Ruger - 3 years old

We are very lucky that Ruger landed in the foster spot that he did. His "dad" has very large breed experience, is confident, and has the time to devote to Ruger, to help him be the best version of himself.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to see this dog and not want to stop and meet him or ask questions about him. In fact, it happened while we were walking him around the local school this afternoon. A woman actually asked to pat him and take his photo to show her family. Ruger was happy to oblige.

His good looks are certainly his appeal... But it's important to remember that he is a very large dog, at over 100 lbs. Ruger isn't for everyone. He's one that, if placed in the wrong home, will find himself back in rescue. And we cannot have that happening to him.

Ruger is a working boy. He WANTS a job. He THRIVES when his mind and body are being challenged. He is not a boy that will be be happy simply laying on the couch all day. Long walks, ball playing, and positive based training MUST be a part of his every day routine. He is sooooo smart, so to deny him what he loves, would be downright cruel and would most certainly result in Ruger taking many steps in the wrong direction.

He needs a confident human to walk through life with. Don't let that marshmallow mush face fool ya... Give this boy an inch and he'll be talking the whole mile and running with it. Speaking of running, Ruger is FAST. He may be big boned, but he's got some get up and GOOOOOOOOOOOOO. That energy must be drained.

He walks well on leash, doesn't seem to be reactive to other dogs passing by, and just kind of takes it all in. He is crate trained, but is not left crated for long periods of time. A few hours here and there, and then it's back to "work" doing all the things that Ruger enjoys. He knows all of his commands and executes them well.

His foster dad is doing all he can to expose Ruger to the big wide world out there, that he wasn't exposed to prior to rescue. The little bubble that he lived in, did him no favors. At 3 years old, he has to learn to trust and feel confident in new situations, and his foster dad is excellent at exposing him to those new situations while making sure that Ruger feels safe. He's been to visit his senior friends at the Assisted Living Facility quite a few times, and he does very well. He rides great in the car and enjoys being with his human(s). He sleeps on his dog bed at night, is fully housebroken, and does not get on furniture.

Ruger's forever home is out there and we will find it. We wish we could clone his foster dad (and mom). Their structure, confidence, patience, and love is what he needed and will continue to need once he's adopted.

So, if you're big breed savvy, would love a boxer to bond with over positive training and exercise, don't mind an extra appendage with jowls for days, and you the have the time and patience to devote to Ruger, he could be your guy.

OTHER DOGS? No. Ruger was surrendered for fighting with the other resident dogs (resource guarding around food with them). We will not put him with other dogs, but he doesn't seem to have any reactivity to seeing them while out an about.

CATS? No

KIDS? We think he'd be best in an adult only home or maybe teens would be ok. He just has no history with littles.

FENCED in YARD? Most ideal BUT more importantly, Ruger needs actual physical exercise in the form of walks/training. A romp in the yard is not going to cut it.

TRAINING? Yep... His new human or family must love it as much as he does. It's his vibe and he's in his element when he's got stuff to do.