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You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.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 Meatball! How can you say no to a dog named Meatball?! This adorable 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (aka Red Heeler) is full of personality, charm, and classic cattle-dog spirit. Meatball loves his people and is friendly with other dogs. He’s an active guy who enjoys going for walks, playing fetch, and staying busy—but once playtime is over, he’s also happy to settle down and relax with you. And, true to his breed, Meatball takes his job very seriously! Vacuums, noisy appliances, and other loud household items may need a little herding and supervision from this self-appointed home manager. Meatball has a confident, opinionated personality and likes to be in charge when it comes to his canine friends. He would do best with a more easy-going, submissive dog companion who won’t mind letting Meatball think he’s the boss. If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate, active companion with a big personality, Meatball may be your guy. He’s got a lot of love to give—and, honestly, who could resist this Meatball? Meatball'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 all Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Meatlball will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots 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 he needs. Because of that, Rascal's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog, GSD, or other 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.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.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.October 10, 2026, 10:11 am
