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.

Chowder and her siblings from The Soup Litter were saved from a crowded kill shelter that was out room. They were sick at the time (ringworm, which is a skin issue, and an upper respiratory infection) and had to be nursed back to health, prior to adoption. They are now fully recovered, gorgeous, and the sweetest babies, who simply needed a second chance.

Chowder is an adorable puppy. Every day, more of Chowder's personality shines through. She is sweet, but fearless. It doesn't matter that her foster siblings are bigger than her, she jumps right in to play and run around! She is very smart and food-motivated. She is picking up potty-training well, and loves to learn new things! Chowder loves to snuggle up with you and is very affectionate. In typical puppy fashion, she's also extremely curious, and will get into anything if you aren't looking out!

The adoption fee for Chowder and siblings from the Soup Litter 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, these puppies would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that their breed needs. Because of that, their 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.