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.

Dakota is a sweet, gorgeous girl. Prior to rescue, Dakota (who was heavily pregnant) had been at the shelter. Luckily, we were able to get her out before she had a litter of puppies on March 19, 2021. Dakota is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety. Dakota had her babies in a loving foster home and she loved them very much. Unfortunately, there were some complications, as this young mom was very inexperienced. Additionally, she developed an acute case of mastitis that required her to be hospitalized, and lose her milk. 3 of her newborn babies did not survive, but we were able to raise the remaining five in an incubator by bottle feeding them. They have been thriving, have grown strong, healthy, and gorgeous, and are now ready for foster-to-adopt homes of their own. Dakota is also available for adoption!

The adoption fee for Dakota is $350, 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. 

Like any of our dogs, Dakota 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, Dakota’s 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.

Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.