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.

Dempsey was rescued from a crowded high-kill shelter in California, where he was running out of time due to lack of space. Dempsey arrived in Nebraska from Southern California in September and has quickly adapted to the good life! Foster dad tells us that one of Dempsey's favorite things to do is sit by the window and wait for the mail truck to arrive so he and the other household dogs can alert you that it's here! He will lay on the floor at your feet, or on the couch if allowed, next to you, watching TV"

Dempsey loves to go for walks, car rides, and go places with his humans. He would make a great walking or jogging partner for an active owner. Once he's had his exercise, he settles down nicely in the house. Dempsey is a sweet boy who wants nothing more than to stick close to you! He is loyal, affectionate, and a snuggler. He likes to cuddle with his humans, and he also likes to sleep touching another dog. He's very sweet! Dempsey is not a fan of the crate (he has been using a heavy-duty crate). He would do best in a calm, structured household, with pet parents who are home a lot, and where he would normally not need to be crated more than 4 hours at a time. Dempsey is just now beginning to discover the joys of romping around, playing with toys and being around other dogs! He enjoys running in the yard and being with the other household dogs. He loves playing in the snow. He gets excited about everything and just loves life. He doesn't always pick up cues from other dogs who might have had enough. In fact, Dempsey's exuberant manner may be a bit too much for older or reserved pups. He would do best with calm, friendly, laidback dogs who will be tolerant with an enthusiastic youngster! Dempsey takes treats gently, sits for treats, is learning not to jump up (he loves to give hugs!). He is an all-around sweet, happy, active boy! 

Dempsey's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offsetting 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.

Like any of our dogs, Dempsey 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, Dempsey'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.