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.

Oklay and his sibling Crusoe are informally known as our "Mayday Puppies". They both landed on the shelter's evening kill list a few days ago, and we had less than 2 hours to save them. The shelter was so full that the puppies had to share their kennel with adults. They were so sweet, playing and cuddling with each other, and with their adult kennelmate, a white GSD male named Garth. They were completely oblivious to the danger that they were in, and it was heartbreaking! Thanks to some wonderful fosters who stepped up for them, we were able to rescue not only Crusoe and Oklay, but also their kennelmate Garth, when he landed on the euth list the next day! Both Crusoe and Oklay arrived with a couple small scabs on their head and back that are healing nicely (hopefully hair will grow again in those areas). They are adorable, very happy and wiggly, and super sweet!

Oklay is a 3 month-old adorable black Lab mix puppy who is VERY sweet and cuddly. He is great with people and other dogs. And extremely cute! He is doing great with potty-training, learning commands, and crate-training. He gets along great with the other pets in his foster home (canine and feline). He is an adorable little guy!

Oklay's adoption fee is $325, 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.