He's a clown, he's a lover, he's gentle, and he's a world champion snuggler. Rolo has a heart full of love, and he just wiggles with joy when his special someone comes home.
HISTORY
Rolo is part of the Cocoapup litter - five very young babies who were dumped on a country road near Prosser, in Eastern Washington, in early September 2023. A rescuer took them in and called on HART for help. We were able to place them in a foster home, and they have been in foster care ever since.
The breed mix of dumped puppies is always a "best guess" situation. However, based on their appearance and temperament and supported by a DNA test an adopter did on the Cocoapup they took home (who is almost the spitting image of Rolo), we're confident that mama is a Doberman. The DNA test indicated papa is a Husky/Malamute mix.
Rolo is located in Pasco, Eastern Washington. We post our dogs as located in other cities in order to optimize their chances of finding a great home. These dogs are totally worth a road trip! However, if necessary we will transport them to an approved home anywhere within the Pacific Northwest.
SOCIALIZATION
Socializing these dogs since their rescue has been a long, slow process, because they were in very poor physical health when we took them in, and that slowed their social development. Rolo has made huge strides in building confidence and learning to accept new people and situations, but he needs an adoptive family that will continue patiently working with him.
With people he knows Rolo is a happy, affectionate pup. He takes a while to warm up to strangers, but treats help! He's looking for an adopter who is willing to continue socializing him and building his confidence.
He hasn't been around children while in our care, but we believe he'd do well with kind children aged around 10 or older. He's a gentle boy and we'd trust him with younger children, but he'd likely find typical kid energy overwhelming.
Rolo shares his foster home with several other dogs, and gets on well with all of them. He often initiates play, but respects their boundaries. We believe he'd do best in a home with another laid back, friendly doggo to show him the ropes and help him fit in - and, of course, to be a playmate.
There are four cats in Rolo's foster home, and he pretty much ignores them. He will do well in a home with a confident, dog-savvy cat. He has also shared a foster home with ducks and chickens, and he showed no sign of any prey drive.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOR
Rolo would enjoy life with an active family. He's a mellow, laid-back pup who knows how to relax and do nothing, but he does need daily exercise, play and stimulation. If you don't give this boy enough of a workouthe will entertain himself! He loves to dig - if there's a fishpond or a swimming pool in your landscaping plans, Rolo would love to help!
Once he's had his workout, he is a snugglebug deluxe! Rolo's favorite place in the world is up on the couch, cuddled up close to his foster mom and soaking up as many pets as she's willing to dish out. However he isn't needy - when you're working at your computer or busy with chores, he's content simply to stay close by and watch you.
He enjoys a good chew, especially on a good juicy bone, and he's pretty good at knowing what's his to chew and what's yours to leave alone. He loves stuffies and squeaky toys, and usually takes a while to destroy them. For active play, nothing beats a good zoomie - alone or with a friend. He also loves rough play with the other dogs - tag, tug, you name it, he's up for it.
Rolo rarely barks unless the other dogs get him going. That said, he's very vocal - his one Husky character trait! He has opinions and likes to express them, and when he's sad and lonely he'll tell you about that too.
TRAINING
He is reliably house-trained and will tell you when he wants to go outside. He's crate trained and is used to being crated at night or when his foster mom is away from home. He's not yet ready to be loose unsupervised in your home. However, his house manners are generally pretty good.
This boy is very smart and highly trainable. He responds well to correction, is treat-motivated, and loves to learn. However, he still has a lot to learn. His recall is iffy - sometimes he'll come, sometimes he's busy. He's still learning to be comfortable on a leash, but he tends to pull. He knows "sit" and is learning "no" and "leave it".
However, in many ways Rolo is still a puppy. He can be bouncy and clumsy, and is still learning not to jump up on people. He likes to dig in the yard - seriously, if you think your house might be sitting on oil, he's the dog for you, but if you're passionate about your garden, he probably isn't right now. In other words, like most adolescents he still has lessons to learn about being a civilized family member.
PHYSICAL & HEALTH STATUS
Based on their teeth and the fact that they could barely lap water, we estimate that the Cocoapups were maybe six weeks old when we took them in. We have assigned them July 23, 2023 as their birthday.
Rolo is in good overall health, and have been neutered, vaccinated, treated for intestinal parasites, and microchipped. We expect him to weigh around 75-80 lbs when full-grown.
ADOPTION INFORMATION
The Cocoapups are living in a private home, and will be available to meet you after your adoption application has been approved. Please email HearthfireART@gmail.com to request an adoption application form.
For more pictures of the Cocoapups, please see their Facebook albums at https://www.facebook.com/HearthfireAnimalRescueTeam
