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.

Hilo is a one year old, 8.5 lb, lap dog. He is full of energy and enjoys running around outside, but only when his humans are there too. One of his favorite things to do is snuggle up on his foster mom's lap. Hilo does have a little bit of separation anxiety and will need to be crated when left alone. He is the definition of a velcro dog and follows his foster parents from to room to room throughout the house - he's always underfoot! Hilo is an excellent office assistant and is content providing his snuggle services for hours on end. He gets along well with the other pets in the house, including a large German Shepherd, a medium sized Terrier, and a cat that's bigger than he is. Hilo is so adorable, and gets more and more expressive everyday. He is friendly and confident. He loves to wear t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and even hats! Hilo enjoys being picked up and doesn't protest nail trims, baths, or putting on cute outfits. He would prefer to go to a home with other pets (we think it helps him feel safe), but could potentially see himself living life as an only dog (a purse dog!) as long as he got tons of attention with pet parents who are home a lot! Hilo might be the smallest full-grown dog to come through HUGS, but he has a giant heart full of love to give.

The adoption fee for Hilo's is $425, 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, Hilo 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. 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.