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.

A few weeks ago, one of our shelter partners in Oklahoma reached out to us. A sick young GSD had been surrendered to their facility, and she had tested positive for Parvo. Parvo is extremely contagious and deadly to unvaccinated dogs and puppies, and equals a death sentence in a shelter environment. They wanted to know if we could we take Hope in the next hour, before the shelter closed, in order to save her life? We said yes, knowing it would mean urgent care, IV fluids and meds, hospitalization, and several weeks of vet boarding in isolation... all of it just to give Hope a chance to fight this terrible disease. Several weeks later, Hope finally received a clean bill of health and after an 8 hr trip, and in the middle of a storm, she arrived in Omaha! It was dark, gloomy, and raining. But there was no denying the relief in Hope's face as she met her foster parents who picked her, lovingly dried her up, and loaded her up in their vehicle to go home. 

At 6 months, Hope is only 38lbs, and adorably petite for a GSD. She is a little shy at first but cuddly, very playful, full of energy, a typical puppy. She likes toys, as well as playing and snuggling with other dogs. And she's incredibly sweet! She likes bananas, blueberries and green beans for treats. She sits and is working on “kennel up”. Hope is crate-trained and potty-trained, and crates very nicely. She is working on sitting and waiting to be released at meal time. Hope is a fast-learner and very food-motivated. Hope is still a puppy and learning which items are ok to chew, but she is easily redirected with toys. She is good with the kids in her foster home. And a wonderful cuddler! Hope is just an overall spunky happy-go-lucky girl! If you have an active lifestyle, GSD experience, and are looking to add to your pack, you would absolutely LOVE Hope! 

Hope's ideal home will be an active household with prior GSD or similar breed experience. While adorable, GSD puppies and teens require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Hope will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

Hope's adoption fee is $395, 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.