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.

Hi, my name is Fiona and I am looking for my forever home. I am a little unique looking, as I have the head of a German Shepard and the body of a cattle dog, which is probably why I am such a beautiful pup. When my foster parents first picked me up, I was a little scared and nervous, but once we got home, that didn’t last long. Every day I have been coming out of my shell more and more, but I was quick to warm up to my foster parents and the resident dog. My foster parents have two cats, which I was excited to meet and be friends with (even if THEY were a little shy.)
For me, my perfect forever home would be one where I get lots of love and my family doesn’t mind that I am overly excited to see them and give tons of kisses and cuddle with them. I have fun wrestling and playing with my foster brother so if you have a dog already, I am sure we will get along. Chewing on toys (I love buffalo horns), playing fetch and running in the backyard are some of my favorite things to do and have lots of energy once I get comfortable in my new home. I do like to talk to my toys sometimes, just to let them know I am boss. I love walks since I get to smell everything and I do well on my leash, although I can be a little all over the place.
I know a few commands, like sit, leave it, and lay down and hope to find someone who will take the time and has the patience to teach me more since I am very smart and am eager to learn. I do okay with my crate, although I cry for a little bit when I go in there for the night, but I have been getting better and my foster parents have been working on this with me and I have no problem going in the crate, as long as I have a little treat motivation.
I am potty trained, but I drink lots of water and like to go out shortly after eating and drinking. I love a full water dish and a puzzle feeder for my food (that way I don’t eat too fast.) I can be a little protective of my food from other dogs, but my foster parents have had no problems grabbing my food from me. My foster parents have been playing with my feet, ears, and mouth just to make sure I don’t have any problems with that and they say I do amazing and have no problems. Be sure to keep an eye on me when I am outside because I may dig if I am bored, but stop if I am caught.
If I sound like the dog for you, please put in an application and hopefully you can be my forever home.

While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Fiona will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. Because of that, Fiona's ideal home will have prior GSD, or other herding breed experience. 

Fiona'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.