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.

Margot is a shy, gentle, 7 year-old girl who was bred non-stop during the first part of her life. Margot came to us as a breeder-release dogs from a puppy-miller in Amish country: this sweet girl was in big danger if she couldn't find rescue fairly quickly. 

Margot arrived with ear infections, her left ear 1/2 gone due to flystrike, with teeth worn down and broken teeth, and a lump on her side. She is very shy, but very sweet and affectionate once she warms up. She does fine around other dogs, and she ignores the cats in her foster home (which is great!). Her foster has not heard her bark. The vet said Margot no longer needs ear meds, but because they are a little waxy, she would recommend cleaning daily with a good flush,  

When she arrived, Margot was extremely undersocialized and timid, having led an isolated life outdoors without the most basic care or comforts. Margot 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. 

Margot 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. Margot remains shy around her foster even, but she loves bonding with the other dogs in her foster home (and playing with some of them). Margot would absolutely love a quiet home with a pet parent who is home a lot, and a dog buddy! Margot 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. 

Margot's adoption fee is $225, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (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.

ADOPTING A SENIOR: Seniors have much love and life left to give, and bring much happiness to the wonderful families who offer them a retirement home in their Golden Years. They are calmer, more mellow, require considerably less exercise, and are just as fun, loyal, and loving as younger dogs. Seniors are an excellent choice for first-time GSD owners or for anyone looking for a low-key, mellow companion! 

HUGS SENIOR REPEAT ADOPTER PROGRAM: When you adopt a HUGS senior, and later come back back to adopt another senior, you are eligible to pay a reduced senior adoption fee of $125. Thank you for loving these wonderful, very deserving dogs, as much as we do!