This handsome, teenage Doberboy is a total goofball! He’s as good looking as you could want, loaded with energy, and full of enthusiasm about anything and everything.
He came to us from a loving home where his human was facing health challenges. Here’s how the mother describes it:
“Our daughter recently received a health diagnosis that will require us to be out of the home a lot. This plus work means we will not be home enough to provide Rafe with the amount of love and activity that he needs. It‘s not fair to him to keep him in his crate all day and all night, when all he wants is to run and snuggle with his people. He is the BEST boy - so loving and cuddly, wants so much to make you happy and tries so hard to listen. He’s VERY active, loves to be outside, and runs lap around the yard. He knows to sit, wait, down (lie down), and give paw on command. He particularly loves to work on ‘‘sit and wait‘‘ (practicing recall) His favorite toys are a rope toy and cloth animals without stuffing. If he has any flaws, it‘s that he likes socks a LOT and will try to steal them and run away with them! He just wants to be close to you constantly. We are going to miss him so much.”
Clearly the family has a lot of love for this sweetie, and we only hope the best for the family as they focus on their unexpected medical journey.
Observations from our volunteers:
“What a playful pup this is! When I first met him I didn’t know what to think. He was in the inside and barked as soon as I got near to him. Turns out this was just a reaction to being scared and in a new environment. I went up to the playground where he was and sat on one of the benches. After talking to him for a bit he eventually came close enough to sniff me, then finally let me pet him. After that we were buddies and he’d follow me wherever I went and come up to me, wanting to play. Once he gets the “zoomies,” you better watch out that he doesn’t knock you over! If he ever did, he’d come running over a try to cover you with kisses!”
“Rafe is a total sweetheart! When he first came out and saw us three volunteers at Elijah’s House, he looked stressed and scared. He had no idea what was going on or if he was safe. Since the best defense can look like offense, he barked vigorously. But Carol showed us how to enter the play area with some treats (he’s very food motivated), to sit quietly while showing the treats, and to wait for him to come to us. He slowly approached and took the treats, and it was as if something clicked in his mind – he realized he wasn’t in immediate danger. But he was still cautious, though he let me pet him and enjoyed it. And after a minute or so of attention and petting, it was as if he decided that we were safe so he was safe. I could sense a great load of stress pouring off his body like water. He became a different dog. He ran around with joy, came up to us for attention, investigated whatever we were working on. And when we left his play area, he howled for us to come back. He just wants to feel safe and loved. Don’t we all.”
"Rafe is another exuberant youngster who has found his way to DRT. Still learning what is acceptable behavior versus being a wild child but he isn‘t too far away from figuring it out. The important thing is that he wants to please. Dobes are super smart so I have full confidence he will pick it up very quickly. One thing I find cute about Rafe is that when he shakes his tail, he shakes his entire backside. I love Rafe socially as he enjoys people and the attention he gets when in a group. He has all the makings of a tag along dog because you will just enjoy his company and you will quickly realize how special it makes him feel to be included. Rafe has every intention to be a family member as opposed to just a pet!"
This looks like the total package to me: youth, enthusiasm, good looks, energy, eagerness to learn, love for his humans - some guidance and completing his training will surely result in a loving, loyal companion for many years to come. If you think your home and family may be a match, follow the sequence: apply, acceptance, appointment, arrive, acquaint, away. Don’t be slow; some fortunate family will be gone with him in a flash. |
