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.

Prior to rescue, April and her 2 babies (Dahlia and Tulip) had been abandoned in a rural area in Oklahoma, and were about to be find themselves in trouble at a kill shelter, if they couldn't find help in a hurry. We are so glad that we were able to get to them before anything happened to them. They are the most adorable little family. April is incredibly sweet and while scared, she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her two adorable kids. 

April is a now ready for her forever home! This beauty was a bit scared at first in her foster home but she is now doing great at warming up to new people, including the kids that she's met. April is still working on meeting new dogs. Since she was a protective momma at a shelter, she has not had the chance to really work on her doggy social skills, so it would be best for her to be an only dog at this time. She would likely do well with progressive, slow introductions to other dogs but that is something her adoptive parents will need to work on with her. April is a very sweet and happy girl! Her favorite game is fetching, and she loves to spend time with her humans! This sweet and gorgeous girl would be a great addition to a very lucky home.

April'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 German Shepherds, April will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, activity and socialization. April's ideal home will be a household with a good routine and prior GSD (or other herding breed) experience. Like any of our dogs, sweet April will make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, activity and mental stimulation that her breed requires. 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.