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.

Sammy is a 2 month-old adorable black Lab mix puppy who is sweet, confident, and energetic active. He loves play time! He enjoys throwing his stuffed toys around, playing tug-o-war, kicking and chasing his pebbles of food around, and play-wrestling with the other dogs in his foster home! He is an adorable puppy! Sammy would prefer a home with at least one other play mate, whether that be another animal or a human.

Sammy is super smart and trainable. Can you believe such a young puppy already sleeps through the night?! He is crate-trained and will alert you when he needs to go potty. He has the occasional accident in the house but it's usually only when the humans are distracted and don't see the signs he's giving! Extra points for Sammy because he doesn't mind going potty-outside when it's raining! He is very sweet and sociable and likes to keep an eye on his humans. He is currently teething and enjoys chewing on bones, Kongs, and shoes... (like all puppies, he is still learning what items are ok to chew). His adopter should be prepared to provide him with guidance and appropriate toys as he continues to learn. Sammy LOVES his food, and he will remind you it's mealtime if he thinks that you forgot! He has the cutest poses like the froggy legs, or when he sleeps on his back with his back legs spread in the air! He is absolutely hilarious and so very cute!  Sammy already knows "sit" and enjoys earning his treats. He makes the sweetest, gentle puppy sounds along with his playful barking. He is very well-behaved for a puppy, and a delight to have around. Sammy will make a fabulous family pet for a very lucky adopter!

Sammy's adoption fee is $325, 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.