Posted 6 days ago | Updated 5 days ago
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Meet the Pet
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Take the Pet Home
Looking for a kind, intelligent, and exuberant little companion? Rizzo might just be your guy!
Rizzo lives for kindness, treats, and your approval. He adores head rubs and neck scritches and is just discovering that tummy rubs are also an option. More than almost anything, he truly appreciates a gentle touch and a kind word.
He gets along great with other dogs but would love a rough-and-ready playmate—no old fuddy-duddies who prefer snoozing in the sun all day. That said, if his friends aren’t in the mood to play, Rizzo is perfectly happy entertaining himself with his beloved stuffies to his heart’s content.
This little guy is smart as a whip, especially when treats are involved. “What was that you need me to do?” Yes sir—on it! Now where are the snacks? His intelligence paired with his food motivation will make him a breeze to train, and I’d bet he’d excel at fun, athletic tricks involving leaping, twisting, and showing off his skills.
Speaking of athleticism—Rizzo would love to jump straight up and snag the treat from your hand, but he’s quickly learned that sitting quietly and offering an intense, piercing stare is the fastest path to rewards. He does a convincing impression of a Very Good Boy who would never jump on someone just for a snack.
Rizzo gets bursts of energy that include toy-tossing, enthusiastic tug games, a bit of fetch (very ADD-style), zoomies, and occasional boundary-testing (take a look at this video and this video). Thankfully, these spurts are short-lived, and he crashes hard afterward. He listens well to direction, and simply saying his name is enough to get his attention—after all, the next instruction might involve treats. He’s endlessly entertaining and keeps us laughing daily.
He doesn’t mind his crate and goes in willingly with a little treat encouragement, though he’d prefer having a human or dog friend nearby. Being left completely alone is no one’s favorite, right? That said, he’s not an escape artist and settles nicely in his crate, especially with a good bone or chew.
Despite his short coat, Rizzo tolerates the cold well and even seems to enjoy it. He loves wandering the yard, sniffing everything, and would happily go on long sniff-walks—second only to his love of treats.
Rizzo hasn’t spent time around kids yet, and his enthusiastic nature may be a bit much for little ones. He can jump and get mouthy when excited, so a home with older kids would likely be the best fit.
Rizzo needs a bit of refinement, but he has a good, honest soul and all the try in the world. With a kind, understanding person who will challenge his sharp mind, laugh at his antics, and earn his trust, he’ll absolutely shine.
If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.
To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.
*Rescue puppies are notorious for losing their birth certificates before entering our rescue. We cannot guarantee the breed or size they will be full grown.*
If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.
Looking for a kind, intelligent, and exuberant little companion? Rizzo might just be your guy!
Rizzo lives for kindness, treats, and your approval. He adores head rubs and neck scritches and is just discovering that tummy rubs are also an option. More than almost anything, he truly appreciates a gentle touch and a kind word.
He gets along great with other dogs but would love a rough-and-ready playmate—no old fuddy-duddies who prefer snoozing in the sun all day. That said, if his friends aren’t in the mood to play, Rizzo is perfectly happy entertaining himself with his beloved stuffies to his heart’s content.
This little guy is smart as a whip, especially when treats are involved. “What was that you need me to do?” Yes sir—on it! Now where are the snacks? His intelligence paired with his food motivation will make him a breeze to train, and I’d bet he’d excel at fun, athletic tricks involving leaping, twisting, and showing off his skills.
Speaking of athleticism—Rizzo would love to jump straight up and snag the treat from your hand, but he’s quickly learned that sitting quietly and offering an intense, piercing stare is the fastest path to rewards. He does a convincing impression of a Very Good Boy who would never jump on someone just for a snack.
Rizzo gets bursts of energy that include toy-tossing, enthusiastic tug games, a bit of fetch (very ADD-style), zoomies, and occasional boundary-testing (take a look at this video and this video). Thankfully, these spurts are short-lived, and he crashes hard afterward. He listens well to direction, and simply saying his name is enough to get his attention—after all, the next instruction might involve treats. He’s endlessly entertaining and keeps us laughing daily.
He doesn’t mind his crate and goes in willingly with a little treat encouragement, though he’d prefer having a human or dog friend nearby. Being left completely alone is no one’s favorite, right? That said, he’s not an escape artist and settles nicely in his crate, especially with a good bone or chew.
Despite his short coat, Rizzo tolerates the cold well and even seems to enjoy it. He loves wandering the yard, sniffing everything, and would happily go on long sniff-walks—second only to his love of treats.
Rizzo hasn’t spent time around kids yet, and his enthusiastic nature may be a bit much for little ones. He can jump and get mouthy when excited, so a home with older kids would likely be the best fit.
Rizzo needs a bit of refinement, but he has a good, honest soul and all the try in the world. With a kind, understanding person who will challenge his sharp mind, laugh at his antics, and earn his trust, he’ll absolutely shine.
If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.
To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.
*Rescue puppies are notorious for losing their birth certificates before entering our rescue. We cannot guarantee the breed or size they will be full grown.*
If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.
Submit Application
Your application simply shows that you are interested in an animal; it is not a binding contract.
Meet the Pet
Your chosen animal’s foster home will reach out to you to discuss the pet you are interested in. If applicable, schedule a meet and greet!
Sign Adoption Contract
An Applications team member will send the electronic adoption contract to you to be signed. They will also request adoption fee payment.
Take the Pet Home
Once adoption agreement and payment are complete, you take your new pet home!
