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.

Sweet Jack came to us after his owner passed away. Initially, he was shy and timid. But thanks to a loving and patient foster mom he's been coning out of his shell, and little by little, this adorable guy has been learning to love and trust again. And boy is he loving! His love of yummy food also helps him overcome his shyness. His first obsession is wet cat food. He can hear you pop that pop top from across the house. Even when he was still new to his foster home, he’d hear that metal pop and scratching and jump up on the counter next to foster mom and totally forgetting for a moment he was supposed to be scared! “So food is the way to your heart, Jack? Okay! Now that you trust me, I know when I sit quietly on the floor with you while you eat, you trust me, and I know when you’re full and rubbing up against me you’re thankful.” Jack will take some time to get comfortable, and needs you to take it slow. He responds positively to slow movement and soft conversations. He also loves toys with mint and catnip, and playing with a feather toy, but still needs a little help with confidence to really let go. He tolerates other cats and calm dogs well, as long as they don’t approach with the intention of excited play. Give him a little time, and he’ll definitely make a wonderful best friend. Don’t tell his foster sister cat this, but his foster mom thinks his fur is the softest and silkiest to pet! UPDATE: Jack recently discovered that he loves fresh catnip. Also, now that he's more comfortable, he's been making friends with the household kitty, and he’s very playful and attentive, follows foster mom around everywhere to see what she's doing.  Jack is going to make a wonderful pet! He's getting to be such a lover that he now gives you little love bites if you don’t scratch him how he wants you to! 

Jack's adoption fee is $100, 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, and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.