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.

Iona is a beautiful teen who came to us from an Omaha shelter. She is adorable, but extremely shy with people, and really thrives in the company of other dogs. Iona is learning to enjoy new experiences, and loves romping around in the backyard with her foster siblings.

Iona is approximately 1 year old, very smart, super fun, very food-motivated, potty-trained, crate-trained, and is working on basic commands. Iona is unsure (scared) of strangers, and needs slow introductions with new people (and for strangers to understand that she needs her space). With new people she prefers to be left alone until she is comfortable enough to approach. Iona is a total velcro dog in her own way: she wants to be where the humans are, but at a distance comfortable to her. As she gets to know you and bonds with you, she will inch closer and closer, although it might be months before she seeks petting, and she warms up faster to women than men. Iona is looking for a patient pet parent who will not rush her and will give her plenty of time to adjust to her new home. Because of that, we would like to place her in an adult household with an experienced owner, as she will need ongoing gentle and patient socialization. Iona would enjoy an active home with a dog buddy or two, as she loves other dogs, and takes cues from them. She has been slowly gaining confidence, and she enjoys going on outings with her pack. Iona will be a wonderful addition to an adopter who will be patient, and who will understand her personality and needs. Once she is comfortable around her humans, Iona is delightfully fun, vocal, sassy, and interactive (although she still likes to maintain a certain "safety" distance). She may never be fully comfortable with petting (it's hard to know at this point), although she allows it to a certain extent when she gets to know you well. As you slowly gain her trust, she will show you her love in several ways: by following you everywhere; by gently nibbling on your hand, or lovingly mouthing you; and by hopping around enthusiastically (and vocally) around you when you get home! When she is happy and excited, you will know! She really is an adorable girl that has so much to offer.

Like all German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Iona will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and plenty of activity and socialization. Our dogs make great additions to active families who will love and pamper them, but who will also work with them. They are very smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. Because of that, we would like for Iona's adopter to have some prior herding breed experience (ex: Heeler, Aussie, GSD, Border Collie, or other herding breed), and/or experience with very shy/timid dogs or puppy mill dogs.

Iona's adoption fee is $350, 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.