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.

Hello! They call me Wellington, but I definitely think my name is “Puppy!” I have lots of energy and love all my toys...especially the ones you’re holding onto. I will play by myself too, but you might have to keep an eye on me. I really like to explore small dark spaces, and climb things, so might need your help to get myself unstuck. I have no problem asking for help. I do love to talk. I even yawn out loud! I’ve figured out how to ask for food (boy, do I love food!) and to go outside with just the right little chirps and gestures. I know I’m supposed to “potty outside” but I’m still working on remembering to ask. But, if you take me out, and put me in the grass, I’ll do it every time. When I get tired, I like to curl up next to you and get a nice belly or ear rub before I close my eyes.  I’m learning about my kennel, but right now am just eating my meals in there. I’m not comfortable being left alone for very long. I’m a real smart and attentive little girl, and will be a great part your family if you provide me consistent direction.

Wellington is one of Tia’s ten puppies. Tia is a sweet, gorgeous young girl. Prior to rescue, Tia (who was heavily pregnant) had been abandoned and left to fend for herself. Luckily, we were able to get her before she anything happened to her and she had a litter of puppies on July 12, 2020. Tia is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. Tia and all of her ten puppies have been thriving in their foster home and will need forever homes of their own. 

The adoption fee for Tia’s puppies is $395, 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 any of our dogs, Tia’s puppies would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that her breed needs. Because of that, Tia's puppies’ ideal owners will have prior GSD, or other herding 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.