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.

Sophie is a sweet, playful 9 month-old White GSD puppy with adorable flame-tipped ears. Sophie is smart and inquisitive and eager to learn. She likes to stick close to her humans, comes when called and is eager to please. She rides well in the car, crates well, and will go sit by the door when she needs to go potty. Sophie loves to play with other dogs and has LOTS of energy. So in addition to an active adopter who will take her on long daily walks, we would like for Sophie to have a playful dog buddy in her forever home. Sophie plays with the household dog nonstop: they playwrestle, race around the yard together, splash around in the doggy pool. She is adorable and it is hilarious to watch!  She also loves toys. Sophie will play with anything that squeaks, and enjoys tug-o-war. She loves taking as many toys out as possible, and surrounding herself with them to play!  Sophie is a typical young GSD and doesn’t lay still long enough to cuddle! But she is very sweet, and loves to be petted, especially behind the ears. She also gives sweet puppy kisses! When Sophie finally exhausts herself, she likes to lay on the air vents!  Her favorite activities include: long walks, playing with other dogs, and chasing lightning bugs! This pretty young girl will need an active, experienced owner who will continue to work on her socialization and training.  

Sophie's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD experience, and a playful dog buddy. While adorable, GSD teens require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd teens, Sophie will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Sophie's adoption fee is $400, all of which goes back into offsetting 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. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.