Socialization/training: Ranger has had some basic obedience training as he understands sit down, stay, no, etc. Ranger lived in an outdoor kennel, by himself, for over 10 years so learning how to be a member of a family inside has taken a bit more time. Ranger likes things calm in the house. He would prefer to be the only dog or share a home with another older dog that doesn’t bother him. If he were to go to a home with other dogs, very patient and planned introductions outdoors or at open, neutral spaces would be required. He does get along with the majority of dogs outside and likes to play with them too, however, indoors, he can have issues with certain dogs that are more situational (e.g., protecting his person). He currently lives in a home with several other dogs & doing well, but it took him several months to overcome his issues with the dogs he's living with. It may, or may not, take him some time to adjust to a new home. He can also be a bit vocal at times, mostly due to his previous living situtation.
Crate trained: Ranger is known to settle down while crated or kenneled if all the other resident dogs are and he is in the same room with them. If not, he will act out until worn out. He really does best in his crate with someone home, especially if there is a storm or fireworks. Like many, he's not a fan! He will shake and keep wandering around the house looking for somewhere to hide. He's better in his crate with the door shut and his human around.
Leash trained: Ranger is fine on the leash and loves to go for a walk. He is a very strong boy for his age and still has a strong prey drive, so he will pull and get distracted at times, but he is eager to please and learns fast.
Activity Level: Ranger is pretty active for a dog of his age. He likes to run around the yard and even likes to play with other dogs. He is always excited when his foster dad comes home and likes to run around and tell everyone how happy he is about it. Ranger also enjoys going for a swim at the dog pool. He mostly likes to run around the pool, but enjoys a lap or two when he’s there.
Fence: Given that Ranger is an older boy, a home with a solid exercise plan with leash walks that would provide enough exercise to meet his needs would also be an option for him if there is no fenced yard, as he loves his walks (no dog parks though!). Given that he is a a bit of an escape artist, if his adopter has a fenced yard, it is required for that fence to be a secure fence that he cannot climb (preferably 6 feet privacy fence or other style fence that cannot be climbed). He can easily climb chain link fences.
Behavior: Ranger is a sweet old man who would love nothing more than to lay in your recliner while you are home and nap. He loves to follow his human around in the house and be close by. He enjoys being petted and loved on. He likes all humans but seems to prefer to bond with men. He can be protective of his chosen people/person when it comes to other dogs, so setting boundaries early on will be important. He eats in his crate and bone/toy time is always supervised. Ranger likes things to be calm inside. He is doing well since in foster care living indoors with other dogs, but it took quite some time for him to be comfortable with them inside the home.
Medical History: Ranger had Lyme and was treated but he will test positive the rest of his life. Ranger has several old injuries from his previous life. He also has typical arthritis and old age pains. He takes Rimadyl daily and it's very affordable. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention.
Foster Comments: Ranger's ideal home would have someone who is home most of the time (retired, works from home or a hybrid schedule), no other dogs or another dog that is calm, no cats or young kids, and has a solid exercise plan for him with leash walks or a fenced yard with a physical fence that he cannot climb. He can be barky when left alone and when he's happy outside, so apartment living is not a good fit for him.
Ranger is a very deserving dog. He is a sweet and happy old man. He loves a comfy chair, yummy meals, and to run around outside a little bit and the follow his human around inside. He is a great eater and loves a big cool drink of water (keep your toilet lids closed!) Ranger may be older, but he still has so much life left and love to give. He needs to find the right retirement home that will be patient with him and help him live out his life happy and safe as he deserves. He is very easy to love and you know he appreciates his new lease on life.
Foster Location: Chesterton, IN
A very generous donor has kindly offered to pay sweet Ranger's adoption fee to help this awesome boy finally find his forever home that he so deserves! As a result there will be no adoption fee for the adopter of Ranger.
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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