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.

Annika is a gorgeous, 1yo GSD girl who had landed on the euth list after running out of time at the shelter. Anikka is sweet, but shy (and a little timid) and very underweight (she's literally skin and bones). Annika arrived in bad shape. She was weak and at 43 lbs, extremely undernourished. What's more, she arrived in starvation mode (not even the tastiest morsels could tempt her), and had to be syringe fed small, frequent liquid meals at first. Luckily her foster is very experienced, patient, and determined to make her better! Annika is starting to perk up and eat small meals on her own, and she is also starting to show some of her personality. 

Annika'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.