Poodle Standard * Golden Retriever * Spayed/Neutered * Male * 2 Years Old

Profile:

**This animal is behind the scenes and cannot be viewed during animal viewing hours.**

HOW DID RIVER GET HERE?
River was transferred in from another rescue and is now looking for a patient, experienced home that can help him continue building trust and confidence at his own pace.

PERSONALITY:
- Sensitive and underconfident, but slowly gaining confidence every day
- Prefers to create space rather than confront things when worried - more of a freeze or flight type of guy
- Is beginning to enjoy spending time with his people, especially outside
- Starting to accept pets and affection
- Loves wet food and liver treats!
- Still learning how to play and be a dog
- Very fearful in busy or unfamiliar environments
- Has significant anxiety and can panic when overwhelmed
- For River, safety and management will be extremely important as he is a flight risk.
- Sensitive to leash pressure and may pull back or attempt to escape when frightened
- Will need support with house training in his forever home
- Will thrive with calm routines, predictability, patience, and gentle reinforcement
- Smart and observant, but needs time to feel secure before he's ready to learn

WHAT TYPE OF HOME IS RIVER LOOKING FOR?
- An experienced, patient home familiar with fearful or anxious dogs
- Adult-only home (18+)
- A calm, quiet household that is very consistent!
- A securely fenced yard is required for River
- No condos, apartments, busy streets, or shared entrances
- A home committed to strict management for his safety due to his flight risk
- Multiple layers of management in the home (baby gates, double doors, secure transitions, etc.)
- Could live with a well matched dog, in fact a calm, confident dog maybe really help River learn the ropes!
- Dog-savvy cats could potentially be considered with very slow introductions and careful management
- A very understanding home who knows that progress may be slow, but will be incredibly rewarding
- A home excited to continue training and confidence building!

River is currently receiving behavioural medication support, including Clomipramine, Gabapentin, and Melatonin, to help manage his anxiety and stress levels while he learns to feel safe. Any medication changes should be discussed with a veterinarian, and his adopters should be prepared to continue supporting his behavioural needs both medically and behaviourally. A starter supply of these medication will be sold to River's adopters. He is also taking a probiotic daily to help with his GI health!

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Application Review Process: Every application for River will be thoughtfully reviewed, and the best match for his needs will be selected.

Complete Applications: Please ensure your application is fully completed, as decisions are based solely on the details provided.

Timely Updates: All applicants will be notified of the outcome, whether River finds his forever home or you're the next in line.

High Adoption Demand: Due to overwhelming interest, we're unable to offer dog viewing appointments or respond to general inquiries.

Resources Available: All details about the adoption process, fees, and FAQs can be found on our website for your convenience.

Though he may be a doodle, River is a different kind! He has had a hard start to life and really needs a family who will let progress run on "River time". He is a gentle, sensitive boy who is still learning that he can trust people and developing an understanding on what it means to be a dog. If you have patience, positivity, and peace in your home and can support River in feeling safe and finding his footing, apply to adopt him today!