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.

Rooster is an approximately 12.5 year old male Rat Terrier mix, who was rescued by one of our volunteers. He is a sweet senior that was Heartworm positive when he arrived but he has been treated and he is doing great! Rooster is a wonderfully sweet senior looking for a retirement home.

Little Rooster is a quiet and sweet older gentleman. He loves to spend time cuddling in bed or on a couch. Sunny days are his favorite! If the sun is shining, Rooster loves just laying in the sun, he'd do it all day if he could. He gets along well with other dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens. If a person isn't around to snuggle with he will look for the closest sleeping dog to snuggle up to. If Rooster needs to go potty, he usually paces around for a minute which is his way of asking to go outside. However, if he isn't let out he will go inside. A belly band works great for Rooster though. Rooster loves his food. Although he has no teeth, he has no trouble eating kibble with some canned food. Rooster would probably do best in a home with older kids. He doesn't mind little kids, but he appreciates a calm environment. Rooster can be intimidated by large men, but he warms up quickly to them if they are calm and gentle with him. Rooster enjoys enjoys car rides and walks, and has the best manners. If you are active, he will gladly go on outings and he even enjoys going camping! If you are a homebody, Rooster will be happy just hanging out in the house with you. He is the sweetest, most easy-going little guy. 

Rooster's adoption fee is $125, 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. 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.