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.

Matilda is a 3 year-old beautiful, very sweet 90lb girl who is exceedingly gentle and kind. She likes other dogs, cats, and even pet chickens. After her parents got divorced, dad moved out of state and couldn't take her along. Mom found herself working more, and Matilda, sadly, was spending 14-16 hrs/day alone, with a friend stopping by to provide one potty break. Mom felt terrible and she asked for our help so that Matilda could have a better life. Here is Matilda to tell you a little bit about herself!

"Hi, I’m Matilda, but my friends call me Mati. I found my way to HUGS when my family situation changed and they could no longer take care of me.

I’m a super sweet girl (my foster mom says I’m pretty chill). My favorite things are car rides and playing fetch. I really, really like playing fetch with a ball, and will bring mine right to you. In fact, if you say "closer", I will bring it even closer to you! This is something foster mom taught me, because she says she's lazy that way. I’m really pretty playful but I’m ok just laying next to you while you work, too. I grew up in a house with a dog, cats and chickens, so I’m awesome about not chasing other animals. I like to play with my foster brother, too, so a doggie sibling would be awesome. I have great manners and am really good in public. My foster mom has been taking me shopping for so many flowers and plants. I’m over the flowers but seeing all the people has been cool. They tell me I’m pretty and I let them pet me. It makes them happy. Plus they give me treats when I sit. One of my cutest things is that I sigh in my sleep (or so I’ve been told). Truthfully, I’m looking for a family who is active and will play and throw lots of balls. I am a German Shepherd, after all, so activity is my jam. I learn quickly as I want to make you happy. I am housebroken and learning to like my kennel. I listen well, I'm smart, and everyone tells me I'm a gem!"

Matilda'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 GSDs and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Matilda will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet girl would make a great addition to an active home with a dog buddy, that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Matilda's ideal owner will have prior 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.