Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Ruckus!
Don't let his name fool you—this handsome mix doesn't raise much of a ruckus at all. Instead, he'll keep you smiling with his playful personality, gentle spirit, and those irresistible puppy-dog eyes that make it impossible to say no.
Ruckus is approximately 2–3 years old, weighs 32 pounds, and has one of the most remarkable rescue stories you'll ever hear.
For months, Ruckus survived on his own after being abandoned across the street from All Pets Considered, a local pet store. He became a familiar sight near the nearby climbing gym, earning the name "Ruckus" from the place he called home during his time on the run. When the caring staff at All Pets Considered realized he was living as a stray, they were determined to help.
An experienced pet trapper spent three weeks trying every trick in the book to convince Ruckus that safety was worth the risk. Time after time, Ruckus outsmarted the trap and stayed just out of reach. But eventually, after watching the trapper faithfully refresh the food each day and learning that not all humans would let him down, Ruckus took a leap of faith. He allowed a leash, and the rest is history.
The moment Ruckus entered rescue, he made it clear he was ready to leave the feral life behind and embrace the life he deserved all along—the "owned and loved" life.
Despite being abandoned and surviving on his own for so long, Ruckus has made tremendous progress in foster care. He's discovered the comfort of a soft dog bed, learned that couches are perfect for movie-night snuggles, and decided that being a beloved house dog is a pretty wonderful gig.
Ruckus absolutely loves other dogs and lives to play. In fact, he will require a canine companion in his forever home to help him feel secure and continue building confidence. He is crate trained, sleeps quietly through the night, and appears fully house trained with a consistent routine. He rides well in the car when secured in a crate or with a safety belt and is learning more every day about what it means to be part of a family.
He currently lives with cats and does well with slow introductions. While he's curious about them, he's also a little unsure and has learned to respect their boundaries.
Ruckus can be shy when meeting new people, but once he trusts you, his sweet and affectionate personality shines. He prefers to stay close to his trusted humans and canine friends and often insists that his foster mom accompany him outside for potty breaks. Watching him learn to trust and seek comfort from the people who love him is truly special.
During a veterinary examination, it was discovered that at some point while surviving on his own, Ruckus likely suffered a minor fracture to his back right leg, possibly from being hit by a car. Thankfully, the injury healed on its own and doesn't seem to bother him physically today. Emotionally, however, the experience left its mark. Ruckus is terrified of moving vehicles and becomes fearful when cars pass by. Because of this, he will need a patient, understanding family committed to helping him continue building confidence and working through those fears.
Due to his history, Ruckus's ideal home will have:
A securely fenced yard with fencing at least 4 feet high
Another friendly, playful dog companion
Adults or older children who understand dog body language and management
Diligent supervision around doors and gates
A commitment to keeping him securely leashed and safely handled outside the home
Because Ruckus is still learning that the world is a safe place, he can be a flight risk if frightened. He can also get a little mouthy and bouncy when playing, so a home without small children is recommended.
What Ruckus needs most is a patient, loving family willing to continue helping him learn obedience, manners, and confidence while showing him the consistency and kindness he's missed for much of his life.
Ruckus is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped.
If you're looking for a loyal companion with a resilient spirit, a playful heart, and a story of survival that will inspire you every day, Ruckus may be the perfect addition to your family. He's already learned how wonderful it is to be loved—now he's just waiting for a forever family to call his own.
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