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.

Sawyer is a gorgeous, very nice and smart 1 yr old GSD who got in trouble at the shelter due to the fact that he could figure out how to get out their kennels. Unfortunately, this landed Sawyer on the kill list. The shelter volunteers, who loved Sawyer, begged us to help, and we were fortunate to find a foster home for him, so we could take him in. Sawyer is a super sweet, smart boy, and he's been doing great in his foster home!

Initially, Sawyer can be a little shy, but he warms up fairly quickly. Once he does, he’s like a giant kitty! He loves rubbing against you, getting belly rubs, staying close to his humans at all times, and getting lots of love and attention! Sawyer is friendly, sweet, and lovable.  He knows some basic commands, rides well in the car, and once he’s used to his new surroundings, he’s nice and calm in the house. He walks well on a leash, does not pull, and while he is very alert, he does not bark at other people or dogs. Sawyer does need a confident handler who is steady on their feet, as he will try to chase squirrels. Sawyer is not yet used to hearing/seeing a lot of traffic. He does fine on busy streets, but much prefers to go for walks on residential streets and the park. Sawyer has some separation anxiety and is not a fan of the crate (he has been using a heavy-duty crate). Sawyer likes bones, balls, LOVES walks, and most of all, he likes being with people. He has a very nice, moderate energy level, especially for a youngster. Once he's had his walk, he is content to follow his humans around and take naps around the house. He would do best in a calm, structured household, with pet parents who are home a lot, and where he would not need to be crated too many hours.

Sawyer is a great dog who likes people, and LOVES hanging out with his humans. He is an all-around sweet boy! Sawyer does ok around other dogs, but he is not playful and prefers calm dogs. Even better, Sawyer would absolutely love being the only dog in the home and not having to share his humans' love and attention! Sawyer would be an excellent, devoted, super sweet companion, for anyone with GSD -or similar breed- experience.

Sawyer' 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.