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.

Prior to rescue, Monona and her 3 babies had been abandoned by a country road in Oklahoma, and were about to be find themselves in trouble if they couldn't find help in a hurry. We are so glad that we were able to get to them before anything happened to them. They are the most adorable little family. Monona is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. All four have been thriving in their foster homes, and will need forever homes of their own!

Shelby is an adorable and curious little girl, who is playful and energetic. She seems to have a very gentle soul and kind eyes. She loves a good belly rub when she is relaxing. She enjoys playing outside and running around with the other dogs in her foster home. She is working very hard on potty training. She does seem to have some cattle dog instincts already. 

Shelby'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.S

Like all Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds and mix puppies, Shelby requires excellent direct supervision. Shelby's ideal home will be an experienced household with good leadership skills and structure, and prior similar breed ownership. Shelby is very young and does need the proper socialization, training, and guidance to become a well-rounded adult. Like all puppies, she requires patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel her energy in appropriate ways. Like any of our dogs, she will make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, activity and mental stimulation that her breed requires. 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.