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.

Violet is a beautiful girl and a gentle giant. She is a very sweet girl with a calm demeanor who likes everyone she meets. She gets along well with other dogs. Squeaky toys and balls are her favorites. Violet is potty-trained, knows sit and shake. Foster mom tells us that she comes in from the yard when called (a treat is always waiting for her). She does occasionally bark at the fence when the neighbors are doing yard work or one of their dogs is outside close to the fence. She is treat-motivated and redirects well. Violet LOVES her walks. She walks well on a leash (foster mom is able to walk both dogs together) and walks them twice a day. Violet is not reactive with other dogs on walks. Violet is friendly with guests who come to the house: since they started fostering her, friends and family of the foster parents have come and gone without any concerns. She has always been friendly at the front door. Foster mom tells us that "As far as foster dogs go, Violet is absolutely one of the best pups that we have ever fostered as far as her overall demeanor and temperament." This sweet, gentle girl, will be a great addition to your family!

Violet's adoption fee is $325, 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, Violet 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 that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Violet'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.