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.

Ella is a very sweet 5-½-year-young GSD who came to us as a puppy mill breeder-release where she endured a hard life while having multiple litters for her owners' profit. She is missing the tips of her ears due to flystrike, as well as the tip of her tail due to some unknown mishap.

Now healed and healthy in rescue, this super sweet girl is ready for a furever home with someone who will show her what it’s like to be a loved and spoiled family member. She is enjoying her new life, is quite playful, and loves to initiate play with her foster family's Cattle Dog. We believe Ella would thrive in the company of another playful dog from whom she can continue learning. She doesn’t really know what to do with toys or chews yet, but she adoringly hoards them in her kennel. Ella prefers hanging out in her kennel to relax – it's her safe space and she chooses the kennel over all of the dog beds her foster mom has scattered around the house. Ella is very afraid of fireworks and goes into flight mode, so she will need a well-fenced yard, calming meds when fireworks are going on, and she likes for her kennel to be heavily covered at those times. Ella is doing well with housetraining and has not had any accidents. She hasn't had much other training, so she will need her humans to continue with positive reinforcement of the behaviors they like. She knows “No” and is currently working on Sit, as well as Wait and Free before going outside or coming out of her kennel. Ella enjoys pets and attention, and will mouth your hands ever so gently to ask for more of it. Her foster mom hasn’t been able to take her on walks yet, but is confident she will love those, too. Overall, Ella is a quiet, yet playful and loving young girl with no apparent bad habits who just needs you to love her and patiently show her the ropes.