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.

Murphy is an adorable, gentle, very sweet, almost 2 y.o. boy who can be a little shy at first, but is very lovable and affectionate as soon as he knows you. Murphy loves his toys and plays enthusiastically with them by tossing them around and making them squeak. It's super cute to watch! He's pretty talented and he's able to sometimes juggle 2-3 balls at a time! In fact, if his human is busy, he will entertain himself for hours juggling and playing fetch on his own. He is a lot of fun to watch! He loves his ball so much that he will take it everywhere, if allowed! He also absolutely loves to sit under the big tree in the yard to watch the squirrels play!

Murphy is wonderful with respectful children of all ages and sizes. He is extra gentle, careful and lovable. He will watch for queues and never jumps or plays too rough with his “little” friends. He seems to feel safe around children and plays ever so gently as he “requests” fetch time with them by dropping his ball at their feet. 

Murphy is a great boy who is intelligent, eager-to-please, and very teachable. He will thrive in an active home that will continue his training, take him on walks, play fetch in the yard, and provide him structure with lots of love. Murphy is very smart, desires to please his human and responds well to consistent positive reinforcement. Murphy knows the house rules and needs a leader who provides consistent and calm guidance. He is a sensitive boy who will retreat to his kennel if he feels he is in trouble and give himself a “timeout” when needed.

Murphy is learning to walk nicely on leash as he's still a puppy, and tends to get distracted by all the sights, sounds and small critters. With just a little more practice, Murphy will make a great walking (or running) buddy! Murphy is potty-trained, kennel trained and knows some basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", "kennel", and "off". He is a really smart boy who knows what a lot of words means: ride, outside, ball, toy, etc...  Murphy enjoys his kennel and crates well. He is gentle and takes treats nicely. He loves a Kong with some peanut butter in it, marrow bones, and just about any other treat! 

Murphy loves car rides and going everywhere with his humans. He does well in public and is always calm and gentle with people of all sizes and shapes. He can be a bit shy at times and he will look to his human for guidance. Murphy does well with the neighbor dogs through the fence and will wag his tail. He also does well on a leash around other dogs on walks and outings as long as they are not super close – until he feels safe. He will just require slow and structured introductions to other dogs as he is still learning proper interaction and play. He wants to play but can get a little overwhelmed or nervous when another dog is in his space. With more time, structure, and socialization, he will continue to learn.

Murphy would love a home on the quiet side, without a lot of people coming and going. Murphy has been doing well in his foster home with visitors as long as he is allowed to use his kennel as needed to decompress and come out when ready. Murphy bonds quickly. Once he trusts his human and knows there is nothing to fear, he will look to you for direction, follow your lead and welcome gentle affection from visitors. Murphy is enjoying learning that the world is a safe and fun place. Murphy is looking for a patient forever pet parent who will not rush him, who will allow him plenty of time to adjust to his new home, and who will continue to provide gentle, patient socialization. With routine, consistency, structure, outings, and other socialization, Murphy will continue to gain confidence and blossom.

Murphy is a truly lovable and amazing dog and will make a great companion for one very lucky adopter or family. He will be happy to go on adventures with you or hang out giving snuggles for a quiet evening in. His foster mom only has great things to say about him. If you are looking for a loyal new companion and would like to open your home to a loving, sweet, playful, and smart dog – then Murphy is your boy!

Murphy's adoption fee is $275, 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.