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.

Caru Faye is a gorgeous, sweet girl puppy from a reservation in SD. At 8 months-old, Caru was hit by a vehicle and initial x-rays revealed her hip joint was badly damaged and her socket broken. She found herself in a lot of pain with little hope of things getting better. Luckily, Caru had a guardian angel looking over her who contacted us, hoping that we could cover the cost of the surgery and offer her rescue. How could we say no to this super sweet, young puppy? We immediately agreed to take her into rescue and scheduled the surgery. Additional x-rays prior to surgery revealed a second fracture, which required poor Caru to have a double FHO surgery 1-30-17. We picked Caru up a couple of days later, and after 4 months of much TLC in her foster home, physical therapy, including hydrotherapy, Caru is now well enough to be adopted!

Thanks to the surgery and therapy she received, Caru is now once again able to walk, run, jump, swim, and enjoy a full, active life! Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who donated to make it possible! 

This is Caru's self-biography, that Caru herself put together with her awesome foster mom's help ;): 

"Hello! My name is Caru Faye. It means “Beloved Fairy” in Welsh – a good herding dog name!
I am about one year old, very intelligent, gentle, totally potty and crate trained, willing to please. I love my dog classes (I excel!), and I am a Pocket Princess at a petite 33 lbs. I love male dogs, learning new things, lots of exercise, cuddling, sleeping with foster mom on the bed, giving kisses, going for walks and adventures, the kitty in my foster house, most kids, and playing with interactive toys. I am an outgoing little girl, interested in new things.

Before I came to my foster mom, I was hit by a car and broke both hips and my pelvis. HUGS paid for my surgery and rehab, including swimming therapy, and I am now able to run and leap almost as well as I used to. My forever home will need to take care to ensure I don’t reinjure my back end, and should continue with my rehab exercises and routine. I should never be a competition Agility or Flyball Dog, but I like other dog sports like Obedience, Rally, and Nosework.
Did I mention that I am a Pretty Princess? I aspire to be Queen and DO NOT LIKE OTHER FEMALE DOGS. Like, they try to usurp my spotlight and take up valuable air. I would be very grateful and well-mannered if I could live in a home without female dogs."