MEET:

RUFUS
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HOW DO I ADOPT?
STATE:  ME
AGE:  3 yrs old
DOB:   5/5/06
WEIGHT:  56 lbs 
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Soon  
COAT COLOR:  Fawn/white
DOCKED TAIL:  Yes  
CROPPED EARS: No
CHILDREN UNDER 4: Yes
CHILDREN OVER 4:  Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY: 
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS:   Yes
CRATE TRAINED: ?
HOUSE TRAINED:  Yes 
LEASH TRAINED:  Some 
OBEDIENCE TRAINED:  Some
MICROCHIPPED: ?
ADOPTION FEE: $300
UPDATE 7/18/10 - I am late getting Rufus updated.  He is doing great.  We completed 12 weeks of obedience training and he did very well. It was a smaller setting with only 3 or 4 dogs at a time.
Some new issues surface with the end of winter.  I began to notice that Rufus did not like being outdoors -- he much prefered staying inside.  This was much more obvious when the walking weather began.  Rufus showed some fear and timidity any time we extend out walk beyond his familiar boundaries.  Loud noises and large vehicles are particularly scary to him.  So we have noticed a lot more pulling on the leash. I contacted a trainer and we have had one private lesson with a seconde one scheduled.  She was able to give me some good advice as to how to handle stressful situations.  I have also joined a dog walking club which gives Rufus a chance to walk in a different area.  I have only done 2 weeks of this so I can't really say if it is making a difference.  I do think that constant work - taking small steps and not setting the bar too high is helpful.  Rufus is a great dog - loves all people and dogs as well.  Really happy to have him.

UPDATE 2/22/10 - Rufus is wonderful.  He has filled out now and looks even more handsome.  He will complete his first obedience course on Wednesday -- we will probably sign up for the Beginner's II.  He is the only male with 3 females, one of which is Cousin Abby. Rufus was the first and only of our 6 boxers to do a Sit/Stay whiole I walked away! He is pretty mellow.  Rufus has enjoyed obedience training -- but then, Rufus enjoys everything. some of his favorite times are when the younger grandchildren come to visit.
Rufus is turning out to be a great watchdog -- incredible hearing.  I am grateful to have the chance to adopt such a great dog.

UPDATE 1/19/10 - Rufus continues to be a wonderful pet.  He has adjusted well to life here in Webster.  Came through the Christmas holidays with flying colors.  Rufus greeted all the family with great affection -- they returned his love completely.  Rufus loves other family pets and has a particularly good time with Abby, my son's 1 year old female boxer -- they play hard together. 
We started obedience training last week -- he has not had much foundation in that direction and is very easily distracted.  We will work on that and hopefully make some progress.  Rufus enjoys the snow -- hates the rain.  He sleeps in my bed but stay to his own side.  Magnum was a bed hog!  I still miss that guy but Rufus is doing a lot to help with the healing. Appreciate the chance to have such a great dog.

UPDATE 12/20/09 - Scott was right!  Rufus in indeed a prince.  He has adjusted really well to life in Webster.  I am enjoying every minute -- even a half hour out in the snow this morning while he reached the conclusion that he would not get to his usual pooping spot.
Rufus gets along with everyone -- adults, kids, dogs.  The only cat we met was hissing and so we decided not to pursue that relationship. 
I have not brought Rufus to our vet.  I do have real concern that when he poops, he has a very strange way of squatting that brings him down to about 2-3 inches from the ground -- so much so that he has to readjust to get it all out.  I have had 6 boxers and so I think my concern is warranted -- never saw this before.  Will get him to the vet after Christmas. 
Obedience training starts on January 13 -- look forward to some help with keeping him focused in the midst of distractions.
Rufus is a sweetheart and I so grateful to have him.

11/15/09 - I was adopted today!

11/11/09 - Finally, a foster that can go do their duties outside without a leash!  Rufus is just a prince.  "Rufio" is very polite, doesn't chew things he's not suppossed to and if fine with all the girls and without them.  He will definately fit into either household.  He's not a big treat eater which is a little surprising because I haven't met a Boxer yet who won't eat all they can get and then some.  Thanks for letting this gentleman reside here until someone gets lucky and gets to take him home!

11/08/09 - Rufus made it to Maine last night.  He stole the hearts of all who drove him and he thanks them for helping get him here.  He was almost out on his feet when we pulled in the driveway,
     What can I say about Rufus?  Other than the fact that he is very well behaved, has definately grown out of the "puppy stage" and is quite mellow, low maintenance, he has "the look" that makes all who meet him weak in the knees.  He is as handsome as Antonio Banderas with the charm of Sean Connery.
     All 4 girls immediately started throwing themselves at him and he finally had to tell them "one at a time!"  Rufus is adjusting to his new surroundings, exploring the house and yard and has learned to give us that look of "help me" when the girls' attention becomes too much and he needs some room to step back and look at them with amazement and wonder what the fuss is all about.
     More later, he is snuggled up with his girls napping right now.  Rufus is a keeper and can stay here at the Playboy Mansion forever if everybody misses him on the Available Dogs page!
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