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.

"Hello, my name is Wombat! I am a very loving pup who just wants to make humans happy. I have already earned my AKC Canine Good Citizen and have a Novice Tricks Title! I’m ready to share my love with the world as a Therapy Dog if my new home would like to take me out on therapy visits. Despite my best attempts, no one will let me drive the car…

I was named Wombat, because I looked just like a baby wombat when I was little (Pictures available!) I love to sleep on the bed with my foster mom and I’m always ready to cuddle. Foster Mom says there is nothing as reassuring as having a Wombat in bed to snuggle with at night, especially when it’s cold. I get along with other dogs and I love kitties. My previous Mom fostered cats and kittens and my foster Mom has an “Old Deuteronomy” with whom I am gentle. 

I am a big, strong (53 lbs) Australian Cattle Dog, but I am gentle. If you want to play dog games, I like Agility, Nose Work, Barn Hunt, Tricks, FAST CAT, and Obedience. I learn very, very quickly because I will work for food!

I am healthy, potty trained, crate trained, neutered, vaccinated, and all the other things humans like. I was very much loved from the age of 8 weeks-old by my Mommy, who suddenly and unexpectedly died one day. My foster Mom has known me since I was a baby so she can answer any questions you may have. She will provide free training and help for the rest of my like. Oh, and I was born deaf so I use hand signals.  No need to yell at me – just signal me to come to you and I will smile and run right over!"

Wombat's adoption fee is $350, 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 all Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Wombat will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Wombat's ideal owner will have a dog buddy for Wombat, and prior Australian Cattle Dog, or other 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.