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.

Bella is a gorgeous, very active and playful 6 month-old Husky/German Shepherd puppy. She loves to play with the other dogs and cats in her foster home. In fact, she is very playful with other dogs! She loves kids, but has a tendency to try to greet you with typical youthful enthusiasm, jumping up to kiss your face. For that reason alone, she would do best around older kids. She is working on good manners, as well as basic commands and is doing well. She is a smart cookie! Bella warms up faster to women than to men, but with a little time, she warms up to all family members and loves everyone in the house. She is crate-trained, rides well in the car. Bella is a social dog, who enjoys spending time with her humans and the other dogs in her pack.

Bella's adoption fee is $350, 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, and other herding breeds and mixes that we have in rescue, Bella will need 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 leash skills, manners, and social skills. Our 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.  Because of that, we would like for Bella's adopter to have some prior herding breed experience (ex: Aussie, Heeler, GSD, Border Collie, or other herding breed), or Husky experience.