Rio has been adopted! 04-01-2006

Rio is a gorgeous boy, aged between one and two years. He has stunning and very rare dark red and black coat typical of well bred German imports. Rio is curious, energetic and very intelligent, and will do best in a home where he gets a lot of exercise and interaction. He will also do well with another canine companion of his own size, either male or female.

Rio is basically a couch potato who is very relaxed in his own skin. He is fearless and self-possessed. He loves squeaky toys, and will zone out with a toy or the edge of his dog bed and go into a nuzzley trace which seems to comfort him. Rio is very good with people of all ages, but is much too strong to be walked by a child. Of note, Rio's hips were recently X-rayed and found to be free of dysplasia and in excellent condition. He would make a great running companion.

Rio sleeps on his foster mom's bed, and he doesn't make a peep all night except when he rolls over to sleep on his back. Luckily he doesn't snore and except for the area of the bed where your feet can’t go, you’d never know he was there! Rio is housebroken and stays home with his foster brother Wylie and foster sister Sabrina and uses the doggie door to the yard.

Rio gets along very well with both male and female medium and large dogs, however he cannot be trusted with small dogs. He’s okay at the fenced dog park, as long as the tiny dogs are kept in a separate area. As mellow as he is, he’s made it quite clear that very small dogs are not safe around him, and its likely that he feels the same way about cats.

Rio may make a very good working dog, he has the intelligence and drive, not to mention the look. He sits on command and shakes hands, and walks well on his leash. We recommend always walking Rio on a prong collar because of how strong he can be if he sees something interesting. Rio is a bit aloof but bonds very strongly to his people, but he prefers to think he's on equal footing with humans and needs an owner who understands German Shepherds and is willing to work with him, including ongoing professional training as needed.

He must be on a leash outdoors as he won't respond unless he feels like it, which he usually doesn't. Rio is the type of dog who will test you, but as he bonds to you and you understand him, he will make a priceless and wonderful pet. The trick will be to keep him safe until that happens. Rio is ALL German Shepherd, a sweet boy with an even temperament, but he needs to know who is in charge. Rio will need a secure yard and a family who is attentive to not letting him escape.

Coastal is asking for a $500 donation for Rio to help pay for some of our recent extraordinary veterinary costs.

The minimum adoption donation for adults is $375 and the adoption donation for puppies is $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible when permitted by law. The adoption donation provides that all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis ( i.e., puppies who will need to be altered by 6 mos old). Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.