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.

Shelby is an adorable 5 month-old Belgian Malinois mix puppy with the cutest little mohawk! Not very long ago, Shelby was out of time in a kill shelter in Oklahoma. We rescued her in mid-October, and she was sick at the time, incubating Parvo, and later came down with Pneumonia. She required vet boarding and treatment in isolation for many weeks. Poor Shelby wasn't healthy enough to come to Omaha until mid-December! 

Shelby has adjusted very well to life in her foster home. She is the sweetest girl! She loves people and other dogs. She is lovable, fun, very loving, and affectionate. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her!

While adorable, GSD and Malinois (and mix) puppies are strong and mighty and require patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Shelby will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization.

Shelby'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.