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.

Rusty is a very sweet, very cuddly, and very sensitive boy who’s still learning about the world around him. A lot of love, understanding and a few treats have taken him far since coming into rescue. His time in his foster home has been spent learning all about being a dog, learning about the many new noises, objects, toys and treats that are all part of his life now. He’s a big fan of squeaky toys, balls, chew bones, and bully sticks. He gets the occasional “zoomies”, enjoys going for walks, and is slowly warming up to car rides. He loves the resident dogs in his foster home, and LOVES to be part of the pack! While Rusty is not overly playful, Rusty loves the companionship of other dogs, and having other friendly dogs around really helps him come out of his shell. Because of that, he will need to have at least one dog buddy in his adoptive home. Rusty is great with dogs of all sizes and is fine with cats. Rusty is potty-trained, very food and treat-motivated, and starting to learn basic commands. His trust in his people and in his own confidence have continued to grow, and he keeps getting sweeter and cuddlier every day.... on his own terms. Like all shy dogs, he moves at his own pace, and he needs plenty of time and personal space in the beginning. His adoptive family will want to be patient with him. He is sensitive and new sounds and activities startle him easily. Rusty's ideal home will not have any small children. Rusty would do best in a calm environment without a lot of different people going in and out where he can continue to blossom and gain confidence. He is an incredibly sweet boy, fun-loving boy, once he comes out of his shell!!  

Rusty's adoption f ee 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 Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Rusty will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Rusty's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog, GSD, or other 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.