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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 – A Whole Lot of Love in One Adorable Package! How can you resist a face (and a name!) like Meatball?! This handsome, approximately 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) is full of personality, affection, and that unmistakable cattle-dog charm! Meatball came into rescue through no fault of his own. His previous family lost their home and, heartbreakingly, could no longer keep him. They were devastated to say goodbye, and now we're hoping to find Meatball the loving forever family he deserves. So, what do you need to know about this lovable guy?Meatball is in a foster home with other dogs and does well. He is a people dog who is comfortable around kids, loves his humans and enjoys being part of the action. Once he bonds to you, he will be affectionate, fun-loving, and has plenty of personality to keep you smiling. Meatball has been making great progress in foster care! He is potty-trained and he has been making wonderful strides with other dogs. Meatball can sometimes come on just a tad strong when meeting new dogs. He's learning to read social cues, practice appropriate introductions, and give other dogs a little breathing room. We're so proud of the progress he's making! Meatball would do best with a laid-back, non-dominant dog who doesn't feel the need to challenge him. Meatball's ready for adventure! Walks, games of fetch, playtime, and keeping busy are right up his alley. Like most Heelers, he's a smart, active boy who enjoys having something to do. But he's also happy to wind down and relax with his people when the day's adventures are over. He's got a little Heeler humor! Vacuums, noisy appliances, and other household items may occasionally attract his attention. After all, someone has to keep an eye on those suspicious household objects! Meatball is a fun, affectionate, entertaining companion who has so much love to give. He's already made great strides in foster care, and we know his perfect family is out there. His first family loved him enough to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go when circumstances changed. Now it's our turn to help him find a family who will love him for a lifetime. Could Meatball be your missing piece? We sure hope someone gives this sweet boy the chance he's been waiting for! 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.November 3, 2026, 4:48 pm
