Estelle's Web Page

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.

Estelle is a gorgeous, 30lb girl who is very sweet, but a little shy at first. Estelle was found at an abandoned house that had crumbled to the ground. Underneath concrete and carpet Estelle had built a little nest for her and her five puppies. Lucky for her, rescuers were able to get everyone out safely. Estelle is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. Estelle and her five puppies have been thriving in their foster home together and are ready for foster to adopt homes of their own.

Estelle is a smart German Shepherd mix and it shows in her personality! Estelle has made a lot of progress from a scared, untamed girl to a devoted lap dog in a very short time. Although she's come a long way, Estelle will need a patient, committed adopter as she continues learning how to be a loved, indoor companion. Estelle is shy and quiet at first, but once she feels comfortable in your home, she will want to be physically touching you at all times, and she will use her voice if left alone. Estelle is quite the little athlete, and can clear the back of a couch (her favorite way to 'snuggle attack' her foster dad) or a four foot fence with ease. Estelle is working on crate training, and at night will voice her displeasure with the crate for awhile before settling down, even though she willing lays in her crate with the door open during the day. Estelle is good with other dogs, and currently lives with two foster sisters and one foster brother, although she needs slow introductions (because of her fearfulness) and is still figuring out what this whole 'play' thing is... Estelle is picky about her toys, preferring a particular ducky stuffed toy she's had since her first foster home, and raw bones - the meatier the better! Pig ears and snouts are also acceptable to Estelle's discerning palate, and she makes quick work of them! Estelle is potty trained, although if you ignore her signs of wanting to go outside, she may have an accident. If you're looking for the perfect oversized lap dog who will be your devoted shadow once she warms up to you, Estelle is the girl for you!

The adoption fee for Estelle is $275, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped.

Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply. Like any of our dogs, Estelle would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that her breed needs. Because of that, Estelle’s ideal owners will have prior GSD, or other herding 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.

About Estelle