Willow *Pre-Teen*. New name: Ziggy's Web Page

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.

About Willow Pre-Teen. New name: Ziggy
Status: Adopted! Adoption Fee: $400 Species: Dog Color: Black Current Age: 8 Years 3 Months (best estimate)

Willow is our newest black beauty: she came to us a very high-energy, working-line black GSD teen with very few manners and no confidence, but she has come a long way :).

Willow is approx. 11 months old, super fun, learns quickly, loves praise and her people. She is super sweet and she hugs, cuddles and kisses. She likes to lay or sit on your lap and gazes at you lovingly with the sweetest of puppy eyes.

Willow is extremely fast and smart. She needs active, experienced owners who will provide the exercise, mental stimulation, and leadership that she needs. She is very sweet and loving, a velcro girl who is happiest being right where her people are. She is a big cuddler. Willow does well with strangers and other dogs with slow introductions. Although she has strong prey drive, she does ok with smaller dogs with proper direction. She is great with the kids in her foster home and should be fine with dog-savvy kids 10 years-old and older.

Willow loves learning and being stimulated. We think she would excel at agility, scent work, or obedience work. She would also make an excellent running partner! Willow kennels very well, is good in the house, loves toys and settles down nicely with enough exercise.

Like all German Shepherd youngsters, Willow will need lots of training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

Please review the information in the "About Us", "Important Considerations" and "Adopt" sections on our website menu, as it contains useful information about the breed, adoption fees, the adoption process and our requirements, and how meeting the dogs works.

Video of Willow *Pre-Teen*. New name: Ziggy: