he doesn’t like his crate, but will settle down quickly. Fonzie loves sleepy afternoons on the couch. If you think Fonzie sounds like an amazing puppy to adopt, you would be correct-amundo!
 

Fonzie's adoption fee is $425, 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.

Like all German Shepherds, Huskies, and mixes, Fonzie will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, activity and socialization. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that 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. Our dogs 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.