Bike race and hiking

This Saturday Rufus got to come along to a bike race in the AM, and then a nice stroll through the Bull Run park and a dip in a stream, lucky boy! He did very well though it all, and didn't get car sick, yay. He LOVED the water, too bad it wasn't really deep enough for him to swim.

He is also catching onto the sit command much better- he will do it with out a treat.

On Sunday, he went to an adoption event. Everyone commented on what a sweet boy he was, but he was just a bit too big for most people- but that just means more to love! He only wagged his tail at dogs who growled and barked at him, all he was after was a pet and treats from everyone there. Rufus got sent home with a bag of new toys- thanks to the donators!!!! He is thrilled with them - he loves the squeaking, and loves to toss them side to side in a lumbering sort of way.

Front porch and first impressions

Rufus is doing very well on walks. He is interested in other dogs we see, but he is quiet about it and just wags his tail. He does not pull too much. We are using a harness which helps reduce any pulling. It doesn't seem like he has spent much on leash time before learning manners. We are practicing having him sit at intersections. He does not yet sit on command, but if you have a treat in your hand his bottom in on the ground right away!

It does not take much to tire him out right now. After a walk he comes home and plops! down to snore. I think a lot of that is because he is still thin and isn't used to much exercise. As he gets up to a proper weight and puts on muscle he will do just fine. I don't think he'll make a great running partner- but perfect for hikes, walks, trips to the park....

We spent a while hanging out the porch, when people would walk by, he would walk to the fence and just wag his tail. One person stopped to say hello to him, he jumped up to stand on the fence and give her kissed-what a sweet boy! He REALLY loves attention. If he is laying down and we walk by, he rolls over for a belly rub. All he really wants is to cuddle.

He doesn't mind me laying my head on him, touching his feet, pulling his ears, playing with his floppy neck wrinkles- he has been a really easy going guy. Rufus is just happy to be with people who give him pets and food.

Also- he plays very well with my dog. She is a dominant female, and loves to be very vocal. She growls and whines and barks and everything else about everything. He has so far ignored all of her growls, a few snaps over being too close to her toys, and everything else.

All he has wanted so far is to hangout and be petted, and play with my pup- not much else phases him. He didn't seem to even mind a fire truck with its sirens on during a walk!

First days

Hi! Well your probably reading this since your interested in adopting Rufus! I am fostering him through Homeward Trails Animal Rescue- www.homewardtrails.org

You can check out his petfinder page here- http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9205920

He is up to date with all shots, he is neutered, he is heartworm negative.

But most importantly...

he is BIG.

I believe he is a Bloodhound/Mastiff mix
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bloodhound.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/mastiff.htm

but he could be a mix of multiple breeds, it is hard to say for sure. (he does have a great nose!)

Check out the rest of this blog to see pics about Rufus and updates on how he is doing!