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.

Rascal is a 2.5 year-old Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) who has the coolest eyes ever! He is fun, affectionate, and always ready for an adventure. In typical ACD fashion, he will watch you carefully to see if there is any fun in store and to make sure he does not miss out on anything! He LOVES to cover people with kisses and is known as the Round Mound of Rebound due to his muscles.

Rascal loves retrieving balls and playing on foster mom's backyard Agility equipment. He is good on car rides, enjoys cuddling on laps (once he’s tired), loves walking, and hiking. We recently found out he enjoys swimming! Rascal enjoys playing any kind of game and is a fast-learner. He has some Obedience commands: Leash Walking, Touch (hand), Front, Come, Swing (into Heel), Too Far, Leave It, Sit, etc. He is potty-trained and crate-trained (42” crate). 

Rascal loves kids, but can be a bit too bouncy for small ones. Due to his life before HUGS, Rascal does not like cats. At all. He is okay with most other dogs when introduced slowly and with dogs that match his very energetic play level. He loves to play hard, chase, run, investigate, and hang out with them. He is okay with baths and nail trims.

Rascal bounces when he is excited. Hold the palm of your hand where you want him and tell him “Touch” and you can practically bounce him like a ball!

Rascal follows his foster mom around the house, carefully watching what she is doing to see if he can help as he is extremely intelligent and loves to learn. He is a “ride or die” kinda guy and very attached to “his” human. This is one of the most patient and jolly dogs ever! 

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

Like all Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Rascal will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Rascal's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog, GSD, or other similar 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.