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.

Brody is an incredibly lucky boy! He was dumped really sick at the shelter, not wanting to eat, but someone who couldn't afford his care. Because he was suspected to have Parvo, and it was near closing time, poor Brody went straight on the shelter's euthanasia list. However, by some miracle, Brody was given a reprieve until morning. When he was actually tested for Parvo, his results came back negative! That's right. Poor Brody simply had hookworms and a pretty bad cold, that were making him very sick. Brody was still in imminent danger, as the shelter does not have space to treat upper respiratory infections either. But since he was not sick with Parvo, that gave us a little extra time to get him out safely! Fast-forward a few weeks and Brody is healthy as can be, gorgeous, and enjoying life to the fullest! This sweet boy whose life almost ended before it had began is the sweetest!!

Brody is approx 9 months old, loving, great with people, other dogs, cats, and full of energy and playfulness. He is a sweet soul who charms all who meet him!

Brody plays very well with other dogs, and gets along with cats (he tries to play with them). He is house trained, crate-trained, and knows his basic commands. He likes to sleep in the bedroom on a dog bed with the other dogs. He is sweet and well-behaved in public. He loves people and also kids. He loves his toys but shares very well with other dogs. He likes to lay at his foster parents' feet, loves attention, and getting petted. Brody is a lovely boy who gets along with everything and everyone. Brody is a remarkable dog with a wonderful temperament.

Brody's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD experience, and a playful dog buddy. While adorable, GSD teens require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd teens, Brody will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Brody's adoption fee is $400, 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.