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.

Like all German Shepherds, this darling boy 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, Gunnison'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.

Gunnison is a sweet boy who lived a sad life as a neglected outdoor dog while being bred for profit the first 7 years of his life. Gunnisons is timid but very nice and gentle, and he will come over for love and pets.  He arrived late last month as a breeder-release from a rural area in Missouri and he has been adjusting to life in his foster home. Prior to rescue, this poor boy did not even have a name, only a number , and he had not seen the world beyond his backyard. Gunnison is not used to kindness and is a little hand-shy, but he will still come for petting, and he is slowly gaining confidence, and trust.  He is a sweet, docile boy who gets along with all the other pets (dogs and cats) in his foster home and it's hard not to fall in love with those soulful eyes! Gunnison is a little too skinny at the moment, his coat is in poor shape, he has bad skin, and a small lesion on his belly that was found at neuter, that he's now on antibiotics for. Gunnison's all four canines are worn down, and 2 of them are so damaged that they will need to be extracted. With good care, nutrition and hygiene and some dental work, he will be looking and feeling great in no time! 

Gunnison's adoption fee is $275, 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.