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.

August is a handsome, very sweet 2 yo boy who was kept as an outdoor dog prior to rescue. When he became bored and started wandering and getting into things, his owner dumped him at the shelter. Poor August had not been kept on heartworm preventative. When he tested positive for heartworm disease at the shelter, he became unadoptable and found himself in desperate need of rescue. We pulled August from the shelter before it was too late and treated his heartworm. August has now completed his treatment, is finishing his last few weeks of limited activity, and can be adopted any time. 

August  is a super sweet guy who loves to play with toys. He walks well on a leash, kennels nicely, is housebroken, and knows "sit," "down," and "leave it." He adores his people and does well with the other dogs and cats in his foster home. He is curious about the cats in his foster home, and does want to play and chase them, but he listens well when he is told to leave them alone. August can be a little shy at first, but warms up quiclkly. August can be a little reactive (barks) around new dogs, however, he is a friendly pup and he does well with them, he just needs slow introductions.  August is looking for an active owner with prior GSD (or similar breed) experience, who will provide to provide socialization and positive learning experiences for this adorable youngster!

August's adoption fee is $350, 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. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.