My name is Rufus!

We recently had this handsome boy join our rescue. Rufus is a 2-year-old (on the large size) Yorkie who weighs approximately 18 lbs. He’s lived in a puppy mill all his life and been housed in a barn. As with all the mill dogs we take, he has many new experiences ahead of him. Justifiably, he is a little nervous about being handled, but not aggressive. He is well behaved, friendly, and very affectionate with people. He was recently neutered.

Rufus likes to sleep with his foster parents but will also sleep in a bed beside them. He loves rolling upside down. Stairs are no problem. He has not been walked on a leash yet but loves to run around the backyard.

He's quite the foodie... Rufus eats like he has never seen food before. He has a big appetite and eats Royal Canin Adult canned food with chopped chicken.

Rufus is not 100% housebroken but will use puppy pads (sometimes) and goes outside as well. We use a belly band on him because he sometimes marks. There is another male dog in his foster home so this can be a cause of marking. He will need some time and training.

As noted above, he’s not been handled much and understandably was fearful with being groomed.  He was terribly matted and covered in sawdust shavings when he arrived.  Over the course of a few days our groomer was able to finish his grooming.

He is good with most dogs but doesn’t get along with the male dog in the foster home.  He would be fine as an only dog or with dogs he’s comfortable with. He can bark sometimes when left alone but has not been destructive. He is a bit nocturnal and likes to “party” (run around and play) in the middle of the night.