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 toy poodle cross with a big personality and an even bigger heart. While he is now in his senior years, Zeus is still young at heart and enjoys spending time with his people, learning new things and being involved in everyday life. Once he feels safe, Zeus is affectionate, people-focused and forms very strong bonds with those he trusts.
As Zeus has gotten older, his needs have changed a little. He is less interested in long, energetic adventures than he once was and now prefers a balance of moderate exercise and mental stimulation. He particularly enjoys games such as fetch, learning tricks and activities like agility or puzzle-based enrichment that keep his mind engaged. During colder months, Zeus appreciates having a warm jacket when outdoors, as he can feel the cold more than he used to.
Zeus absolutely loves being close to his humans. If allowed on the couch or bed, he will happily curl up at your feet and, given the opportunity, use you as a pillow. Physical closeness is one of the ways Zeus feels most secure, and he thrives on being connected to his people.
Zeus has 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. The positive news is that Zeus has learned to communicate much more clearly when he is uncomfortable. Rather than reacting immediately, he will often growl or give other signals to let people know he needs space, and these warnings should always be respected.
Through consistent training, Zeus has learned several useful coping skills. One of these is responding to the command "bed", which directs him to his designated safe space. This area is his retreat where he can relax and decompress without being disturbed. Having this space respected is an important part of helping Zeus feel secure and successful in a home environment.
Zeus has made significant progress with training and is very quick to learn when commands are taught consistently using the same words and hand signals. While he has improved considerably, adopters should understand that his resource guarding tendencies have not disappeared entirely and will require ongoing management and awareness.
Although Zeus was not well socialised as a puppy and has historically been reactive toward other dogs, he has matured considerably and is becoming more comfortable around them. With careful introductions and thoughtful management, he has even learned to make a few canine friends. While he may never be a dog that enjoys every dog he meets, he has shown encouraging progress and continues to grow in confidence.
Zeus is also a very vocal little dog. He will bark to get attention, when excited, to alert you to something he has noticed, or simply to let you know he wants or needs something. His foster carers continue to work on this behaviour, but adopters should be aware that vocal communication is part of Zeus's personality. He enjoys expressing himself and is not afraid to share his opinions.
He is very food-oriented and gentle when taking treats, which makes training both easy and enjoyable. Zeus already responds to several commands and will sit and shake hands based on hand signals alone. His eagerness to learn and strong connection with his people make training a rewarding experience for both him and his humans.
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 when needed.
A Note From His Foster Home
We have fostered Zeus for some time and have seen how loving, clever and devoted he can be. He wants to be close to his people, loves sitting on laps, and enjoys being included in daily life. If you allow him on the couch or bed, he will happily settle at your feet and often tries to use his humans as a pillow. He simply loves being connected to the people he trusts.
Zeus can attend cafés 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. He is also very house-proud and will knock at the door when he needs to go outside.
Over the time we have cared for him, we have seen Zeus become more confident, communicate his needs more clearly, and make meaningful progress with his training and interactions with other dogs. He is not a perfect dog, but he is a deeply rewarding companion for someone who understands him and is prepared to continue supporting his growth.
With the right adopter, someone patient, calm and committed, Zeus has the potential to continue thriving as a loyal, affectionate companion who simply wants to feel safe, loved and included.
If you're ready to open your heart and home to Zeus, please contact us to discuss further. Together, we can help Zeus continue building confidence and enjoying his golden years. 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: 3.8kgs
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.