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.

Cici is a gorgeous, very sweet, approx 3 y.o. girl who up until rescue lived as a stray on the reservation. 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. 

Cici and her 5 pups were found this summer on a SD reservation, hungry, overheated, and covered in fleas and ticks. Cici is an amazing mom with incredible survival skills: she had tucked her babies deep into the brush, out of sight, by digging a den on the side of a small hill, in the middle of a plum thicket. Cici's ingenuity saved their lives by providing shelter from the oppressive summer heat, predators, and from the back-to-back storms that kept hitting that area right before their rescue!

Cici is a very sweet and loving girl. She is gentle, well-behaved, and loves all the attention and TLC in her foster home. She is a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly. She enjoys walks, stuffed toys, and getting petted. Cici loves kids, gets along with other dogs, and is fine with cats.