My name is Ari!

Hi! I’m Ari — my friends call me R-Dog. I'm a 3 year old German Shepherd with just a sprinkle of Doberman — the perfect combo if you ask me! It's what gives me my sleek black coat, svelte shape, and tan-tipped toes (which I think are very fancy). Oh, and these ginormous ears? They’re my best feature! I think I’m pretty cute, don’t you?

I'm a very playful girl and can get quite silly. My friends are always laughing when we play and I love being the center of my person's attention! One of favorite things is getting brushed, my nails done, a nice bath - you know, spa day. I'm a very affectionate young girl and would love to spend my days with you just being friends. I just love being with my people. Whether we’re hanging out at home or playing in the yard, I’m in. If you happen to have a pond or even a wading pool, my life is complete. Maybe add a little fetch time and watch me bounce the ball.....

If we do go on walks, I mostly mind my own business. I am not the social butterfly some dogs are and prefer to just walk along with my person, smelling all the wonderful smells my nose can absorb. If there happens to be water nearby, hold on, I will need to soak my feet and maybe just take a quick dip. I LOVE water, even mud puddles can be fun for me. And squirrels and rabbits - were they not put on this world for me to chase?

I sound like the perfect girl, don't I? Well, I do have some things we need to talk about. I can have a little stranger danger. Not always but it's there. I'm not quite sure why as I've never been hurt but some people just scare me and I bark at them. You see, I didn't have the best first year. The family that adopted me lost interest when the babies came and my dad had to travel for work. I wasn't adored anymore and was left alone in the back yard with my cat friend. It was really hard for me as I wanted to be a social girl, go on walks, meet people and see new things. When my rescue finally got me back at a year old, I was a bit confused and really had no idea what to do in the world. I do try really hard to be my best dog self and if we are buds we are buds for life. If you do have strangers over, just give me a safe place to hang out until they leave and I'm fine. So we are clear, I'm NOT an aggressive girl. I have NEVER even thought about nipping a person.

Because I wasn't socialized during that first year when it's really important it can be hard for me to be with other dogs. I really LOVE to play with other dogs but when I get really excited, I don't quite know what to do and my dog language is often misunderstood. If the other dog tries to tell me "enough", I can take it wrong and that's not my best feature. I can easily be with other dog friends on leash though, as long as my person is controlling the situation. I usually don't pay much attention to stranger dogs walking by but if one happens to give me the hairy eyeball or too much sass, I get defensive and might bark and carry on a bit — I’m working on it! 

I have to admit there are some noises that make me nervous, too, like those really big trucks and those beeping sounds they make. Loud booms (bird cannons) scare me to and I just want to go to my crate and be safe. I love my crate!  I do like going for car rides but still get a bit nervous at times and want to curl up on the front seat or floor. If you have a crate in your car, I’m just as happy riding that way too.

I don't really want to bark at anyone or other dogs but I can't help it sometimes. I really do try hard and I'm a smart girl. I LOVE my people friends and love hanging out with them. I'm looking for that special person that wants a life long companion and a best friend. Someone to go on quiet walks, maybe has a yard we can do some gardening in and I can play ball a bit. Someone that understands I love water and will buy me a wading pool. Someone that understands I get scared sometimes and will have my back. A place I can feel safe and go to when things get scary. A gentle soul, like me. If you are still reading this and think I may be just what you need, come meet me. I know you are out there somewhere and I will be here until we find each other.   

You like this dog...now what? Please take 3-4 minutes and complete our application form at:  https://petstablished.com/adoption_form/42179/generic.  Our adoption team will quickly contact you by phone or email (watch your spam please) to see if it's a match!.  If you are already approved to adopt, please contact your Adoption Counselor and they will help you set up a meeting. 

You can also sponsor Ari by clicking here. Your name will appear on this page as Ari’s sponsor and your donation will help pay for food, treats, toys, supplements and medical expenses. Ari thanks you!

BAGSR is always in need of fosters. There is an overwhelming number of dogs who need our help and the more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save. BAGSR covers expenses, including food. Fosters provide the love and a soft place to crash.
https://petstablished.com/foster_form/42405/generic