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.

Butler is an adorable 10 week-old boy puppy. Hamilton's mom, Maggie, was rescued this summer from a SD reservation. Maggie was hungry, thirsty, overheated, full of ticks and fleas, and heavily pregnant. Like many others, Maggie lived as a stray on the reservation right up until rescue. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. We are so glad that we were able to rescue Maggie, so that her puppies could be safely born in rescue, and so that they could all have better lives. 

Butler has just turned 10 weeks old. He is a clever and playful pup who loves the sound of food filling his bowl! Expect to have him follow you everywhere you go. He will also ask to be picked up for cuddles on the couch. He is very good at learning tricks as long as treats are involved, and will do anything for a bit of turkey! Butler is crate-trained and and potty-trained. Butler already knows "sit", "down", is working on "stay", and does pretty well on a leash. Butler loves to be active, but he is pretty mellow for a puppy, and once he's had his exercise, he will quickly lie down and nap wherever he happens to be!

Butler is a wonderful puppy, who would be an excellent fit for an active adopter who is excited about training, socializing, and being active with an absolutely fabulous pup! Butler will need daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that puppies and

Butler's adoption fee is $375, 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.