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.

Anwen is a beautiful girl puppy who landed in a small rural shelter in Missouri that was quickly filling up. Anwen was so relieved to be leaving the pound, and she was so sweet and grateful to all the transporters, volunteers, and later to her fosters. She is a real sweetheart!

Anwen is a gentle, sweet, cuddly 4 month-old puppy who loves everyone and everything. She loves her chew toys, chasing her ball, being around people, and playing with other dogs. She is learning not to jump up. She walks well on a leash, and is well-behaved at events. Anwen is crate-trained and almost potty-trained. Anwen rides well in the car.  We are not sure what Anwen is mixed with. Her body shape is a lot like that of a GSD, she is growing fast and will definitely be larger than a regular Heeler!  Anwen can easily climb a 4 ft fence, so we would prefer a 6 ft fence, or really good supervision. Anwen is an incredibly sweet dog who is great with people and other dogs (she barks at the cat in her foster home). Anwen is gorgeous, super smart, quite gentle for a puppy, and a delight to have around!

Anwen's adoption fee is $375, 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 Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Anwen will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and plenty 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. Because of that, we would like for Anwen's adopter to have some prior herding breed experience (ex: Heeler, Aussie, GSD, Border Collie, or other herding breed).