About Ruger

RUGER'S status has changed to IMMEDIATE NEED. He is at RISK OF EUTHANASIA because his 3-month kennel stay is causing him to digress. Ruger is at a disadvantage for (1) being a working breed that's unpopular in this area; (2) having protective instincts; and (3) having a breed-based need for a human bond. Please share his need asap and if you know of cattle dog people, please share and have them share. We hate to lose him for being a cattle dog with cattle dog behavior. Ruger is quite the looker with his blue merle coat! Ruger is a 6-year old, 55-pound male Australian Cattle Dog, a breed also referred to as a Blue Heeler. Ruger's wonderful 82-year old owner has health challenges that make it difficult to manage such a strong dog. Ruger was well-loved and had been with his current owner his entire life. He is now in immediate need of a new home and is at the Oxford, MA shelter waiting to be adopted. In December, Ruger showed the kennel stress of his 3-month stay. Ruger was being transferred to another facility to have a meet-and-greet with an adoption applicant. During transfer, Ruger bit a kennel worker to cause bruising. The thought is that commotion, change, and strangers triggered him, possibly in a protective response for his regular kennel caretaker. Ruger is very playful, loves to run around, and enjoys catching water coming out of the hose. He is great on/off leash and has excellent recall once trust is built. Ruger loves to play with toys, play fetch, and hang with his favorite people. He knows commands such as sit, stay, down, and go in the crate. Because he is an intelligent working breed, Ruger will need a strong, experienced handler to lead and challenge him. Ruger is crate-trained, house-trained, UTD on shots, non-destructive, and can be alone up to 8 hours. He will be neutered as part of his adoption. He is great in the car, walks well with a harness, and has had training which was regularly reinforced over the years when boarded at the same facility. Ruger can be people-selective and will let you know if he isn't receiving someone well or needs time to 'sniff' them out. He has a preference for the ladies over men and enjoys his time with older children. Ruger does bark at strangers and is protective of his home and family as that is the nature of his breed. Ruger lived with a mature puggle when he was younger and they got along well, though he has not been socialized with other dogs. Ruger has not shown any aggression towards the dogs at the kennel. He lived with cats but knew them for years. To avoid any issues, we want him to have a cat-free home. The best home for Ruger would include a couple or family with older children ages 13+, a mature fur sibling, and someone willing to allow him time to adjust. No apartments, yard needed. No cats. Ruger had been a loyal companion who was well cared for and he'd surely love to continue this way of life in a new home. Ruger is a special guy looking for a special family. Does that sound like you? If so please apply at https://tiny.cc/ARK-Application

Essex County
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930