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.

Venice is an amazing young boy who is bursting with personality. Venice is approximately 1-2 years old, 44 lbs, and the sweetest Australian Shepherd boy! He arrived with an extremely matted coat, some abrasions, and mild trauma to his hip (the shelter and vet suspected he might have been hit by a vehicle). Indeed, once he got to our orthopedic specialist, x-rays revealed a mildly fractured pelvis. Thanks to good vet care, plenty of rest and TLC in his foster home, Venice is all healed up, and ready for a forever home of his own!

If you would like to share your home with a pup who will make you laugh all day, Venice is your boy! He is the definition of a Velcro dog. He will be right by your side with everything you do. He does great in the kennel: he will gladly go in it with a Kong. Playing in water is his favorite activity! He’s a good listener, and he’s so smart! He can be a bit dominant when meeting new dogs, but he absolutely loves playing with an established group of dogs! He would do wonderful in an active home with or without other dogs, as long as he gets plenty of mental and physical stimulation, but would love a playful dog buddy. He would do best in a home without cats. He has loads of energy so he needs someone who is available to work out his mind and body everyday. Although he loves everything and everyone, young kids might be a little overwhelmed by his enthusiasm for life. He needs someone who has plenty of time to give him cuddles! He wants to give you hugs all day long. He loves being petted and being the center of attention! He is so excited for his next chapter in life. 

Venice'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 Aussies, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Venice 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, Venice's ideal owner will have prior Australian Shepherd, 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.