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.

Nakita and Mozart are 9 year old long haired German Shepherds. They are bonded siblings and have been together since birth. Thereofre, Naktoa and Mozart must be adopted out together. Their owner sadly passed away recently. Nakita and Mozart still have a lot of life left to live and lots of love to give. They have very gentle dispositions. They have never been crate trained, but are not destructive when left in the home alone and are potty trained. They are loose leash walkers and a joy to ride in the car with. They spent the last nine years living mostly outdoors on a farm, but now they adore being inside and snuggling in their beds with their stuffed babies. They get along great with other dogs and cats. Their furry foster sister has gotten sassy with them and they respond by licking her face. They are non-reactive on walks to other animals.    They have been around small children and are tolerant and gentle. These gentle giants make great companions. They love lying around the house, watching tv, supervising you while you do things around the house and an easy paced walk per day. They are all around wonderful dogs!

Like all German Shepherds, this sweet pair would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that they need. Because of that, Mozart and Nakita'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.

The adoption fee for Mozart and Nakita as a bonded pair is $350, or $175 each, 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.