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.
Meet Vlad, a strapping young fellow. Vlad is determined yet sensitive, and in true Husky fashion, delighfully dramatic, all at once. This handsome young boy has oodles of personality and he will keep you laughing with his antics! Vlad doesn’t like green beans, but will absolutely go for frozen broccoli, blueberries, cheese and bananas! Peanut butter is good, cheese wiz is better. Vlad likes to split the evening between little naps on the deck, and sleeping in foster mom’s bed. He has a deep love of cardboard boxes that he can dismantle. He loves a good walk and a romp around the yard. He really just wants to do everything that you are doing. He could be a great running/hiking partner. Cats aren’t his type, and he would be best with older kids. With proper intros, Vlad would do well with another dog. With calm, consistent, present adopters Vlad will become a steady, and reliable friend.
Like all Huskies, GSDs and other working breeds that we have in rescue, Vlad will need training, consistency, boundaries, and plenty of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Vlad's ideal owner will have prior Husky, or similar 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.
Vlad's adoption fee is $300, 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.
Please review the information in the "About Us", "Important Considerations" and "Adopt" sections on our website menu, as it contains useful information about the breed, adoption fees, the adoption process and our requirements, and how meeting the dogs works.
Video of Vlad:
Other Pictures of Vlad (click to see larger version):
Currently we do not know if Vlad will be able to attend the event, * CANCELLED* HUGS at Petsmart on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
Currently we do not know if Vlad will be able to attend the event, Woof & Whiskers on Saturday, March 28th, 2026.
