About Rafiki

Name: Rafiki Sex: Male Spayed/Neutered: Yes Breed: Poodle (Standard) (long coat) Weight: 42.14 lb Height: in Estimated Birthdate: Fence Needed: Yes Location: Dreamweaver Farms, Pacolet SC Adoption Fee:$499 Date into Rescue: 8/18/2019 Reason for being in rescue: Rafiki was found as a stray and taken to a local NC shelter. CPR pulled him from the shelter. Special Needs: Rafiki walks with an interesting gait for unknown reasons. This could be from an extended period of neglect. What kind of home would be best for me: Rafiki is not a dog for a first time owner. He is a young boy but has done hard time on the streets. He is used to playing by his rules and does not like to be told otherwise. Rafiki's ideal owner is an experienced and patient standard poodle owner. He would benefit from another large dog in the house to learn from and play with. Rafiki cannot be in a home with cats or small dogs. He is also not a dog for a home with children. He needs calm and consistent. What is my personality like: Rafiki is named after the character in the Lion King. Like the Disney character, Rafiki has an outward personality that is eccentric and somewhat goofy. But a look deeper into this boy's eyes will show you a dog with a huge heart, a caring soul and a strong desire to make deep connections. Rafiki arrived at Dreamweaver Farms a mess. He was at least 15 pounds underweight, deeply matted, and fearful of many new experiences. It took 3 days before he could hold down food. And almost 2 weeks before the light returned to his eyes. Through this all, Rafiki watched. He watched his caregivers. He watched the dogs around him. And he learned the routine. Rafiki was found wandering the streets and had likely been there for a while. Food and grooming were far removed. But it is clear he was once someone's pet. This beautiful boy walks great on a leash, is crate trained, and gets along well with other large dogs. Rafiki has not had much experience riding in cars and his behavior in a car needs work. He will chase cats and small dogs. Rafiki has a gentle spirit, but time on the streets has toughened him. He will growl if he is startled or does not want to do something. He is going to take time and patience to work with him and teach him that his owners will lead with kind and gentle hands. For the lucky family that spends the time, Rafiki will give his entire heart. How do I act when I first meet new people: Cautious but friendly. Rafiki is not a dog that you can just approach with open arms. If you sit and wait he will come to you and nudge you gently. If he is approached without warning he will growl in fear. Tips and Tidbits: Rafiki is estimated at 2 years old. House trained: Dogs can be house trained if they are in the right environment and are allowed to follow a schedule as long as a physical reason doesn't keep them from being trained. A dog house trained in my home may not be in yours. We will help you teach your new dog this necessary skill and based on your schedule.

Cherokee County
South Carolina