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.

Oliver (Ollie) is a 7-year-old small (45 lbs) German Shepherd mix, full of energy for his age. He has come back to the rescue at no fault of his own and is looking for his next fur-ever home. There is not one dog, cat or human that Oliver has encountered that he hasn’t tried to make his friend. He loves to play and would do well with another fur sibling to run around the yard with.  He wants to be where his people are, following anyone he can around the house, including all of his fur siblings.  He is very vocal and will certainly let you know if he feels he is needing anything, including his daily walks!  Ollie loves to play fetch…for hours and when he tires out, he will snuggle with you.  He will need time to get acclimated to new surroundings and patience from his new family.  He has not had any accidents in his foster home and sleeps free at night with no issues. His foster mom is currently working from home but has been left alone for a few hours with his fur foster siblings without any issues. Oliver needs a yard with a 6 foot fence, would do best in a home with older children who understand boundaries, and if you asked him, he would prefer the adults to be home with him during the day too; at least in the beginning :)   

Like any of our dogs,  Oliver 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. Because of that, Oliver's ideal owner will have prior GSD or other 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.

Oliver's adoption fee is $275, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (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.