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.

Jesper Bo (Jessie) is an adorable 12-week old puppy whom we rescued from a reservation in SD. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. Jessie is  a very lucky boy to have made it into rescue, and we are very glad that we were able to help him!

When we rescued Jessie, he was a tiny 5-6 week-old, half-hairless fluff ball, who barely weighed 5 lbs! Jessie arrived in pretty bad shape, suffering severe hair loss, especially around his eyes. He was full of scabs, and he itched terribly. Poor Jessie was suffering from Sarcoptic, a highly contagious mite, much like scabies, that can be passed on to humans and other dogs, unless very careful isolation precautions are taken. We are so grateful that one of our awesome adopters stepped up for him and took this little guy as her very first foster, just so that we could bring him into rescue! Thanks to his loving, very dedicated foster, Jessie has now completed several treatments of Revolution, his fur has come back very nicely, and our vet has now just given him the all-clear! Since Jessie was previously under isolation precautions due to his mange, he is just now beginning his introductory period in his foster home.

Jessie is a hilarious, super active, super fun firecracker of a little pup. He is exceedingly smart and full of personality. Jessie would do best in a very active household that will provide plenty of
mental and physical stimulation for this energetic little guy. Although not a German Shepherd, Jessie is a lot like one, in that he will need a lot of exercise, socialization, boundaries, and leadership. For that reason, we are looking for someone with some experience with German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, or similar working breeds, for little Jessie :).

Like all German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix puppies, Jessie will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.