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.

"Hi, My name is Nellie. I love absolutely everyone including kids and the grouchy old cat in my current foster home. I'm a super happy, curious puppy. I get so happy I slap my front paws down when you play with me to get your attention; my foster family calls them "happy taps!" I love my toys (especially my blue stuffed giraffe) and playing tug-o-war with my foster fur-brother Wick'd. He's a lot bigger than me, but I don't care. I play with all my might and like to tell him how tough I am. He's a cool dog, and gentle with me, but I'm not a fan of the neighbor dogs - they're too loud, so I wait for them to go inside before I go adventuring. I love being outside exploring, carrying around sticks and chewing on the flowers and long grass. I know I'm supposed to go out there to potty, but haven't yet figured out how to ask, and sometimes get distracted when I'm excited. If you tell me to "go outside, go potty" though, I understand. I know how to sit and shake too, once I calm down. My foster mom makes me sit and wait before all my meals, and I'm doing much better at not trying to steal Wick'd's food. When I'm not playing, I enjoy cuddles with you the best, but will snuggle up in a box or blanket/pillow cave. I love the cat hammock too! I don't like my crate though. If you want me to sleep through the night, let me curl up with you in bed and I'll happily pass out against your leg and stay with you all night (as long as I didn't have food or water too late)! I can go from crazy puppy play to passed out in 0-3 seconds, but will do my best to listen because I prefer to be right next you. My foster mom thinks I should've been named Velcro because I always want to be touching or close by".

While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Nellie will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

Nellie's adoption fee is $395, 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.