View more
. 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 (.heartlandgsrescue) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.
Parker is a sweetheart of a Heeler mix (possibly with a little brindle Boxer mixed in) who is ready to find his forever family. At 7½ years old, he's the perfect blend of playful and wise—old enough to have wonderful manners and maturity, but with plenty of energy, love, and adventures still ahead of him.
This handsome guy is incredibly social, affectionate, and people-oriented. Parker absolutely loves attention and is famous for leaning against his favorite humans for extra pets and cuddles. He enjoys walks, loves being part of the action, and has never met a stranger for long.
Parker is a star at doggy daycare playgroups, where both dogs and humans adore him. He greets the staff every day with enthusiastic tail wags and kisses, and somehow seems to remember every friend he's ever made. Volunteers, daycare staff, and visitors are all treated to Parker's signature happy welcome whenever he sees them again.
When he's not making friends, Parker enjoys all the simple pleasures in life: walks, car rides, playing ball, and curling up on the couch for snuggles with his people. Fetch is one of his favorite games, and he's a gentleman about it—he'll happily bring the ball back and gently place it in your hand or at your feet, ready for the next throw. He's also wonderfully well-behaved on outings, making him an easy companion for adventures around town.
Because Parker thrives on companionship, he'd do best in a home where his people aren't gone for long stretches of time. He isn't a fan of being crated or spending too much time alone, and he'd love a family with someone who works from home or has a schedule that allows for plenty of together time.
Like many of our dogs, Parker has some prey drive and can get a little mouthy when he's excited, so he'd be happiest in a home without cats or young children. At 84 pounds, he's certainly a big boy—but that just means there's more of him to love!
If you're looking for a best friend who will treat you like you're the most important person in the world every single day, Parker may be your perfect match.
Parker's adoption fee is $225, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (treated if positive), and microchipped. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups/info/adoption.
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.