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.

This sweet girl appears to be a Berger Picard (or Picardy Shepherd) mix. In fact, the Animal Control officer who reached out for help was affectionately calling her Winn-Dixie after the famous Berger Picard book and movie character.  Dixie, for short, is approximately 1 year old, 40 lbs, beautiful, very sweet and affectionate, and good with other dogs. Dixie was picked up as a stray, limping with a swollen paw (she got possibly stung by an insect), and she ended up in a very small rural shelter in Oklahoma that is not able to hold dogs for very long. Dixie, who is a little shy but incredibly sweet, quickly charmed the shelter staff. She enjoyed hanging out in the office with them, going for car rides, playing with the other dogs. When we saw that she was running out of time, we just couldn't let it happen.

Dixie's adoption fee is $375, 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.