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.

Maggie is a very sweet young girl who 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. 

When Maggie arrived, she was extremely shy and reserved. She was a really good mom to her puppies and she clearly loved them. But as soon as her puppies were weaned and moved into foster homes of their own, Maggie's personality bloomed, she became really playful, and started enjoying being a pup herself! She loves toys in general, but especially bones. She is still a little shy at first with new people, but she quickly warms up. She walks beautifully on leash. She loves other dogs, but she's somewhat exuberant in trying to play with them, although she will eventually get the hint that some dogs don't play that way. She loves food and treats. She is fully potty trained, crate-trained, and adorably vocal when looking for attention. And she loves to get attention from her humans, and be loved on and petted! Once she's warmed up to you, her feisty, zany personality comes out. She will try to jump up when she gets excited, but she is very trainable and eager to please. Did we mention she LOVES getting all of the attention? LOL. Maggie is a bit of a diva who will demand your attention, especially when you try to pet another animal!

Maggie's adoption fee is $275, 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.