Adoption information
About Zeus Rivero
TO APPLY FOR ADOPTION PLEASE SEND IN APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE BELOW:
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/adopt/
About Zeus
Meet Zeus, a young‑at‑heart toy poodle cross who loves long walks along the beach, sitting with his humans and trying new things like learning tricks. Once he feels safe, Zeus is affectionate, people‑focused and enjoys being included in everyday life. He forms strong bonds with those he trusts and loves being close to his people.
Zeus does have a history of trauma, which shows through anxiety and some resource guarding behaviours, as well as fear of certain objects such as brooms. When he encounters something that triggers him, he can become defensive and may snap if he feels threatened. Zeus has learned to growl as a way of communicating that he is uncomfortable or needs space, and these warning signs should always be respected.
He is learning how to calm himself down and has shown that he is very quick to adapt to new training when it is implemented consistently (for example, using the same verbal commands paired with the same hand gestures). While Zeus has made good progress, there remains a risk of his reacting if his boundaries are pushed or if he believes his belongings are being taken.
Zeus is very much a solo dog and is protective of his humans. This can be seen through behaviours such as barking at other dogs while out on walks and circling around his people to check that they are still nearby.
Zeus enjoys playing with people he trusts, including tug‑of‑war, fetch and chase games. He is also curious and would benefit from mental enrichment such as agility or similar activities to keep his brain engaged.
He is very food oriented, and gentle when taking treats, and this makes teaching him tricks easy and enjoyable. He already responds to several commands and will sit and shake hands based on just a hand signal.
The Home Zeus Is Looking For
Zeus is looking for an experienced and patient adopter who can provide a calm, structured environment where he can feel safe. A home with a secure yard where he can explore at his own pace would be ideal.
He needs someone who understands anxiety and trauma‑based behaviours, can recognise his triggers, and is willing to manage them thoughtfully while continuing his training and confidence‑building. Consistency, routine and clear communication are key to helping Zeus feel secure.
We recommend a home without small children or other pets, as Zeus needs a calm and predictable environment. He benefits from everyone using the same training signals and respecting his boundaries. Zeus also enjoys having beds in the main rooms where people spend time, so he can relax near his humans while still having his own safe space.
A Note From His Foster Home
We have fostered Zeus for some time and have seen how loving and devoted he can be. He wants to be close to his people, loves sitting on laps, and enjoys being included in daily activities. He can attend cafes or short outings, although adopters need to be aware that he may bark at cars or other dogs. With gentle management, he enjoys these experiences. Zeus is also very house‑proud and will knock at the door when he needs to go outside.
With the right adopter — someone patient, calm and committed — Zeus has the potential to continue growing into a settled, affectionate companion who feels safe and supported in his world.
If you're ready to open your heart and home to Zeus, please contact us to discuss further. Together, we can help Zeus keep building confidence and moving forward. Your love and patience will make a truly life‑changing difference in his life.
Let's give Zeus the second chance he deserves
Not the dog you’re looking for? Please visit our website to see other
dogs waiting for a home.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/dogs-for-adoption/
Have you considered foster care? For more information please click on
the link below.
https://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/foster-care/
All our dogs are desexed, C5 vaccinated with intranasal, microchipped,
wormed, and flea treated. All necessary vetwork such as dentals,
surgery, eye treatment are also carried out. We are no longer heartworm
testing as we have not had one positive test since we began in 2006. If
a dog comes to us on heartworm treatment this is continued.
Medical notes
Medical Notes: Grade 3 heart murmur. Ears and dermatitis currently being treated. Mild patella laxity bilaterally with occasional limp. Currently on anti-anxiety meds.
Weighs 4.3kgs
Adoption details
We are a community fostercare network, not a shelter, and our dogs and cats are cared for in private homes. Note that we are very careful where we rehome our dogs and cats and we have an intensive process. If you want a quick turnaround we are not the group for you. If you seem like a good match for the dog of your choice we will organise a telephone chat, a meet and greet and a property check. We offer free assistance for six weeks for any issues, a lifetime takeback policy with full refund of the adoption fee, and will always be available to offer advice.
We care for our dogs and cats and we want you to as well. We know that genuine applicants have no trouble with this process and understand that if we refuse you a dog or cat, it is because you are not the best match for that pet.
Our commitment to the dogs and cats in our care is total and we treat each one as if we are passing on a family pet. This may not suit you so we point out that there are equally great dogs and cats available in pounds, shelters and with other rescue groups.
If you are still interested, please download an application form from our website:
http://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/about-vicdrg/adoption-and-foster-application-forms.html
The application form must be emailed to us:
adoptions@victoriandogrescue.org.au
Please note that we do not take/make telephone calls prior to receiving an application.
Commonly asked questions and their answers are provided when you email us. Unfortunately we usually will not have time to reply to enquiries in more detail and will give priority to completed applications over enquiries. Priority will also be given to typed applications which are easier for us to read and to copy relevant parts.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group Inc is a registered not-for-profit charity.
We appreciate our sponsors and all our donors so much, as without them we would not be able to save the pets we do, or run our programs that reach into the community to give a helping hand. Are you able to donate, sponsor or want to leave a bequest?
For more information please go to the links below. We so much appreciate your kindness.
