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.

Hamilton is an adorable 9 week-old boy puppy. Hamilton's mom, Maggie, was rescued this summer from a SD reservation. Maggie was hungry, thirsty, overheated, full of ticks and fleas, and heavily pregnant. Like many others, Maggie lived as a stray on the reservation right up until rescue. 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. We are so glad that we were able to rescue Maggie, so that her puppies could be safely born in rescue, and so that they could all have better lives. 

Hamilton has just turned 8 weeks old. He is an adorable, hefty pup that lies to lie belly up and nap away the day after he gets a bowl full of food! Hamilton is pretty laid-back for a puppy, and very food and treat-motivated, which makes him very trainable. His favorite spot to nap is on top of the floor vent, in a quiet area of the house where no one will bother him, but he will also happily cuddle with his humans. Be prepared to be enchanted by his puppy eyes, big puppy belly, and floppy ears. He would love to be in a house with active parents who will keep him from becoming overweight from too many naps and treats. Hamilton is easy to love and he will adore you the moment you offer him some attention (and possibly some turkey bites).

Hamilton is a wonderful puppy, who would be an excellent fit for an active adopter who is excited about training, socializing, and being active with an absolutely fabulous pup! Hamilton will need daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that puppies and

Hamilton's adoption fee is $375, 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.