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.

Zelkova is an adorable approximately 2 month-old girl puppy who was rescued with her mom, Silva, and a litter of 8 pups. The night before their rescue, Silva was found heavily pregnant in the woods in rural Missouri, in an area known for dumping dogs. She was hungry and very cold. A good Samaritan gave her shelter and she was so thankful for food, water and bedding, that as soon as she laid down, she started having her puppies! Our awesome volunteers rushed to her rescue, and drove all day to bring Silva and her litter into rescue with HUGS.

When Silva arrived, she was extremely malnourished and neglected. Her coat was in poor condition, she was skin and bones, and she had various of scratches and scabs. Unfortunately, shortly after their arrival, at only a few weeks old, her puppies became very sick with Parvo. Parvo is most often deadly in puppies this young. However, thanks to immediate, excellent vet care and many sleepless nights caring for them round-the-clock at their foster home, only one lost his life to Parvo. Miraculously, the remaining 7 recovered, only to become really sick right after, with a very severe upper respiratory infection (secondary to Parvo). Again, they were immediately and aggressively treated, while continuing to receive round-the-clock care in their amazing foster home. This time, one was lost. After that, the remaining six seemed to be over the worst of it, and continued to grow and become stronger. This is our miracle litter, as none were expected to survive such a deadly disease at such a young age. The puppies' mom, sweet, adorable Silva, is now thriving in a wonderful furever home of her own. And it's now time for her utterly adorable puppies to find their own homes :)

Zelkova is a very sweet pup, with already perky ears, and a gorgeous black & tan sable coat. 

Like all German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix puppies, Zelkova will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.