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.

Spike is one of Estelle's five puppies.  Estelle is a gorgeous girl who is very sweet, but a little shy. Estelle was found at an abandoned house that had crumbled to the ground. Underneath concrete and carpet Estelle had built a little nest for her and her five puppies. Lucky for her, rescuers were able to get everyone out safely. Estelle is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. Estelle and her five puppies have been thriving in their foster home together and are ready for homes of their own.

Spike is a fearless, spunky outgoing pup with lots of energy to play. He is very adventurous and loves finding new spots to squeeze into, the smaller the better.    He loves running around with his brother Charlie Brown and his foster sister.   When he is all worn out he likes to come up into your lap and cuddle up for a nice nap. Spike is doing well with potty training and crate training. 

The adoption fee for Estelle’s puppies is $425, 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 any of our dogs,  puppies would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that her breed needs. Because of that, Estelle’s puppies’ ideal owners will have prior GSD, or other herding 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.