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.

Owen is an approximately 3.5 yo Australian Cattle Dog with an adorable bobtail. We found sweet Owen out of time, in a crowded kill shelter in Oklahoma. Owen is a wonderful dog, but he was deemed unadoptable due to being heartworm positive which requires lengthy (and costly) treatment. As many of you know, we have a soft spot for Australian Cattle Dogs... and we just could not let that be the end of this poor sweet boy. Luckily, we were able to pull Owen out of the shelter in the nick of time, and the rest is history!  Owen has successfully completed Heartworm treatment and he is fully recovered. While with us, he was been diagnosed with an unrelated heart condition called an arrhythmia, which requires him to take daily medication. If unmedicated, his heart would have an irregular, fast heartbeat every once in a while, causing him to feel exhausted - with his meds, he feels great and he is a regular pup! (a 90-day supply just costs around $21 using GoodRx). 

Owen is a little shy at first, but very sweet with proper slow introductions. He really LOVES to go for walks, car rides, and outings with his foster family. He has so much fun playing with his toys, especially the squeaky ones!! He's a really fun, lovable, affectionate boy. Owen is definitely more comfortable around adults than he is around kids and teens. Because of that, we would like to find Owen an adult-only home without too many different people going in and out. Owen knows "sit", "down", and loves to play "fetch" and "catch" with his ball. Owen is currently the only dog in his foster home, however, Owen does have a doggy playmate from time to time at the house (a 2 year-old Aussie step-sibling that he really looks forward to seeing and playing with!). He also goes for walks with the neighbors' GSD, and he really enjoys both! Owen would be great as an only dog, or with another friendly, playful, laid-back (non-dominant) dog that wouldn't mind sharing her personal space and toys with him!

Like all Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds and mixes that we have in rescue, Owen will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Owen's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog, GSD, or other similar breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills and manners.