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.

Kira is an adorable shy young girl , who came to us scared, unsocialized and very skinny. She has been thriving in a loving foster home, and she warms up quickly to new people and other dogs with slow introductions. She is a sweetie!

Kira is spunky, energetic, and so much fun! She is approx 2 years old. Kira always wants to give kisses, and she will nudge your hand to get your attention. She is treat-motivated. She knows sit (with the help of a treat or tennis ball) and is working on her other basic commands. She is so sweet and eager to please her humans. Kira likes to play fetch with her tennis ball and loves to chew on bones or kong toys. She also finds squirrels and rabbits pretty interesting, and she perks up anytime she sees one! Kira responds very well to her name and comes when called. Kira is crate and potty-trained. She LOVES to go on long walks! Foster mom says she has never seen a tail wag in so much excitement as when it's time for a walk. Once she's had her exercise, Kira is content to curl up on the couch to snuggle with her humans. Kira does great on car rides and likes being anywhere her foster mom is. Kira is timid at first and needs slow introductions to other dogs and humans. Kira is a bit uneasy around loud noises and quick movements. She responds very well to a calm, structured setting. Kira does very well with the household dog and the young child in her home, but it took some time for her to come out of her shell, as they worked on keeping things calm and quiet, as she became acclimated. In true GSD fashion, Kira also loves having a routine. She knows foster mom takes her for early morning walks (which she loves!), and she will nudge foster mom if she tries to hit that snooze button! When they return to the house, she knows it's breakfast time, so she sits and waits patiently on her rug for her food. She is such a good girl! Kira would be an excellent companion for anyone with GSD experience!

Kira's ideal home would be a household with prior GSD experience (preferably with a playful dog buddy). Kira's adoption fee is $350, 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.