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.

What do you do when five, 3-month old puppies, sick with Parvo get dumped at the pound right at closing time... and the shelter pleads with you to save their lives? We couldn't say no...and that is how Abbott and his 4 siblings came into our care! We immediately rushed them to a trusted vet in Oklahoma City, where for weeks, they fought for their lives while receiving IV fluids, meds, and other supportive care in isolation vet care, while waiting to be healthy enough to travel to Nebraska. Luckily, all 5 puppies were able to beat Parvo. They've been thriving in their foster homes, and they are now ready for their furever homes! 

Abbott is 3.5 months old. Abbott is cuddly, and pretty calm for a puppy. He is also working on his playful side the bigger and stronger he gets. He’s already impressed his foster family by learning “sit”, “come” and is working on “stay”. He is also learning to love his kennel, does well on a leash despite his giant (and adorable!) puppy paws getting in the way, and is very close to mastering potty-training. What a smart little guy! Abbott absolutely loves his doggy foster sister and would be very excited to go to a home with other dogs (and cats!) to play with. Abbott is an amazing puppy!

Adorable little Abbott is very young and like all GSD puppies, he will need lots of dedication and guidance to become a well-rounded adult. Abbott's ideal home will be an experienced household with good leadership skills and structure. While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Abbott will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

Abbott's adoption fee is $450, 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.