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.

Stella is a gorgeous 11 month-old long-coated German Shepherd young girl. Her, Mack, and Brandi came to us after their owner passed away. They arrived undersocialized and had to learn everything from scratch. But luckily, they are very young and incredibly sweet and smart, and they all made quick progress! 

Stella is sweet girl who loves people and cuddles! She is affectionate with humans, and while she does not seem to be overly playful she enjoys the companionship (and cuddling) with the other dogs in her foster home. She is good with other dogs, she just needs to be introduced slowly over a day or two. She is a bright, smart, dainty yet sassy girl who will make a someone a fun, lovely companion. Everything is new to Stella. She has been working (and improving) on her leash-walking. She loves to go for walks and is working on not reacting (barking) when she sees other dogs. She has a plush toy, a baby elephant, that she loves. She sleeps with it and it goes everywhere with her! It is her one prized possession, and she can sometimes be a little possessive of it with her doggy foster brother Tye, but she's gentle and she redirects easily. Because she hasn't had a lot of exposure to the world around her until now, she is a little skittish about new things.  But she's a smart, friendly girl, and she will continue to learn and improve. This sweet girl will need owners who will continue her training and socialization so that she may continue to blossom.

Like all German Shepherds, this sweet girl would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Stella's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or similar breed experience. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings, in order to provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills, and manners.

Stella's adoption fee is $400, 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.