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.

Ireyna is approximately 6 years old. She is very lovable, loves to cuddle, and truly enjoys her humans' attention. Ireyna is a very sweet girl, who simply needs some personal space around other dogs. Ireyna's fosters enjoy training, being active, and going for lots of walks, and they have done wonders for Ireyna's confidence and socialization. Ireyna can still be a little shy with new people and situations, but she is very sweet and with just a little patience, she warms up quickly. Ireyna is currently doing great in a home with cats. And thanks to her fabulous fosters, not only has Ireyna successfully passed several obedience classes, but she recently obtained her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Title! 

Ireyna loves to go on walks and being outdoors with her humans. She walks great on a leash. She is crate-trained and potty-trained. She does well on car rides. She is very food-motivated. She loves to be petted and brushed. She loves chew toys, especially Nylabones. She has gorgeous, expressive eyes, and she has the most adorable bobtail! She is a truly fantastic dog and a wonderful companion. Ireyna's ideal home will have a 6 ft privacy fence and she does need to be the only dog in her home. As long as other dogs don't get too close to her personal space, Ireyna is very relaxed and laid-back and she is rarely naughty! Ireyna does great around cats, and would not mind sharing her forever home with one or more cat buddies. She is a sweet,  very loyal companion, and a lovely, gorgeous young girl, who will make some lucky family very happy! 

Like any of our dogs, Ireyna 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. Because of that, her ideal owner 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.

Ireyna's adoption fee is $225, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (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