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.

Mr. Maerdy (pronounced Marty) is a party on legs! He is a gorgeous, happy, rollicking, constantly moving Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) looking for a loving person to take on endless walks and adventures. Maerdy is a 2.5 yo boy who gets along great with cats. He needs to be the only dog in the home (cats are fine), but he enjoys playing with other dogs in outdoor social settings, and is well-behaved in public, and an excellent sidekick for anyone looking for an active companion to go on walks, hikes, car rides (he's an excellent car rider) and watch tv with! Marty is very friendly, sweet, and active. In his foster home, he has great house manners and displays basic beginner obedience skills. Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of mental and physical activity every day. They are smarter than most humans and can learn any tricks or sports with little practice. Maerdy is enthusiastic about making people happy! ACDs are not apartment dogs, nor couch potatoes, and this delightful whirlwind of happiness will need an active and committed adopter able to provide plenty of exercise, training, and stimulation. You will not regret it, he is a fabulous dog!!

Maerdy's adoption fee 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, Maerdy 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, Maerdy'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.