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.

Odin is an adorable 5 month-old boy (25lbs and growing!), who is super cute, sweet, and fluffy! Odin appears to be a GSD mix puppy. We recently rescued Odin and siblings (Hans, Freya, Heidi, Thor, and Apollo). Within days of arriving, this adorable little gang came down with Parvo and had to be treated for several weeks as they fought for their lives. All six lucky puppies made it, and all but Odin have found great homes of their own. Odin's had to wait a little longer, as we wanted him to see an eye specialist first. Odin received very good news at his appointment at Veterinary Eye Specialists of Nebraska. It turns out that the mild cloudiness in Odin's eyes (most noticeable in his right eye) is due to Juvenile Corneal Dystrophy, a puppy condition that is present at birth. The cloudiness is confined to the cornea, or surface of the eye. As Odin grows, the cloudiness may clear or could remain the same. However, there is no cause for concern and no treatment of further diagnostics are needed. The evaluation revealed a healthy retina and optic nerve (in both eyes) and Odin has good vision in both eyes. Odin is ready for his furever home!

This is what Odin's awesome foster mom has to say about this wonderful, super lucky puppy: "Odin is the perfect mixture of spunk and sweet! He is a very sweet, friendly, confident puppy, and he has no fear!!  Odin loves people, dogs, children, and most of all, to play, play, play!  He LOVES to play and wrestle with his foster fur siblings. He loves to play with his toys, especially throwing around his Duckie and chewing on bully sticks and antlers!  And he LOVES LOVES LOVES outside…playing…exploring…getting into mischief!!  He loves people and attention…has been great around all…women, men, teens, younger kids!  He is has lots of puppy energy and gets excited, but he listens well.  He is full of personality, which goes perfect with his fluffy little self!!!  And his cute little ears…at times they seem to have a mind of his own!!!  But when he is done playing and exploring, he loves nothing more than to cuddle up on my lap and be a fluffy little snuggle bug!!!  When I go to sit on the floor at the end of the day, he crawls right into my lap to snuggle!

Odin is curious every time the cats come around him. He does try to play with them, but leaves them alone if either I redirect him, or the cats give him a correction!

Odin does not fuss at night, he goes right to sleep!  He's doing great on potty-training. He is crate-trained, and does not fuss when he has to be in it, especially if a bully stick, his antler, and some toys are in there.  However, he also does well baby-gated in a small area. 

Odin entertains himself better than any puppy I have ever had! When I come home after work it looks like a tornado went through, as he has taken out and played with each and every one of his toys! But does a good job not chewing on anything he is not supposed to. He walks very well on a leash, and loves going for walks!  He is a quick learner, and already knows sit and down…and is especially motivated if a treat is involved!  I think he will be very east to train!! He is just a great, great puppy!! Any family would be lucky to have him!!!"

Odin is a smart, friendly, adorable, really fun pup who loves people and other dogs, and gets along with kitties. He would be a fabulous addition to any active pack. Odin recently started obedience classes, and while he's one of the youngest pups in class, he is doing really well! Foster mom tells us that he did so great in class last week that one of the trainers used little Odin as the demo dog. Odin is a super puppy!

Odin's adoption fee is $325, all of which goes back into offseting 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.