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.

Rizzo and Danny are 2 adorable puppies, who found themselves in need of rescue after being abandoned at a kill shelter, sick with Parvo, which can be deadly to puppies. We hospitalized them and treated them, and luckily, they both made it! They are now strong and healthy as can be. They have been thriving in their foster homes and are ready for active, loving homes of their own!

Rizzo is a very sweet girl who likes cuddles, toys, playing to other dogs, and getting attention! She will make a great addition to an active home that likes to go on plenty walks to continue her polite leash manners while using up some of her puppy energy.

Like any herding dog, Rizzo needs an active home that will provide the love, structure, activity and mental stimulation this breed needs. Her ideal owner will have previous GSD or 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.

Rizzo's adoption fee 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.