Rufus

Update 11/22/05: From his foster mom: " Rufus has come a long way in a week of indoor living! He's one smart 11-month old. He can now go up and downstairs, is becoming fond of his crate, no longer automatically jumps up on everyone, and usually responds to verbal commands to "sit", "come", "No", "down", "up" and is working on "stay" (though life's too fun for much of that). Best of all, after making it spectacularly clear that he was not housebroken, in just one week of intensive work, he is careful to only relieve himself OUTSIDE, and though he is not left alone in any area without a tiled floor yet, he really shows quick understanding. His signal for needing to go "Outside" is to walk around the room looking a bit confused and restless. As he learns to be more direct, it'll be easier to leave him longer unconfined. While peeing outside, he sometimes splashes his front legs if his attention wanders, but he's learning to lift a leg.

He gets along great with my 10lb dog, roughhousing endlessly, which she loves. He isn't barky, but he sometimes runs to the window to respond if he hears other dogs in the park across the way, and has a bit of a yodel: "barkbark owwooooo". His temperament is really easygoing. He doesn't guard his food or toys.

He submits to exams with no problem, including checking his teeth, and neuter scar, which is healing well. He chased a cat in the yard, but didn't look twice at one in the vet's office. He may be good with children, because he didn't flinch when a troop of school-kids burst into the room and all tried to pat him. He is friendly with everyone and LOVES men, and often goes up to greet them on the street. He is really happy when he gets hugs and attention, which he certainly attracts! I'd guess he hasn't ever had the chance to "bond" with one human yet, and probably will learn even faster with one special person to be consistent with him. It's easy to imagine him as a great family dog, too, if one person takes charge of his training so he knows who's the leader.

He has been microchipped and is getting Lyme vaccine. He is 40 lbs, 20" inches at shoulder, and is currently recuperating from kennel cough."

Update 11/14/05: Rufus was transported to New England and is now being fostered in the Boston, Massachusetts area. This is what his foster mom has to say about him: "He was so energetic on meeting I was overwhelmed, but he was just thrilled to get out of the truck. He was very happy and showed it with lots of jumpy hugs and kisses and strong tail wagging. A couple hours later, he has calmed down somewhat and seems like a sweet dog, fond of leaning his head on your knee. He did well with the other dogs and meeting my dog, licked her face, and was fine in the car. He pulls a lot on the leash, but with repeated requests and a lot of leaning on, will "sit". He went up two flights of stairs with encouragement, but is fearful of going down, so we carried him. He submitted to a tub bath patiently. He has a beautiful thick and very short reddish blond coat, and a dark tongue. His vet papers list him as aka Bandit, a chow/retriever mix, originally from Memphis. Lots of food and water intake, my smaller dog has been food protective and growly but Rufus hasn't gotten upset over it.

Walked in the park on a leash before crating for the night. All went fine until we went home, he didn't want to come up the three steps and yanked backward suddenly, getting out of his collar. I resisted chasing, he walked down the street about 20 feet, stopping to sniff everything and finally came over for a hug and I got the collar back on. Carried him up the steps into the house. Will get a gentle leader harness tomorrow.

All agree he's a very sweet and good looking dog, seems very young and bouncy, and a friend is volunteering to help train him."

10/12/05: Rufus has been placed on the euthanasia list, if you help, please contact us immediately

Rufus is a very friendly red shepherd mix dog! Rufus loves to play and loves attention! Rufus needs to find a loving permanent home!

Applications can be found at www.almosthomerescue.net and should be e-mailed to [email protected]. ************** Transportation from Marion, Arkansas, is a paid transport. The adoption fee is $200.00 for altered dogs. (includes vaccinations, spay/neuter and transport from AR) $300. for unaltered puppies, with $100 refundable after spay/neuter