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.

Kiera is an adorable, very sweet and gentle 5 month-old Belgian Malinois-looking girl puppy, that landed at a kill shelter after being hit by a vehicle. The shelter asked us to help, as she had a broken leg, and she would have been listed for euthanasia without prompt rescue.

We were all very surprised when x-rays revealed that this poor angel's leg had actually been fractured by a bullet wound. Kiera has now had surgery to repair her broken leg, and is recovering well. She is the sweetest girl. She is a little hand shy (she clearly hasn't been treated kindly in the past) yet she still likes people and love gentle cuddles and to be loved on. She very much enjoys being around other dogs. She is a sweetheart of a dog, and she will be someone's pride and joy.

Like all German Shepherd dogs and mixes, Kiera will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of structured activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. 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.

Kiera's adoption fee is $395, all of which goes back into offsetting 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. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.