Entered: 12/22/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight: 44 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, benefiting from an inexpensive supplement for anxiety
Temperament: Good with people as young as 12 (younger unknown), good with non-dominant males and female dogs, excellent with cats
Original: “This playful boy loves a good game of fetch and playing with a ball.”
Ruger was relinquished to MAESSR because there were issues between him and the other dominant male dog in his Virginia home. The boys would get along for a while and then they would have a big fight. His owner was concerned that one of the boys would end up hurt, so he unhappily made the decision to let MAESSR find Ruger another home.
A very sweet and loving boy, Ruger likes to be right with his humans. His house manners are good, with only the occasional attempt at counter-surfing. In his foster home, to his delight, Ruger is allowed up on furniture and to sleep in bed with his foster parents. He loves this snuggle time! Crate trained and housetrained, this smart boy also knows the commands, “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” He rides well in the car and walks well on the leash. Reportedly, Ruger has no fear of loud noises and no separation anxiety issues. He does bark at the nasty vacuum cleaner!
When he first arrived at his foster home, it was clear that Ruger was anxious. When his former owner confirmed that Ruger was anxious a lot, he was started on an inexpensive supplement. This has greatly reduced his anxiety, which has helped Ruger get along much better with the multiple dogs in his foster home. He will still “get an attitude” if one of the dominant males growls at him, but generally that is the extent of his reaction.
Ruger has been both professionally groomed and home groomed with no problems. While he doesn’t enjoy having his ears cleaned, he tolerates it. This playful boy loves a good game of fetch and playing with a ball.
Ruger’s New Year wish is a home he can call his own. He would do well with a family that includes a female or non-dominant male dog as a housemate. Or, he could be his humans’ devoted only pet. Someone to play fetch with him would be an added bonus. Consider having this sweet and loving boy help you ring in the New Year!