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.

Lena (Miracle dog Helena) arrived just a couple of days ago, and in a horrible twist of fate, this sweet young girl is was fighting for her life within hours of her arrival. 

Lena is only about a year and 1/2. She is a sweet but strong girl who has obviously had a hard life until now. We trust that she will triumph over adversity once more, so that she can get better and finally get to enjoy the full, great life that she deserves.

We rescued Lena from a kill shelter thanks to Miracle GSD network. There were no signs of illness until after Helena arrived at her foster home. Thankfully, Lena's foster mom is a vet tech and she immediately recognized the signs that something was wrong when her breathing started becoming labored. She rushed Lena to the urgent pet care clinic in just the nick of time. Lena started deteriorating shortly after that: she had to be placed on oxygen, her temperature spiked, and she had to be doused in water and ice packs. X-rays revealed significant lung damage and she spent the night in critical condition. The next morning, Lena was transferred to the vet clinic where her foster mom works. After a grim and very emotional day, Lena finally started stabilizing. The vets initially suspected a lung infection (possibly fungal or Valley Fever). After spending 3 days days and nights of intensive 24-hour care, and an additional 2 days of regular vet care and hospitalization, Lena finally started eating and improving enough that she could be discharged. Lena was stable enough to be weaned off the oxygen, taken off IV fluids, and was sent home on nebulizer treatments and 2-weeks worth of antibiotics. She recently had a follow-up vet visit (on 12-20-15) and was given an additional 2 weeks of antibiotics.

Lena was been diagnosed with Mycoplasma, which is a very resistant, contagious and hard-to-treat strain of Kennel Cough. Lena's infection went untreated for far too long, causing severe lung damage, that the vet hopes will heal in time. But our little fighter eventually found her appetite and is soon started improving by leaps and bounds. She remained on antibiotics and a simple massage to help her excrete fluid from her lungs for a few weeks after that. And because Mycoplasma is an extremely contagious, airborne bacteria, she had to be in a foster home with NO OTHER DOGS (cats are fine). However, Lena has now completed her treatment! She is fully recovered, no longer contagious, and she is ready for a forever home!