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.

Zeus is an adorable 4.5 month-old purebred GSD male puppy who came to us as a breeder-release. Zeus was diagnosed with Megaesophagus at around 5 weeks-old and faced euthanasia if he could not find rescue. So Zeus came into rescue with HUGS! Initially, due to his Megaesophagus, Zeus required a diet of gruel and raised feedings. However, because he was so young and his esophagus had not yet sustained significant damage, this lucky little guy was a candidate for cardio-thoracic surgery to correct his vascular ring anomaly. So after much fundraising (thank you to all of you who donated!), Zeus headed to K-State Vet Hospital to see a specialist for a consult and surgery and we received this update from Zeus ;) : "Early this morning, my foster dad Kevin and I drove to K-State Veterinary Hospital, and after a consult and a barium test, it appears that I am young enough that surgery should be able to successfully fix the ring that currently squeezes my esophagus. This is awesome news, as surgery would stop any future damage to my esophagus, so that I can live a full, long, healthy life! Oh, yeah, and no more special feedings! Yay!" . The surgery went very well, and within 5 weeks, Zeus had recovered, was fully transitioned to a regular diet, and had resumed normal activity! 

This is what his foster has to say about this adorable, tiny little guy! "He is so sweet, loving and playful! He's definitely lower stamina than the other foster puppies we’ve had. He’s very observant and less easily distracted than other puppies we’ve had as well. He has spurts of energy, will play for a bit and then he's content laying down and watching you. He's independent but very loyal (followed us everywhere) and focused on the humans around him. He will make an awesome adult! He is eager to learn new things and is doing very well on potty-training. He is very smart and he is already very good in the house."

Like all GSD puppies and youngsters, Zeus will make a great addition to an active family that will pamper him, but who will also work with him. GSD puppies are very smart pups who need lots of dedication, leadership, structure, plenty of activity, and mental stimulation. Like all German Shepherds, Zeus will also need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of exercise and socialization. Because of that, his ideal adopter will have GSD experience. 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.