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.

Gayle, a beautiful and very sweet Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) was dumped with her babies, including little Darrell, in a very rural area in Oklahoma. They were all very sweet, and got along with everything and everyone (other dogs, pigs, cats). They were eventually picked up animal control. Sadly, they were sick, and although we rushed them to the vet, and one of the babies did not make it. The litter ended up being hospitalized for weeks, first with Parvo, then with an upper respiratory infection. Mama Gayle and her babies, including Darrell were finally given the green light (and a health certificate) to travel to Omaha earlier this week! They look healthy, they are very happy to be here, and they are the most adorable playful puppies! Little Darrell does have a little spot of ringworm on his forehead that he needs antifungal cream applied to every other day, but other than that, he is doing great, and he is ready for a home of his own!

Darrell is the smallest pup of his litter but his zest for life is unmatched! Darrell loves people, playing, and napping...once he's worn out from all his running around! He loves to follow his foster humans around wherever they are. And when you scooped him up, he gives lots of kisses! When he is playing, he likes to growl extra loud like a fierce warrior, but it's all for fun. Darrell appears to have inherited some herding instincts from his mom, Gayle! He likes to practice making sure his foster parents' flock of turkeys stays together! No worries, no turkeys were harmed! Darrell is already sleeping in his crate while his foster family sleeps or works, and is working on potty-training.  He is an adorable boy, and a great puppy!

Darrell's adoption fee is $395, 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.

Like all Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds and mixes, Darrell will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, activity and socialization. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that 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. Our dogs 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.