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.

Gypsy is a very sweet, shy, pretty girl who together with Marshall, ended up in a very crowded kill shelter in Oklahoma.  Marshall was Heartworm positive, and Gypsy had a degloving injury to her right elbow. Both were unadoptable and at the top of the urgent list. Lucky for them, they are extremely lovely, gentle souls, and the shelter volunteers fought very hard to buy them a little extra time while they seeking rescue for them. When they asked us to help, we couldn't say no...! 

Gypsy is approximately 2.5 years old and a wonderfully sweet girl that will make a fabulous companion for a very lucky family!  Gypsy is shy around strangers (not unfriendly, just uncomfortable). It takes her an hour or two to warm up to visitors and come around them. She’s very gentle and nice around kids and non-reactive to cats. She gets along very well with other dogs of all sizes, but absolutely competes to be closest to you and be the center of your attention. Her foster parents tell us that "she’s a bit of a lazy bones!" She likes to lay and snuggle, and she can often be found on the couch cuddling with her humans or doggy siblings. Gypsy arrived not knowing a whole lot, and she is now potty-trained, crate-trained, well-behaved, and a fast-learner! She’s working on her leash-walking and will continue to improve with practice. Gypsy likes to play in the yard and loves playing keep away with the other pups with a toy. She will limp a little bit occasionally when she walks, but it doesn't seem to bother her. She goes into full sprint in the yard with no apparent deficit or abnormal gait. She’s very fast! She rides nicely in the car.  

Gypsy's leg has required a lot of wound care over the past few months (bandage changes, laser therapy), as she has had to regrow a lot of tissue. Her elbow now looks amazing, it simply lacks fur in that area, and it just needs bandaged for protection if she's going to have a playdate (or otherwise be roughousing with other dogs). Because there is very little padding there, the scar area will be more vulnerable than regular, intact skin, so her adopters need to be prepared for it to be a problem area every once in a while. However, when that happens, care is easy, and she's an excellent patient!  Gypsy has no activity restrictions or discomfort. She walks, runs, races up and down stairs with the other dogs (in fact, she's one of the fastestest dog in her foster home)! Gypsy has a wonderful temperament. She is shy but gentle, and very good with other animals of all sizes. When meeting new dogs she is gentle and friendly. And while she likes to zoom in the yard, and enjoys walks, she is on the mellow side, and does not require as much activity as other GSDs her age. She is going to be a great catch for a very lucky adopter!

Like all German Shepherds, this darling girl would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Gypsy's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or similar breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills, and manners.

Gypsy's adoption fee is $350, 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.