RILEY

HISTORY: Riley arrived as a stray at a high kill shelter. When space became an issue, we spoke up for her.

EXTRA NOTE: No cats or dogs for me please.

Living the life of Riley?? Well, for Riley her idea of “living the life of Riley, AKA a charmed life” would mean giving and receiving love and attention. As terrific as she is in getting along with humans, one would think her new home is just a tail wag away! A very well balanced girl, Riley nicely sits when asked and if she is feeling a little more froggy, will run and chase after balls. Since coming to CFC, Riley has made it apparent that an environment surrounded by numerous dogs and without ample one-on-one human interaction like we have here, is simply not for her. When she first arrived here, she would play with other dogs and even happily go for walks with them, but as the months have rolled by, Riley has gotten more and more reactive to other dogs. However, with people, Riley is such a loving sweetheart. She can be a little strong on the leash like a girl on a mission but will nicely stop when asked for her attention. She can be redirected by giving the command for a sit. Once in the arena, she is curious and will amble around, but didn’t show too much of an interest in toys. If you sit down, she may come and check in, and climb up on the bench so she could better access your lap. Butt scratches and body rubs she loves, and she in turn will start rubbing her body all over yours, giving a full-body snuggle, which is super adorable. She takes treats oh-so-gently. She is a calm, gentle-natured girl – up for walks and adventure, but also content to just be snuggled-up next to her human.

A Word from Riley

“Hi there! I would love a treat! Here, I will sit for you! I know, I look a wee bit like Petie, the dog from Little Rascals! Will you please take me for a walk? They tell me I am all muscle and can pull a bit…sorry about that!  Guess I just don’t know my own strength!  Better yet, can we go for a ride in your car? I love that! We COULD go one step further, and you could take me home!”

What Riley Needs in Her Home

Initially, Riley needs to be in a home where she is the only pet, with a human who will slowly try to reintroduce her to building relationships with other dogs. She loves older kids 12 and up who can handle her affection. Cats are just a temptation to be chased, and are not recommended. Riley will need a fenced in yard to run in, and a strong human who can walk her while she learns not to pull on the leash. Riley hopes to find a family who will allow her to live the charmed life she so deserves and yearns for. Think you can give this sweet girl a new home and the life of Riley that she so deserves?

Fall 2024 Update: When I first met Riley, she immediately stood out. All of the other dogs that I was getting to know were so clearly showing their emotions. For most of them, this was excitement. Not Riley. Riley was so relaxed it caught me off guard. I soon realized that it was not that she wasn’t excited as well. Not at all. She was just too dignified to show it. She remained so mellow when I entered her enclosure. Almost as if to say, yes I am very pleased to meet you, but am showing you respect. Getting all riled up, unlike her name, is just beneath her. She allowed me to sit with her, and give cuddles. She responded with a big smile and gently wrapped her paw around me. We then went for a walk using her new gentle leader (hot pink). I had heard that Riley pulls a lot when walking. That may have been the case before, but this was not my experience. We went for a nice hike in the woods. While walking I would see her turn around to make sure she was staying close to me. She clearly was in her element. You could see her catching scents with her nose and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere that the woods provide. It is true that Riley does look alot like Petey from the Little Rascals, and she, like the show, is a classic. Such a classy girl. While Riley may not wish to share her space with other critters, she alone has so much to offer the right human/ humans. Might you be that special person/family. 

Spring 2024 Update: I’m in a fairly high traffic area at the Sanctuary and folks say I am exactly where I need to be as I love seeing and interacting with the humans (in particular) that are heading into The Scratching Post.    I get lots of stop by visitors, warm greetings and kind words shared with me.  I continue to be a favorite with a select group of volunteers who routinely load me up for car rides around the area and then reward me with a fresh and thick rope toy.  These toys are a great source of happiness for me as I toss them in the air, shake/shake them in my mouth and then just gnaw on them.  For my overnight time,  I am still in the laundry room at the post which is honestly one of the primo spots on site.  I have plenty of room to stretch out, enjoy the cool air and absolute quiet in the middle of the night.  I’m super healthy and yes, happy. RILEY