About Rio

Foster Update 8/20/24: Rio has had quite a summer playing with his foster family, still leaping for frisbees, and loving walks in the park except when we encounter new dogs and people that we don't know�'�| Helping a dog with special needs is not always a straight path. It's often a two steps forward, one step back dance. Rio shows difficulty in new situations. He wisely doesn't trust all people or dogs and can quickly become overstimulated. His anti anxiety meds help but he doesn't make transitions easily and we are working to expose him to new environments. With this in mind, we ask prospective families to be willing to meet multiple times with Rio so he can get to know you and your dog in a gradual manner. Once he knows you're trustworthy, he's a great companion but you need to earn his trust. He will do best in a permanent home with one dog companion who wants to play hard and even wrestle at times and folks who are home quite a bit. He loves the company! We currently leave him home for several hours with our dogs but do make sure that we put away anything that might look tasty before we go. While we share his challenges with you, you should also know that he has a heart of gold. He hates being scolded and wants to make us happy but sometimes it's just hard for him. He is the happiest pup every morning upon waking and thrilled to see us come home each day. He lives for the possibility of going on a walk through the park or just a car ride where he can sniff the world as it goes by. He now runs to the door instead away from it when he thinks we might reach for his leash. He will make a wonderful best friend for the right person! 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 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. H

Contact

Golden Retriever Rescue of Iowa
Story County
Nevada, Iowa

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

Call Now Email