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.

We rescued Tootles and four other "Lost Boys" from a commercial breeding situation. All 5 miniature Poodles and Yorkies are very sweet, a little shy, and so smart. They have all been learning about indoor life, how to go up and down stairs, potty training, and living with loving foster families. There have been lots of "firsts" for these pups like being groomed, going for walks, getting a pup cup, and they have been thriving and loving their new lives! 

Tootles (Toots for short) is the definition of a companion dog! At 6.8 pounds, this little guy is so adorable and will gladly be held, especially if you let him rest his head on your shoulder. He’s a little shadow who loves to snuggle! He has an adorable little heart shaped patch of white fur on his lower back. Timid at first, he’s been slowly gaining confidence around his foster fur siblings. He enjoys being outside and running around. He will eagerly engage in play with his smaller foster fur sibling. He’s quiet but you may hear a little bark during play time. He’s been doing well in his foster home around younger children (ages 4 and under) but we think he would really thrive in a home that is a little quieter with less sudden load noises. If you’re looking for a snuggle buddy, Tootles is your guy! 

The adoption fee for Tootles' is $450, 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, Tootles would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that his breed needs. 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.