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.

Luca is a very sweet and handsome boy who is a little shy and timid at first, but very loving and affectionate once he knows you. We had originally.rescued Luca from a high-kill shelter in Southern California when he was a year old with the help of our friends from Miracle GSD Network. Sadly, Luca recently found himself in need of rescue again due to an unfortunate turn of events in his adopter's life. We are hopeful that Luca will find his forever home this time. This super sweet boy truly deserves all the love and happiness!

Luca is approximately 5 & 1/2 years old and an adorable medium-sized black GSD at around 56lbs. He likes to be around his people, and enjoys a good belly rub or scratch behind the ears. His favorite pastime is playing fetch with a tennis ball. He will bring the ball back & drop it. He often falls asleep with a tennis ball still in his mouth. He would be a perfect candidate for fly ball and/or agility. He is a total velcro dog and will follow you room to room and sit close to you when you watch tv. At nightime he sleeps on his dog bed (or on yours, if you allow it). Luca does occasionally snore! He is potty-trained and crate trained. He also does very good in a bedroom by himself while you are gone. He knows some basic commands like "sit" and "shake". He will also go in his crate on his own if he just wants to chill. Luca can be a bit cautious when meeting new people, but warms up fast. He is good around kids, dogs, & cats. His favorite thing to do its playing fetch with his humans. He loves car rides and enjoys walks. He is very smart and learns quickly. He is in a foster home with 3 cats and gets along with them well.

Luca's adoption fee is $350, 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.

Like any of our dogs, 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 her breed needs. Because of that, Luca'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.