Monday 4 August 2014

Rio - 9 month old male Shepherd cross. UK FOSTER - Experienced owner needed

Although it says "experienced owner", Rio is really a lap dog a heart very playful, good to walk. Rio doesn't like his harness being put on still, but he is getting there. Good with visitors, yet still not sure with people on the streets. Travels well in car. Rio is eager to learn, however he is not fully house trained. Rio likes to chew things he shouldn't, but that is just a training issue. He is being a typical 9 month old puppy. Rio has progressed so far, that he now could go into a family home with childen 10+.




Rio and his siblings were rescued from an unsuitable environment in Croatia. Treatment of animals is often not good in that country and dogs are discarded, abandoned and treated very badly. They had been rescued from the street by a kind gentlemen, but he simply didn't have enough money to feed them properly. The mother and puppies were able to roam in the nearby streets to his home.

Rio was one of two puppies attacked, kicked and beaten regularly by people within the community. Why they attacked him and the other pup we don’t know, but we can be very sure it is because they were the smallest and the more nervous of the pups there, and being cowardly as always the attackers saw them as easy targets.  Through their physical and mental strength they survived, but Rio has been left very nervous of people, backing away with his tail between his legs at first from anyone new.

They needed treatment for fleas and ticks, they needed good food and with very little room the gentleman could only keep them in a very small area with just a little shelter .. and as they grew they would jump the fence, desperate for freedom. He would have to catch them though, and put them back in their 'prison' for their safety .. well away from local people who would physically abuse and even kill them.
Rio needs a quiet home, with no young children. He would enjoy the companionship of another calm and gentle dog.

He needs an owner with experience of nervous and frightened dogs, who has the patience to work with Rio and wait for his trust to grow slowly and steadily.  

This gorgeous boy needs a forever home where he can give his love, and get all the love and care he so deserves.






DEFRA Compliant for travel
Clinically examined
Vaccinated: yes (inc. Rabies)
Neutered: yes
Treated for fleas and worms: yes
Microchipped: yes
EU passport: yes