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.

Franklin is an adorable 9 week-old boy puppy. Franklin's mom, Maggie, was rescued this summer from a SD reservation. Maggie was hungry, thirsty, overheated, full of ticks and fleas, and heavily pregnant. Like many others, Maggie lived as a stray on the reservation right up until rescue. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. We are so glad that we were able to rescue Maggie, so that her puppies could be safely born in rescue, and so that they could all have better lives. 

Franklin is 9 weeks old and your typical energetic puppy. He's constantly looking for new fun toys to play with and new games to play with you. He currently loves tug-o-war and chasing you (or his toys) around the house. He is doing great (and improving every day!) with crate-training and potty-training. He already sleeps through the whole night and will let you know if he needs to use the bathroom. Franklin is so smart, he already knows sit, shake, and turn around. He is very food-motivated and loves to train with bacon & blueberry crunchy treats. He also loves gnawing on a dried fish skins! If you lose sight of him for a moment, you can always find him laying on a cool vent surrounded by his toys. Franklin is go, go, go, and will always be ready for adventure! 

Franklin is a fabulous, super fun, active puppy, who would be an excellent fit for a very active adopter who is excited about training, socializing, and being active with his pup! Franklin will need daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that puppies and and youngsters require. 

Franklin'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.