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.

Liam is a shy, very sweet 3 month-old puppy who was dumped, sick and scared, at the shelter. Luckily, we were able to spring Liam out before it was too late. Liam is lovely and so grateful to be in a loving foster home. He follows foster mom around and likes to hang out with the other dogs in his foster home. He is a wonderfully sweet and lovable puppy.

Liam's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD experience. While adorable, GSD puppies require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd teens, Liam will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Liam's adoption fee is $450, 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.