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 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 were finally given the green light (and a health certificate) to travel to Omaha and have settled into their foster homes. They look healthy, they are very happy to be here, and they are the most adorable little family. 

Gayle is super mellow, especially when she is relaxing inside the house. Gayle is a little shy at first, but very sweet. When it is time to go outside, Gayle likes to do zoomies and play gently with her puppies. She has recently been enjoying her break from raising her puppies, and spends her free time napping. She is an easy-going girl who gets along wih the other dogs and cats in her foster home. She likes to be in sight of her humans. She is potty-trained and is well-behaved in the house when left alone. 

Gayle's adoption fee is $350, 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, Gayle 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.