Rarely can you say a dog is almost perfect, but I can honestly write that Rivers is just that, nearly perfect!! Have you heard of a velcro dog? Well, Rivers is just that. He's around 4 years old, neutured and likely a mix of Australian Shepherd with maybe Great Pyrenese or some type of Retriever. The thickness and length of his coat when he arrived at the shelter indicates something more than Australian Shepherd, and he has the most mellow temperament ever, so he has the great looks of an Aussie without that boundless energy!

Rivers absolutely LOVES all people and children and has shown that he gets all along with every dog he has encountered, including small breeds. He's very tolerant of rude dogs; he'll show he isn't interested and walks away but doesn't react beyond that. Great leash manners, but I think it has a lot to do with the fact that he wants to stay with his person, so the thought of running away hasn't presented itself thus far!! Rides great in vehicles, just lies down and waits to get to his destination. Crate trained and also housetrained in that he doesn't have any destructive behaviors.

The only behavior I can say needs work on is his marking. Rivers was neutered just this year and likely did not ever live indoors previously. I do believe this behavior can be worked on and eliminated but will take a little effort by his new family to show him marking inside is not okay. We are working on this at the kennel by using a belly band and interrupting any attempts with a firm NO. In our setting, with so many other dogs and new smells around, he's just doing what came so naturally to him here. But I truly believe in a home environment, once he's settled in and comfortable, the desire to continually mark will diminish particularly with supervision and interrupting the behavior.

Back to the good stuff...we can't praise this dog enough. We actually would love to keep him around as he's great to introduce to new dogs, is quiet and super easy to care for, only wants attention and affection from staff but does have moments of playfulness with other dogs. He did just fine when I tested him around my cats; he's interested and observes but no chasing or tormenting them! He's a pleaser and just loves being your shadow or crawling into your lap for affection.

Pretty much the perfect companion for everyone. Ever heard us describe a dog as a cupcake? Meaning easy, no behavioral problems, not aloof, not hard-headed, not anxious and not obnoxious. Just a normal, good-nature pup. Can you tell we absolutely adore this pup?

This dog is currently in foster with Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter.  
The adoption fee is $200
To fill out an application, please visit: https://friendsofbedfordcountyanimalshelter.rescuegroups.org/forms/form?formid=4144
Please contact fobcasfriends@gmail.com if you have any further questions.