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.

Joanie and her siblings from the Happy Days Litter (Potsie, Richie, Ralph, Pinkie, Chachi, and Fonzie) were rescued from a rural area in Oklahoma. Joanie is an adorable girl and the sweetest pup! She LOVES the other dogs in her foster home. With the recent developments to the work-from-home situation, Joanie has become the best coworker by helping foster mom get the job done.

She’s very cuddly, playful, and very vocal about things! She's not shy about what she wants and loves to use her voice to get things done. She's smart, treat-motivated, loves toys, bones, and antlers. She knows sit, and is working on shake. Joanie is doing well with potty-training. She's not a fan of being crated, but we're working on that. Joanie would love a home with a brother or sister to play with day in and day out!

Joanie's adoption fee is $425, 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.