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.

Kintsugi (KIN-SOO-GEE) is an approximately 1 to 2 y.o. girl who came from a tiny rural shelter in Arkansas. Sugi was part of a cruelty case and was in horrible shape. Her ears tips were gone and raw from fly-strike, she was literally skin and bones, her coat was dull and in terrible shape, her cheeks and eyes sunken. And she was heartworm positive. Until a week prior to rescue, this poor girl had been living her short life on a chain, with very little to no food, no warmth or love. The shelter did not have the resources to make her better, and having been labeled as unadoptable, Kintsugi was in big danger. Additionally, the small, isolated shelter had had no luck finding any closer rescues able to help.

Kintsugi means “golden joinery,” which is the Japanese art of turning ugly breaks into beautiful fixes. Our Miracle GSD Network partners helped us fundraise to go rescue this sweet girl, and gifted her with this very unique, beautiful and oddly appropriate name. Three of our amazingly dedicated volunteeers drove 11 hours each way to rush to Kintsugi's rescue. Once there, our volunteers came across Izzy, a 2 y.o. GSD girl at the same pound, also skin and bones, also heartworm positive, and equally desperate for rescue! We couldn't leave her behind, and that is how our volunteers came back with not one, but two girls, from their AR rescue mission ;). 

Thanks to her wonderful foster home where she is receiving plenty of love, awesome food, and a whole lot of TLC, Kintsugi has healed, gained a healthy weight, and has flourished into a confident, happy, gorgeous girl! She has successfully completed her heartworm treatment and she is now available for adoption.