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.

Harlee is an adorable 6 month old puppy (she was 3 months old when we rescued her). Unfortunately, she came down with Parvo right after we rescued her, back in mid-June, while she was still at our vet in Oklahoma. She required lots of care for weeks while she fought for her life while receiving IV fluids, meds, and other supportive care in isolation vet care, while waiting to be healthy enough to travel to Nebraska. Luckily, she was in great hands, and let's just say it...she's a tough cookie and a fighter (for which we are soooo very glad!). Once she got to Omaha, she came down with urinary issues (first a really tough UTI, which later turned out to be possible puppy vaginitis). Anyone who's been through this, knows that it's a tough deal and a long-term issue that makes potty-training practically impossible. Many months and diapers later and possibly tears too?), Harlee finally got the all-clear to be spayed (which will hopefully also help with the urinary issues! ).

Lilly is a typical, adorable GSD puppy: sweet, playful, mischievous, and very active. Lilly will not be available for adoption, as this lucky girl is being adopted by her foster parents!

Like all GSD puppies, Lilly requires constant direct supervision. She loves playing with toys and other dogs. Lilly is very young and like all GSD puppies, she will need lots of dedication and guidance to become a well-rounded adult. Lilly's ideal home will be an experienced household with strong leadership skills and structure. While adorable, GSD puppies are strong and mighty and require patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Lilly will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization.

Lilly'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.