Rufus should not be in a home with small children. The child should be at least 9 or 10. He needs lots of room to run, a strong fence, strong leash, and some gentle training. But most importantly, he needs lots of love to calm his fears.
He may have been a hunting dog at one time, but is too fearful of guns to be any good. He was even fearful of my camera when it clicked as I took his picture. Perhaps Rufus did not like to go hunting and shied away when he heard shots. No one really knows, but he needs a lot of TLC to assure him that he’s truly loved and will not ever have to be afraid of anything again.
It will take patience with this big boy, but at the shelter, with the staff, he is a kind and a gentle friend to all. He is probably a bit cage-crazy by now, but once out on the leash for a walk or in the big fence for a run he calms down. There is not a mean bone in his body.
What a victory it would be if he could go home before the end of the year. A Thanksgiving with you? Please come to see him. He gets along with other dogs and likes to ride in the car.
Dear Rufus seemed to plead with sad eyes today when folks walked by his cage, as if to say, “I’ll be home for Christmas if anybody wants me.”
