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.

Hazel is one of Hope’s thirteen puppies. Hope is a sweet, gorgeous girl. Prior to rescue, Hope (who was heavily pregnant) had been at the shelter. Luckily, we were able to get her out before she had a litter of puppies on November 18, 2020. Hope is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. Hope and all of her thirteen puppies have been thriving in their foster home together and are ready for adoptive homes of their own.

Hazel is a spunky little spark plug. She loves wrestling and playing tug with her foster siblings and loves all toys! She would love a forever home with a playful dog buddy. After she plays hard, she is ready to snuggle up next to you for a much deserved nap. This sweet little sassy girl is going to be a quick learner and an amazing addition to any family.

BLACK PUPPY SPECIAL! Now through January 31st, the adoption fee for Hope's black puppies (Hazel, Hannah, and Heidi) is $325. There is something called "Invisible Black Dog Syndrome". It refers to the fact that black dogs are often overlooked in favor of their more colorful counterparts in shelters and rescues, no matter how sweet they may be. Because of that, we'd like to give our black beauties a little advantage! Effective Feb 1st, the adoption fee for all of Hope’s puppies goes back up to $395. All adoption fees 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. Like any of our dogs,  puppies would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that her breed needs. Because of that, Hope’s puppies’ ideal owners 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.