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.

Nora is a very sweet 9 year old girl who loves her humans and really loves her belly rubs! She follows foster mom and dad everywhere they go. She rides in the car very well, is potty-trained, loves going for walks, and taking naps afterwards! She knows "sit" and "come". Nora crates well but would prefer to be out and with her humans. Nora is very sweet with the kids in her foster home. Nora doesn't mind the companionship, but she is not playful with the other dogs in her foster home. She would do great as an only dog in her adoptive home, or with another calm, mellow dog. Nora is overweight at 92lbs, and is working on getting her “summer body" back with a good healthy diet and exercise! She is very mellow and always welcomes you with love and tail wags! She is very well-behaved on walks (ignores other dogs) and a very pleasant companion to have in the house. Nora is a very sweet and special girl!

Nora's adoption fee is $225, 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.

ADOPTING A MATURE DOG: Seniors have so much love and life in them and bring much happiness to the wonderful families who adopt them. They are calmer, more mellow, require considerably less exercise, and are just as fun, loyal, and loving as younger dogs. Seniors are an excellent choice for first-time GSD owners or for anyone looking for a low-key, mellow companion! HUGS 'MATURE DOG' REPEAT ADOPTER PROGRAM: When you adopt a HUGS senior, and later come back to adopt another senior, you are eligible to pay a reduced senior adoption fee of $125. Thank you for loving these wonderful, very deserving dogs, as much as we do!