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.

Raja is a shy, gentle, 7 year-old girl who was bred non-stop during the first part of her life. Raja and another HUGS dog who was recently adopted, Adara, both came to us as a breeder-release dogs from a puppy-miller in Amish country: these two sweet girls were in big danger if they couldn't find rescue fairly quickly. 

Raja and Adara were supposed to arrive together in October. Unfortunately, the breeders thought Raja might be pregnant and they held her back so that they could sell her last litter, if she was indeed pregnant. Poor Raja was a victim of greed until the very last minute... This was pretty difficult for us, as Raja, at 7 years old, is a senior Shepherd. Seeing the poor shape that Adara arrived in, we really worried about Raja still living in those terrible conditions and being possibly pregnant at her age. We had to worry for almost 2 months, before Raja was finally allowed to come to us in December!

When she finally arrived, it was no surprise that she too was extremely undersocialized and timid, having led an isolated life outdoors without the most basic care or comforts. Raja had some fly-strike on her ears, her coat and skin was in terrible condition, and she had severe ear infections that had gone untreated for years. 

Raja is very shy and timid around humans, but sweet and docile. She walks well on a leash, she is well-behaved in a public, and is very good (and submissive) around other dogs. Raja will still not let her foster mom pet her (she's painfully shy), but she will come when called. She does great with the other dogs in her foster home and pays no attention to the cats. She is kennel and potty trained. Raja remains shy around her foster even, but she loves bonding with the other dogs in her foster home (and playing with some of them). Raja would absolutely love a quiet home with a pet parent who is home a lot, and a dog buddy! Raja is looking for a patient forever pet parent who will not rush her,  who will allow her plenty of time to adjust to her new home, and who will continue to provide gentle, patient socialization. 

Like all German Shepherds, Raja will also need structure, consistency, love, exercise (she loves to go for walks!) and socialization. Raja's ideal home will have some GSD experience &/or experience with shy/fearful dogs. 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.