Meet Richard Dawson. Named after a Hollywood heartthrob, built like a walking serotonin dispenser, and fully convinced the world exists solely to love him back. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you combined a charming 1960s game-show host, a golden retriever’s optimism, and a puppy who wakes up every day genuinely thrilled to exist — congratulations, you’ve just met him. Richard is sweet, happy, and operating under the firm belief that the world is mostly made of friends he simply hasn’t greeted yet. He’s the kind of pup who smiles with his whole body.
Richard is a 4–5-month-old male Border Collie mix with a rescue origin story that includes grit, survival, and narrowly avoiding becoming a snow-covered popsicle. Richard and his siblings were left to fend for themselves — outdoors, on their own, doing their best impression of rugged survivalists despite being… babies. Thankfully, a kind samaritan stepped in and kept them safe as long as they could. Still, they were living outside, and Mother Nature was fully preparing to drop her Arctic weather special complete with bitter cold and a whole lot of snow. Thanks to some amazing foster families, we were able to scoop him and his brothers up right before Mother Nature did her thing. Despite his rough start, Richard is shockingly sweet, happy, and still deeply convinced that people are wonderful and life is good.
Richard likes other dogs. In theory. In spirit. In concept. He just prefers to do his socializing on his own schedule, with appropriate notice, and ideally after he’s decided everyone has earned the privilege. He wants to play, but not in a chaotic free-for-all. He strongly prefers the company of bigger, calmer, more mature dogs — the ones who don’t feel the need to parkour off the couch or yell about nothing. He gravitates toward the old souls. The mentors. The dogs who understand naps, boundaries, and minding their business. So yes, he’s young. Yes, he’s cute. But emotionally? Richard Dawson is already living like a retired gentleman who enjoys the company of sensible adults and has absolutely no interest in raising other people’s children. As for people — Richard is shy at first, because he is a gentleman and not a golden retriever who throws himself at strangers for validation. He likes to observe. Assess. Decide if you are worthy. Once you pass the vibe check, though, he’s all in. As for kids, he hasn’t been around little ones, but given his overall vibe, he’d probably be fine — especially if the kids are the type who understand that not every dog wants to be grabbed like a stuffed animal at Target. Cats? Richard Dawson has not yet participated in a formal Feline Evaluation Program. At this time, cats exist purely as a concept to him — like taxes or parallel parking.
Richard Dawson runs on a 5/10 energy setting. He’s active enough to have fun, chill enough to respect a nap schedule, and absolutely not interested in being a nonstop adrenaline machine. Adventure dog or homebody? Richard is adaptable. He can go places. He can stay home. He can supervise errands or supervise naps. His main requirement is snacks and moral support. Location is negotiable. Temperament-wise, Richard is sweet, happy, and gentle — with a shy, sensitive side that needs a moment to warm up. Once he decides you’re safe, though? Congrats. You’ve been promoted to Trusted Human. Benefits include loyalty, affection, and him quietly choosing you as his emotional support person. Water play? Absolutely not. He would like to be excluded from that storyline entirely. Toys? Yes. Toys are sacred. Toys are life. Housing-wise, Richard Dawson is very flexible and shockingly non-judgmental about square footage. Apartment? Sure. House? Great. Fenced yard? Love that for him. No fence but committed leash walks? Acceptable, as long as you mean it and aren’t lying to yourself.
Richard Dawson is politely potty-training, which means he’s doing his best but still needs a solid schedule and a human who understands that “just vibes” is not an acceptable bathroom plan. He is kennel-trained and totally fine about it. Chewing? Shockingly innocent. He is not destroying shoes, furniture, or your will to live. Barking? He’s a casual commentator. Mostly quiet, but will absolutely join in if the rest of the dogs start a group discussion about nothing. Overall, Richard is a sweet, sensitive pup who started off shy, warmed up beautifully, and continues to improve with routine and structure.
So here’s the deal — if you’re looking for a sweet, sensitive, ridiculously charming heartthrob who just needs a little structure and a lot of love, Richard Dawson is ready for his happily-ever-after. BUT. You cannot simply declare that you want him. This is not a drive-by adoption situation. You must fill out an actual adoption application at https://www.pyrpawsandfluffytailsrescue.com/adoption-app so we can send it to his foster family — because yes, paperwork exists and yes, it matters, even when the puppy is extremely handsome. If approved, you will then need to pick him up in Hutchinson, KS. Richard does not ship. He does not teleport. He does not come with free delivery. This is part of the commitment, and frankly, he’s worth the trip.
