My name is Richie!

Looking for an active companion who can keep up with you for fun on the go? So is Richie! This mighty mutt is looking for love in a fun-filled, energetic household. Richie's an athletic boy who loves belly rubs and playing tug-o-war! Once he's tuckered out, Richie will climb right into your lap for a cuddle session.

Poor Richie has been at A.D.O.P.T. for over 650 days (since July 2014). Because he's pretty much grown up in a shelter, he missed out on a lot of the typical learning experiences that doggies have in a home setting. He's such an active, social dog that it's hard to give him the level of exercise and one-on-one attention he needs in a shelter environment, so he can be pretty over-the-top excited when he finally gets it! He responds well to training, but will need an adopter who is comfortable with his rough-and-tumble ways until he settles in, learns how to be polite and gentle (even when he's super excited), and figures out how to be a canine companion to his new best friend.

Richie needs a special, loving family who understands positive reinforcement training (no pinch collars, shock collars, can of rocks, yelling, etc please) and is looking to tackle a training project! He might be a bull in a china shop, but he's lovable and oh-so-worth it. This boy has been so patient in waiting for his forever family to find him, and deserves all the love, cuddling, and tennis ball throwing you have to offer!

Richie was born in July of 2013 and weighs about 75lbs. Please no apartments or condos.

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How I came to ADOPT Pet Shelter: I grew up living in somebody's garage in Western Illinois, and then the nice people from ADOPT rescued me! I've been here for almost two years- longer than any other dog in the place. I've made lots of friends along the way, and I'm pretty sure I'm the favorite around here (but don't tell any of the other dogs; I don't want to make them jealous)!

My best trait is... my enthusiasm and my loyalty. I'm also a pretty phenomenal ball player- I love fetch & can carry 3 tennis balls in my mouth at a time! I might be big and crazy, but I still love a good cuddle- I like to grab my favorite toy and come lie in your lap while I chew on it. I'm doing AWESOME at going on walks (I almost never pull anymore)! I promise to be the best friend you've ever had- just give me a chance!

I need... a family who is dog-savvy and very patient. I've never lived in a home, so I don't know a lot of the "house rules" like the other dogs. I'm super smart and want to be a good boy, but it'll probably take me a while to figure out when/where/what to chew on, pee on, and jump on! Positive reinforcement is the training I respond best to, so I need a family who understands & is committed to this style of training!

My dream home... is a single-family home with a nice big yard with lots of privacy, an endless supply of tennis balls, and humans who have lots of patience & time for training. My biggest wish is for a family who will stay in touch with my best friend, Leanne (she's also my trainer)! She really knows me and can help my new family understand me and help me learn to be a great housedog.

Here's how I'm doing with...

...Cats: I'd rather be a solo pet. I get worried about somebody getting close to my things (especially my food and bones), so a curious cat would be too invasive for me to be comfortable. I'm also really prone to chasing, and your kitties probably wouldn't enjoy being chased by a giant like me!

...Dogs: I mean no harm, but I'm a big strong guy who likes to play hard! I'm too rough for most dogs, and I might accidentally injure or scare another pup (even the rough and tumble players). I also don't like sharing my stuff. I'm a nice guy, but I shouldn't live with other dogs or go to the dog park.

...Kids: I might be a big guy, but honestly, I'm kind of afraid of kids! I've never been around them, so I'm just not sure what to make of them. I'll cower a little bit and do my "big scary bark" so they'll stay away. I'd like a home where I don't have to run into them unless we want to!

...Housetraining: I'm a little embarassed to say I'm not just not housetrained... I have no idea what housetraining even is! I've never lived in a house before, so I have no concept of "not peeing in the house." Please be patient and teach me how?

If you have questions about our dogs or adoption process, the quickest way to get more information is to call our front desk at 630-355-2299. You can also visit us online at www.adoptpetshelter.org and look under the Adoptions menu or email our adoption counselors at dogquestions@adoptpetshelter.org

The first step of the process is to stop by our shelter anytime during adoption hours to meet the animals and talk with an adoption counselor to find the pet who’s the right fit for your family. After selecting an animal to adopt, the adoption counselor can place the pet “on hold” for you for a couple of days while we process your application; we’ll talk to your references, have our medical team review the pet’s file to make sure they’ve had all their vaccines & have been microchipped, and tie up any loose ends to get the animal ready to go home. After you’ve been approved, we’ll call to schedule a time for you to pick up your new pet!

(If you currently have a dog, we would ask that you please leave them at home during your initial visit. Once you've picked out an animal and placed a hold, the adoption counselor will help you schedule an appointment to come back with your dog for an introduction at a later time).

Our shelter is located at 420 Industrial Drive in Naperville, IL, and our adoption hours are:

Monday & Wednesday: Closed
Tuesday 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Thank you!

-A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter