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.

Raven and her 7 puppies were rescued from a SD reservation, where they were found, living under an abandoned house. Raven is a very sweet, gentle girl, who was a great mama to her puppies. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness, among other causes. Fortunately for this little family, they got out safely, and they will now get to experience life as beloved family pets.  All of Raven's puppies have been adopted, and now it is Raven's turn to find a great forever home of her own!

Raven is an incredibly sweet 2 yo girl. She can be a little shy when she first meets someone new, but quickly warms up and will sweetly demand affection. Raven needs a dog buddy in the home, as it really helps her gain confidence and come out of her shell. Once she really gets to know you, Raven's wiggly, bouncy personality comes out, showing just how excited she is to be with you. Raven is sweet and cuddly, and very well-behaved in public. She is potty-trained and crate-trained. Raven has even done fine left out of her kennel when her foster mom is at work. Raven is very treat-motivated. She loves chew toys and bones. Raven enjoys going for walks, and walks beautifully on a leash without pulling. She is great with other dogs, and loves to go on walks with the other dogs in her foster home. However, she is not very playful and prefers being around calm dogs that will provide companionship and cuddles. Raven was recently diagnosed with seizures (early January 2019), however, she is doing great on medication (Phenobarbital) and has not had any seizures since being placed on the medication. Raven is a lovely girl whose foster mom says, "If there were one word to describe Raven and everything she does, it would be ‘sweet’."

Raven's adoption fee is $275, all of which goes back into offsetting 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.