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.

Thelma and Louise are 2 adorable Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) siblings, both deaf, who were abandoned to fend by themselves in a rural area. Both puppies had been exposed to Parvo and quickly became quite sick. They had to be hospitalized while they fought for their lives. Luckily, our little survivors made it and they are now happy and healthy as can be. 

Thelma is a five-month-old Australian cattle dog puppy who loves all humans and dogs and thinks everyone is her friend. She is extra special, too, as she’s deaf, but she doesn't let that slow her down one bit! In fact, she's so smart and alert, that most people don't realize she can't hear. Thelma loves to play with the dogs in her foster home and does a good job respecting the kitties. Thelma gets along with everyone! She adores her foster family, often coming to them for a quick kiss or cuddle. Thelma is the more mellow of the two siblings, and she is also the smaller one.

Thelma is a quick learner and food motivated! She knows come, is working on sit, and is both potty and kennel trained. She even sleeps through the night without a peep! She loves to be involved in everything and is very active. Like any Cattle Dog, she herds other dogs and balls. Thelma is extremely sweet, smart, friendly, smart and wants to please her humans. She is an adorable, sweet, active girl. Absolutely precious!

Like any herding dog, Thelma needs an active home that will provide the love, structure, activity and mental stimulation this breed needs. Her ideal owner will have previous ACD or 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.

Thelma's adoption fee is $395, 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.