Rio is a 2 year old Maltese/terrier mix.  He was found on the side of the road with a group of other dogs by a nice woman in Texas.  She took them home and did the best she could to keep them safe but knew she needed help from a rescue.   We agreed to take them and see what we could do. 

We have had Rio almost a year.  While all the other dogs who came with him have somewhat progressed with socialization skills and have been adopted Rio still struggles.  He is a nice dog in that he has never, ever tried to bite anyone but he is extremely fearful, shut down around people and just has no personality. He will come in the yard when called, he will sit on your lap if you put him there, he will allow any care to be done to him (brushing, nails etc) but he does not have any response and is unable to show any kind of real affection.  He does follow his foster mom all around the house even to the bathroom and sometimes he will lay at her feet so we know deep down there is some kind of love and loyalty there but that’s really the best he can do. 

Rio does however love other little dogs his size (especially female chihuahuas) who are not overbearing and bullies.  He does like to play with them and he LOVES to run in the yard with them.  We will require there be another little dog in his new home as that’s the only pleasure he has in life right now.  He will also require a fence as leash training has just not been possible and it may never be something he is able to enjoy. 

Rio is crate trained and he NEEDS a crate available to him at all times as it is his safe zone especially if you have company.  He is 99 percent housebroken in his foster home minus when it rains and when a new foster comes in.  If they have an accident in the house Rio then thinks it’s okay for him to. He is very much a follower. 

He is nervous going in and out of doorways, especially if a person is nearby.  It took many months for him to go in and out the door on his own so patience will be a must! We feel Rio may have been dumped and lived on his own for most, if not all of his young life and has just never learned how to be a pet.  His new family needs to know that he many never progress further then he has right now and they must be okay with that.  If you have heard of a puppy mill dog that is very much how Rio is. 

Typical of his breed Rio does develop allergies especially with the changes in season.  His eyes water and he has required eye drops twice this spring.  Also his paws get itchy and and turn red. He got foot soaks for them.  It doesn’t seem to be all year round just seasonal.  The vet says it’s not uncommon and an easy fix. He was also heartworm positive and did have treatment while he was with us.  He will need to be on preventative for his lifetime.

Overall Rio is a good boy and is deserving of a loving home.  We are putting him up for adoption despite his lack of social skills as he has stopped progressing in his foster home and we just aren’t sure he will get any more confident.  He would be a fit for a dog experienced person who has the time, love, patience and the willingness to accept him for who he is.  We love Rio and we are hoping he can live his life in a loving home where he feels safe and with a new best friend he can run in the yard with.  That’s all he really wants!

If you think you may be a match please apply!

Rio is neutered, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated and tested neg. for heartworm.  His adoption fee is $400