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.

Griffith, or Gryf for short, is an incredibly handsome, 8 month-old pup. He is a typical Shepherd and loves to be right next to foster mom at all times. Gryf has lots of puppy energy for playing. He loves to run in the yard and play with the other household dogs. He really enjoys the other dogs' company. He also does well with the kitty in his foster home. While he is not yet too interested in toys, he does enjoy cuddling up with foster mom and getting his belly rubbed. Gryf rides well in the car. He loves to go for walks and he walks nicely on a leash. He is a friendly guy who likes meeting new people. Gryf is working on potty-training and improving. This adorable pup is also working on learning basic commands, and he is a fast-learner!

Gryf is a wonderful youngster who will excel with active adopters who are able to provide daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training that GSD youngsters require. Because of that, Gryf's ideal owner will have some prior GSD experience.

Gryf's adoption fee is $400, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and 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.

Like all German Shepherd youngsters, Griffith will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. 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 work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. Our dogs 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.