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.

Portia is an adorable, lively 6 month old GSD girl puppy who was sick with an upper respiratory infection, and running out of time at a crowded shelter. Luckily, we were able to spring Portia out before it was too late. With antibiotics, good nutrition, and TLC in her foster home, she quickly started improving. She is now all better, and thriving in her foster home. Portia has blossomed into a healthy, stunning, vivacious puppy, who will be the delight of a very lucky adopter! 

Portia is a typical GSD puppy: very sweet and smart, and a little bit stubborn and sassy at times! Portia loves to be loved on by humans, and also loves other dogs. We would love for Portia to have at least one doggy playmate in her adoptive home, as she has a fair amount of energy, and really enjoys playing with other dogs. Portia is independent and also likes to enjoy some alone time while sleeping on an air vent.  Portia loves antlers, balls, and rope toys. She’s potty-trained and crate-trained. She’s good on a leash and really likes walks. Portia loves meeting new people. She’s friendly and very playful. And in typical GSD fashion, she likes to be affectionate... on her own terms! This adorable girl will need an active, experienced owner who will continue to work on her socialization and training.  

Portia's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD experience, and a playful dog buddy. While adorable, GSD puppies require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Portia will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Portia's adoption fee is $425, 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.