River

Congratulations, you clicked on and are reading the profile of the best dog you're likely to come across. No joke, this guy is something special!

When the pound contacted me asking to help them with a dog, I have to admit, his photo wouldn't make me look at him twice. But as soon as he stepped out of the council van, I could tell that this is one of those animals that just doesn't photograph well, because he's stunning. He is large, with tiger stripes and a tail that can whip you. Everyone sees something different in him.. great dane, staffy, boxer, bull arab? All possibilities. But it is his personality which really stands out, and had all the pound staff in love. When the staff tell you he's the best dog they've had in all year, you have to listen. They meet a lot of dogs, and their claims did not fall short! I would keep this boy in a heartbeat... and although I've probably said that about every rescue I've had this year... it's totally true.

River does not have a wonderful history. He was well known to council rangers, given his previous owners let him roam the neighbourhoods, and was constantly being returned. Although he eventually ended up in the pound, and his family was well aware, they did not come for him. Skinny and unloved, the staff fed him up, before listing him for adoption and advertising him in papers and online. Had he been small, he could have been adopted hundreds of times. But instead this gorgeous boy was overlooked time and again. If only people knew what they were missing out on! After waiting week after week for an adoption that didn't come, the staff brought him here, to secure his happy future. Multiple staff told me what a great dog he was, and how much they loved him. I have photos of him chilling in their staff room. River certainly knows how to make everyone fall in love with him, if given the chance.

River has been the most settled and easiest dog to house. He has wonderful social manners. At the pound, other dogs would be going off at him, and he'd walk past their enclosure without a glance. He has great manners with my dogs and loves to play. He doesn't instigate a confrontation, but will not back down to bullies either, and knows how to stand up for himself. He has met pocket pets, and shows every indication of one day being able to live with them. He does not get fixated on chickens, and with a gentle word will be redirected and focussed on what you are asking him to do. He has met the goats, and is calm relaxed. Bit more interested in sheep, but respects the distance they dictate. Bunnies are met with a brief sniff. It is early days, but I can not fault any of these interactions. He is very promising on all fronts.

River is laid back and easy going. Not a dog requiring a lot of exercise, a walk or just half an hour of zoomies in the garden twice a day is all he needs. Rest of the day is spent chilling inside. He loves the house, and despite having 5 acres to go potty, once he is done, he's at the back door waiting to come back in. Given his history of roaming, I was surprised to see that he respects the fencing here. Granted, we have very good fencing, but if he was an escape artist or was intent on roaming, there would be signs. He's not interested in going anywhere, he's so happy and content at home. He is crate trained at night, and often likes a pillow under his head. He never complains, never destroys anything, never steals shoes. He just hasn't had any bad habits. He is walked on a loose lead, and is very gentle (In total transparency, I do believe this may depend on who is walking him. He is perfect with me every time, however when I did hand him off to someone else, he was pulling for them. Possible he was trying to get back to me though). River was very quick to learn to sit and wait for his dinner, only going for it when you tell him "Okay", but he decided to add his own routine to this, and now insists on a hand shake before eating. It is super cute!

River has been inside while fireworks were on, and shown no sign of anxiety. He is a quiet dog, but has a very deep bark when he chooses to use it. His short coat needs very little maintenance. He is pretty bomb-proof, but probably not suitable for little toddlers, as there is a chance he could accidentally knock them over (even though he has never jumped up, because he's such a good boy).

This dog is so well behaved and so perfect, that I will only see him adopted to the very best. He is an absolute pleasure to live with, and letting him go will be a sacrifice.

Update: With every day that goes by, River makes you wonder how much more perfect he could possibly get. Small dog friendly? Tick. Any anxieties? Nope. Is he a dog who will sit patiently and wait till you get back to him? Yes. River is the most laid back, gentle, easy going boy. All the work has been done, I just can't believe what a good boy he is.