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.

Anya is an extremely sweet, petite 8 month-old girl that we recently rescued from a SD reservation. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness, among other causes. In fact, Anya is very lucky to be alive! She was found laying in the snow in terribly cold weather, and injured, after being hit by a vehicle. She was hypothermic, had a broken back leg, a hip fracture, and a fracture on her jaw that caused her to lose several teeth. Fortunately for Anya, she was found before it was too late. After surgical repair and lots of nice TLC in her awesome foster home, she is as good as new, and loving life! Anya seems to realize how lucky she is, and appears to be very happy and grateful to have been rescued :). She can be a little shy at first, but once she warms up to new people and animals, she is all kisses!

Anya is an adorable 24lb girl who loves to kiss and snuggle. She adores her humans and is ever grateful to have people in her life and be a beloved, indoor family pet. She is super smart and has already learned some basic commands, is doing fantastic with house training, leash-training and is ready to learn more. Anya loves her chew toys, especially her plush fox (which is funny, as a lot of people have joked that she looks a bit like a fox herself!). She is slowly coming out of her shell and becoming more vocal :). She gets along with the cat in her foster home and wants to play with him. She looks up to the older dog in her foster home for guidance and learning the ropes but is also respectful of her space. Anya is very loyal, eager to please and redirects well. She has a wonderful temperament, and the sweetest, most soulful eyes! She is still a puppy, and she would love to have a playful buddy in her forever home.

Anya is an adorable, cute petite girl, who is a pleasure to have around. Anya will need an active home able to provide daily walks, in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training that youngsters require. In exchange, she will shower you with affection, companionship, and loyalty. This adorable young girl will steal your heart!

Like all GSDs and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Anya will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Our dogs 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, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

Reminder: Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that, 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.