About Rio

Foster Update 4/17/24: We always believed that April would be the time that Rio would be ready to find his forever family! He is growing in confidence and now walking city parks with enthusiasm! We get an occasional bark when a scary dog might be approaching but Rio can be redirected and told that everything is fine. Bikers, skaters, walkers- all okay! (He doesn't want strangers petting him though.) Rio does walk with his support foster brother but is not glued to him. Hopefully we'll get a photo soon of his newest accomplishment- he's starting to put his head out of the car window on rides to the park! Are you the family he's been waiting for? Foster Update 3/24/24: Look who's going for leashed walks now! Yeah, Rio! And he jumps into the car once he figures out that it's time to go to the quiet secluded park where we walk. This doesn't mean it's simple but he is making progress every day. He now lets his foster mom know when someone else is getting more attention than him and he's tired of waiting for his turn. Things he loves- belly rubs, any kind of dog treats, his favorite rubber ball, his foster siblings. Things that concern him- fast movements, people he doesn't know yet as not all people have been kind, waiting for dinner when he can hear food being prepared, those darn deer that lurk under our bird feeders (they just don't belong there!) And waiting for his forever family to give him a chance. Rio does need an experienced patient family who can continue to help him heal and move forward. He needs support to reach his potential but he is trying every day! ********** Foster Update 2/26/24: Rio is looking for his forever family! We know he has special needs but are convinced that he will flourish with the right family. He does need support though. Since our last update, Rio has started on anti anxiety medication. It has decreased his barking by 75%. Now he mainly barks to alert us when anything is happening in the yard including the persistent presence of his archenemies - white tail deer and Amazon delivery trucks. The meds don't decrease his ability to leap for frisbees or chase his foster brothers but they help make scary experiences a little easier. And Rio has begun walking on a double leash alongside his foster brother in our rural setting. It's not easy for him but the beginning of the walk is the hardest. Once we get moving, he will investigate the new sights and smells. But he'd really rather stay at home. Rio is most scared during transitions and will accept a change in situation as long as we stay calm and keep moving forward with whatever needs to happen (including baths!) He will need time to transition successfully to new people and new activities. But the investment in him will be worth it. He is affectionate and sweet once he gets to know you. Rio is looking for an adult only setting where people are home most of the day. He needs a fenced yard and a good frisbee. And his family needs to be patient. He does not crate except at meal times when he will now assertively bark to be put into his crate to eat right away! He respects baby gates and needs another confident dog with him. He cannot be an only dog. He sleeps loose in his foster parents' bedroom and but would prefer the bed to sleeping on the floor. He wants to be with people who love him. If you have room in your family for a loyal but anxious companion, Rio might be the friend that you're looking for. Requirements: *Another medium to large, confident dog in adoptive home *No children *Physical fence required *Cats unknown *Cannot be crated *Date of birth: 9/21/22 ************** Meet Rio! He's a 1 year old purebred golden retriever who came to GRRoIowa from a breeder. He was the last in his litter and gifted to a family friend, but after a few days, he was surrendered back to the breeder. We're not sure what happened during those few days, but Rio came back fearful and skittish. The breeder asked if we could take Rio, help him learn that humans aren't so scary, and find him a loving home. Rio is very happy with his small world but his foster family is working on trying to expose him to new experiences despite his preference to just stay safe and secure. Potential families have inquired about Rio but haven't been the right fit. Rio has specific needs at this time. Due to past experiences, Rio panics when crated. This shows in him becoming very assertive that he is not going to be crated. His foster family doesn't know what caused this in the past but are working with this reaction and Rio can be crated during mealtimes now. Rio has free roam of a few rooms while left alone with the other dogs and behaves well. Rio cannot go for car rides or leashed walks yet but he loves playing in the yard with his family and wrestling in the house. Rio cannot be placed in a family with young children. Only experienced people who understand abused dogs can be considered as Rio needs time to trust. He can adapt though if he likes you. He

Contact

Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa
Story County
Nevada, Iowa

319-214-0034 [email protected] https://grroiowa.org/adoption-information/

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