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.

We originally rescued Shiloh from a SD reservation with her eight adorable puppies 2 years ago. The little family was very lucky to come into rescue when they did - reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness, among other causes. In fact, poor Shiloh was extremely weak and undernourished when she arrived. Shiloh's puppies are now all experiencing lives of their own as beloved family pets. Shiloh had also been adopted 2 years ago, but she recently came back due to no fault of her own, and she is now looking for what will truly be her forever home! 

This is what Shiloh's fabulous foster mom has to say about her: "She's a divine young lady, super happy and grateful. The perfect companion. She loves to follow you around and is happy to lounge around and keep one eye on you. She loves treats and sleeping on beds." Shiloh also loves to go for walks. Foster mom tells us that Shiloh "gets spunky on her walks, and really stands up tall and proud with her tail up and curled a bit!" This girl is simply adorable!

Shiloh is approximately 5 years old. She is a very sweet, gentle girl who is just a little shy at first, but warms up quickly. She likes people, loves car rides and going on outings. She does well with most big and small dogs with proper slow introductions. Shiloh's healthy (original weight) prior to adoption was 48lbs, and her built was that of a petite Shepherd. Unfortunately, she gained a lot of weight while she was adopted, and she came back morbidly obese, weighing 78lbs. Shiloh is now on the right track to shed those 25 extra pounds and get back to a healthy weight. She eats small portions, gets very few treats, and walks several miles every day. She is already looking and feeling much better. She will need an adopter committed to taking her to the finish line, and who will help her maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Like all German Shepherds and mixes, this sweet girl would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Shiloh's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or 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.