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.

Tobias is a young, incredibly sweet German Shepherd that we rescued from the California forest fire area earlier this year. Tobias is fun, affectionate, and good with people and dogs of all sizes. He is well-behaved in public and a true joy to all of us who interact with him. He is simply lovely! Tobias has epilepsy, which is currently well-managed with medication (Keppra twice a day). This amazingly sweet boy will need someone who is willing to take the time to make him feel safe and loved. He is affectionate boy and likes to lean and rub against you. He also loves to lay on you while you comb his fur. Tobias loves food and to be spoiled! He really enjoys to have a little bit of cheese on his meals, as well as eggs a few times a week! And he absolutely loves to have another dog (or dogs) to play with. If you are looking for a wonderful companion to bond and spend quality time with, look no further!

Tobias' 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 GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Tobias 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, Tux's ideal owner will have prior GSD, 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.