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.

Stella is an adorable 3.5 month-old GSD puppy.  She is beautiful, so full of love, and attached to her humans! While Stella is more people than dog-oriented, she does very well with other dogs too. She is not too playful with them, but enjoys a good game of chase now and then. Stella shares most toys well, prefers to have her food and bones/treats in private (in her crate). She's super smart and trainable (very in tune with voices and expressions). Stella can be just a tad bossy at times with the other dogs. She's just a puppy and simply needs good supervision and some direction, as she corrects very easily and truly wants to please. Stella is a wonderful cuddler! She firmly believes she is a lap dog and fits herself in all chairs and on all laps. She is an absolutely sweet girl. Stella crates beautifully and is doing great with potty-training. Stella loves water, and enjoys laying in, splashing around, and running in and around the baby pool and water hose! Stella is treat-motivated but is also motivated by praise and affection. She is a sweetheart!

Stella's ideal home will be an active household with prior GSD 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, Stella will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. 

Stella's adoption fee is $425, 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.