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.

Richie and his siblings from the Happy Days Litter (Potsie, Ralph, Pinkie, Joanie, Chachi, and Fonzie) were rescued from a rural area in Oklahoma. Richie is an adorable guy, who is incredibly mellow. He loves to be around his people and the other dogs in his foster home. He really enjoys cuddling and being held. He is a total lap puppy. 

Richie is very smart. He knows "sit," "no," and "kennel." He is kennel trained and sleeps through the night in his kennel quietly. He is doing amazing with potty training as well. While he is a laid back pup, he does still love to play with toys, chew on bones, and wrestle with the other dogs in his foster home. 

Richie's adoption fee is $425, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and 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.