In November 2009 I found my foster family on my journey to finding my furever home. I was out hunting around their valley and discovered these folks who I needed to let rescue me. I let them take me into their home and have blessed them with my goofy presence (I like to listen intently and tilt my head while figuring out what they are saying).
Soon I got to visit the nice veterinarian and she said that I am a retriever mix of some kind. My foster parents just say I am a neat dog with character! I don’t know what character is but it sounds good anyway. On December 8th I weighed 23 lbs and the veterinarian estimated that I was about 8 months old and generally a healthy boy. On January 16th I weighed 26 lbs. So I guess I won’t be a HUGE dog, just a right-size dog for anyone.
My strengths are that I have learned to sit and be more courteous when walking through doors (my people get to go first). Plus, my people say that I am a great leash-walker. I stay close with no pulling. I do very well in my crate. It’s my den with some neat blankets for snuggling. I am well housed-trained as long as I am allowed outside regularly and I prefer to do my business outside, especially in the leaf piles around the edge of “our” property.
Also, I love to run around the yard. My prey instincts are strong. I am so interested in those squirrels. I like to profile my heritage by standing and pointing (it makes me look like I know what I am doing). But since I cannot catch those prey I settle for chasing tennis balls or even Kongs! That is fun… especially when I can play keep-away.
My one slight weakness is that I do want to claim my people and not always share them with my three adopted doggy friends. The veterinarian said I want to be an Alpha, whatever that is, and my foster family agrees. But, with rules and discipline I am learning very well that I must behave by the house policies and get along with my furry friends. I have even met the cat – but she keeps me in my place and so I listen. A firm and consistent hand works well with me.
All I need now is my FUREVER HOME. Will it be yours? Please, please, PLEASE.
With lots of devotion and love to give – I am RUFUS
If you are interested in adopting me, please go to www.anewleash.org and click on Adoption Application on the right side of the page. Fill it out and email it to pets@anewleash.org as an attachment..
Each adopted pet will be transported to his or her new home and a home visit will be conducted to ensure that the home and pet are compatible.
**Adoption fees are tax-deductible. For applicants in Huntsville and Madison, AL the adoption fee is typically $185. This occasionally varies depending on the pet or vet bills of the pet. For applicants outside Huntsville or Madison limits, but within a 20 mile radius, the adoption fee is typically $200. Outside the 20 mile radius, ask about the adoption fee. PLEASE ASK US WHAT THE ADOPTION FEE IS FOR THE PET YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, IF YOU ARE UNSURE.
Each dog comes fully vetted: thoroughly examined by a licensed veterinarian, MICROCHIPPED, spayed or neutered, HW/Ehrl/Lyme tested, fecal tested for intestinal parasites, dewormed, vaccinated for Rabies, DA2PPvL, and Bordetella(when needed), and medicated and/or surgery performed for any problem or injury that the individual pet has had.
Return Policy: If you wish to return the pet(s) after adoption, you MUST return them to A New Leash on Life, Inc. They are not to be given to someone else or turned in to another agency. The returned pet(s) will be placed back into our foster program when the next available foster home has an opening.
Please visit our website at www.anewleash.org for more information.
