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.

We recently rescued Mandy 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. Fortunately for Mandy, she is one of the lucky ones, as she got out safely and will now get to experience life as a beloved family pet.

Mandy is a gorgeous, very sweet and playful young girl, with a big personality in a small body. Adorable little Mandy is only 20lbs! She is so cute and she has a winning personality! Mandy can be a little shy at first (especially around men), but however once she warms up to you, she just wants to cuddle and give you kisses. Mandy does great, and is very playful with other dogs, once she gets to know them.

Mandy is approximately 1 y.o. and appears to be an Austra lian Cattle Dog mix, with the shorter legs and longer body of a Corgi. She is a beautiful, petite girl with bright, intelligent eyes and soft fur. To meet her is to fall in love with her! Mandy does great on car rides. She is very treat-motivated. She is potty-trained and crate-trained. Mandy does very well in her crate and is usually quiet unless she needs to use the bathroom, and then she will bark. Mandy is a typical Heeler: super smart, adorable, very interactive and vocal, and full of energy! She loves to play in the backyard and go for walks. Mandy is very smart, listens very well, walks great on a leash, and is eager to go on adventures and learn new things! Mandy is very playful with other dogs once she knows them :)

Mandy would be a wonderful addition to an active home looking for a very sweet girl, playful girl. Mandy will excel with active adopters who are able to provide daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that youngsters require. Because of that, Mandy's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) or other similar breed experience.

Mandy's adoption fee is $275, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, and other herding breed mixes, Mandy will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. 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. 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, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation.