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.

Ellen is an adorable, shy 7 month-old girl. Ellen and siblings had a pretty rough start to life prior to rescue.  These poor pups were part of a larger litter that was dumped at a kill shelter. These babies were very unsocialized and they were terrified at the shelter. At the time, that we rescued Ellen and siblings (Kara, Boomer, and Cally), they were 3 months old, sick with Parvo, and they spent a month fighting this horrible disease and recovering (unfortunately, a male puppy in the group did not make it). These poor pups were so scared, that they initially, did not allow handling. Despite their young age, it was apparent that they had not had too many, if any, positive human interactions before being rescued. They are now all fully recovered, happy, learning to love and be loved, and growing like weeds! And they are ready to find forever homes where they can continue to grow and blossom!

When Ellen arrived she was extremely shy, but thanks to tasty treats, time, and a lot of patience, she has been very slowly been overcoming some of her fear, warming up a bit, and learning that life is not quite as scary as she thought! Our sweet girl has come a long way, but is still cautious around new people at first. She will need an adoptive home that will be patient and supportive. Ellen will do best in a home with another dog, as she LOVES other dogs (playing with them, cuddling with them) and that is when her true personality comes out! In the beginning, everything was new and scary, but little but little, sweet Ellen has been learning that people can be kind, and that treats and toys are amazing! She can get overwhelmed by pets and cuddles, but in true GSD fashion, will allow them on her terms when she feels comfortable. Ellen feels safe in her kennel and will go there to relax. Once she is ready, she will come out to join the fun. 

UPDATE: Ellen has come so far from the terrified puppy that had never known love. Now that she has learned what pets and cuddles are, she can't get enough of them from the people that she knows well. She is the shadow to her foster siblings and will follow them anywhere. Toys and treats are her favorite things and is always ready to play or eat. Ellen is house-trained and kennel-trained. She knows sit and is doing amazingly well walking on a leash! You would never know she was skittish and so afraid of the world. She is ready to bring so much love and joy to her forever home!

Ellen would do best in a calm, structured environment. While she is doing great, this is all very new to her.  Ellen would love a home with loving, patient humans, and a dog buddy to help her continue to adjust, blossom, and gain confidence.

While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Ellen will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. Ellent's ideal home will have some GSD or similar breed experience, and/or experience with shy/fearful dogs. 

Ellen's adoption fee is $325, 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.