Mutts Matter: Charming Mr. Riley

Riley is a charming and lovable Boxer who is around six or seven years old and weighs 64 pounds. Like most Boxers, Riley is a very social dog who adores people and has a goofy side that will always keep you entertained. He’s excellent with kids, welcomes visitors to his home with ease, and has a happy-go-lucky nature. When I first met Riley for his photo shoot, he politely sat and offered me his paw, like any proper pup would, and I was an instant fan of this sweet boy.

Riley was turned into a rural West Virginia shelter with two other senior dogs right before Christmas. Sadly, his owners decided they no longer had time or the means to care for them, and surrendered all three at once. It’s tragic when any dog is abandoned by their family, but even more so when they are older or senior dogs who are far less likely to ever be adopted. Often these dogs are traumatized after losing the only family they’ve known for years, and don’t acclimate well to shelter life.

It became apparent that Riley had not had regular vet care in his former home when he tested positive for heartworm, and the veterinarian found a painful ear infection that needed to be treated. Both could have easily been avoided if his owner had given him basic vet care and a monthly heartworm preventative. Riley has now completed his heartworm treatment and was given antibiotics for his ears, and he’s doing really well. Luckily, he is a resilient, healthy dog and was rescued in time to get the proper care he needs and deserves.

When Riley first came into rescue, he was fostered in a home with two kids and another Boxer. He did great with the kids, and his favorite place to be was cuddled up in bed with his 9-year-old foster sister, Sophia, who just adored him. He would snuggle up right next to her at night and use her extra pillow for his head, just like she did. He didn’t fit as well with their senior Boxer, but he’s currently being fostered in a new home with two other calm, large dogs, and does well with both. We would love for Riley to be an only dog, getting all the love and attention for himself, but he would also fit well with the right calm dog and savvy owner to ensure a smooth transition.

Inside the home, Riley is a calm and affectionate pup who is well behaved. His foster mom describes him as professional cuddle bug who always wants to be right by your side. He will sneak into bed in the middle of the night to snuggle, or join you on the couch, laying on top of you if you let him. He also has a playful, fun side and will grunt with joy when he’s excited to see you. He loves to play with tennis balls and will entertain himself by bouncing them in the air and then running to catch them.

Riley has a special affinity for food, and will tap his foster mom on the leg as she’s eating, and offer a little groan to make sure she knows he’s interested and ready for food at all times. He eats with passion, snorting with glee as he devours his kibble. One exception to the well-behaved rule: he’s not above checking out the trash for tasty morsels, and figured out how to open the kitchen cabinets to get access in his first foster home.

Riley needs an owner who will commit to his daily exercise, socialization, and continued training to keep him healthy as he ages. He’s not going to be your running partner, and does have stiffness in one of his hind legs from time to time, but he’s still an active pup who really enjoys going on walks and loves to play. Riley’s foster mom, Barb, is working with him on his leash manners, and teaching him to be calm on the leash and walk by her side. He is also crate trained and potty trained, and knows basic commands like sit, down, and shake. He has no food or toy guarding issues, and is very treat-motivated, so he learns quickly.

Riley is an awesome dog with a winning personality who will make you laugh and be an excellent addition to your family. He’s looking for a fresh start with an owner who will love him and commit to him for the rest of his life. Preference will be given to owners with Boxer or larger dog experience, and someone who has a more flexible schedule to spend time with this special boy. He would be an ideal fit for a retired couple or someone who is home during the day and wants a loving companion.

To learn more about Riley, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.

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Adopting an older adult or senior dog…

Adult dogs can make the best pets. They’ve already grown into themselves and have established personalities, so you know what you’re getting. They’ve typically been “socialized” and understand what it takes to be part of your family’s pack. They have calmer temperaments, are better able to focus during training, and are eager to learn and please you. They are also worldlier than young dogs - most have already experienced car rides and know how to walk on a leash, so they’re instant companions ready to take on new activities with you. These dogs are grateful for the second chance they’ve been given and really appreciate a loving and caring family.

Adopting an adult dog is your opportunity to be a hero. At the shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an adult animal’s life is not just a good thing to do, it will reward you in ways that you may not expect.