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.

Nash is a 5 month-old puppy who is very sweet and loving! Nash and his sister LuLu were in danger at a kill shelter due to lack of space, and the fact that they became sick with an upper respiratory infection. We were able to save both of them in the nick of time. Nash's cold was so severe that despite being on antibiotics, it developed into pneumonia. Nash ended up requiring hospitalization with nebulizer treatments, as well as several courses of antibiotics, in order to get well. Nash is so sweet and he was an absolute trooper throughout it all! Everyone who helped care for him at the vet absolutely adored him, and so do his foster parents, who say that Nash is a sweetheart who  absolutely loves to cuddle any chance that he gets.

Nash is a very social, happy, and playful pup who loves people and other dogs. His favorite toys are his Nylabone dinosaur and his Kong filled with treats and peanut butter! His big boy teeth are still coming in so he is still teething, but is getting very good at learning what he can and can’t chew on. He is a sweet boy with a super fun personality! He is working on figuring out mirrors and is still learning that the dog in front of him is really his own reflection...his mirror antics are hilarious to watch! Nash absolutely loves the other two dogs in his foster home. He is also very good with the cats in his foster home as he learns how to be gentle with them. Although he has not been around kids yet, he is very good with any new faces that have come around so far and loves any human he gets the chance to meet. Nash is a fabulous, active puppy with a loving and friendly personality who gets along with everyone. He is the whole package!!

Nash'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.