From: richard@bach.udel.edu (Richard Gordon)
Subject: Re: 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks (East Coast USA) need homes
Organization: University of Delaware
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1992 13:14:53 GMT

An update on both Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  In short, both may still need
homes.  Charlie definitely does.  Contact me if interested.  Details
below.

Rodney, the 8-year-old, may be able to stay at his home.  The family is
discussing ways to re-arrange things such as cat litter boxes and food
dishes so the dogs cannot get into "discussions" about them.  Owner is
negotiating with co-owner of the other male dog in the house for
permission to neuter him.

Charlie, the younger dog, is in our custody now.  We picked him up last
night.  He's in the "extra" kennel run while I am at work.  Was last
spotted standing on top of the doghouse in the run, trying to see if
that roof panel REALLY was tied on.

He was born May 15, 1991, so he's not quite one-and-a-half.  No ill
effects from being neutered.  Made the 2-hour car trip home in the
crate no prooblem.  He's about 27-28" tall, has an OK ridge, is about
85 pounds.  He makes our bitch (24.75" and 63lbs.) look tiny.  He is
the product of a backyard breeder--we think our club rescued a
littermate from a pound (about 3 months ago).  Regardless of his
origins and his straight rear, he is a tremendously good dog who
deserves a good home.

* I'd concur with his former owner that he is good with kids.  He has
been very gentle with our 34-month-old son.  However, because he is so
exuberant, I'd recommend he find a home where the kids are at least 6
years or so.

* He's VERY good on a leash.  Doesn't know about heeling, but does not
strain at the leash an excessive amount.  We walked him a while before
we took him on the car trip home.  And I've had him outside on a leash
at home last night and this morning.

* He needs exercise.  Ideal home will have a fenced in yard and
people with some time to take him on walks and to train him.

* He didn't know what to make of his Abady food this morning.
Not sure I'd know what to do with it either if I were a dog! :)

* He is SMART.  I put him to bed in a crate last night, but he opened
the door and came into the bedroom all proud of himself.  Earlier he
had locked me out of the house (deadbolt lock--think about it....).
Later, I caught him mouthing the doorknob of our bedroom wanting to get
out (after the crate escape).  He also knows "sit, down, go downstairs,
and no."  He responds to his name, but not sure if he knows "come" or
is responding to his name and the hope of a doggie treat.

* He is playful.  He and Ellie have had a great time romping around the
house and yard.  Even though he outweighs her by about 20 pounds, he's
playing the submissive role with her.  He is 85 pounds of happy dog.

* He is, as all Ridgebacks are, very strong.  That plus his
youthful exuberance mean that he needs an owner with a firm,
but gentle, hand and a willingness to work with him.  But then
can be said of any strong, intelligent, independent dog, eh!?
He is actually very gentle when he pays attention to what he's
doing.  Takes treats very gently and kisses kids carefully.  Get
him wound up, though, and.....

We learned more of his story: daughter buys puppy for $200 with no
papers.  Drops puppy off at mom's on way to work every morning and
picks up on way home.  Mom has 2 big dogs (including a 165-lb
Golden/Newfie corss!!) and other kids.  Daughter decides Charlie is too
big for her lifestyle.  Gives to neighbor boy who had played with him.
Neighbor's family abuse him.  Daughter takes dog back and places him
with Mom again.  Mom and daughter have been trying to find a good home
for past 2 months.  Mom cried as she surrendered Charlie to us and
signed our release form.  Daughter too upset to be there--2 sisters and
a neice were there to say good-bye to him.  He's been raised lovingly,
just that a 3rd dog of his size is too much for Mom to handle in her
small yard.

We have 2 leads on homes for Charlie--I do not know if either will pan
out--but no leads on homes for Rodney, should that indeed prove
necessary.  If you think you'd make a good home for either dog or if
you think you know of a good home for either dog, send me e-mail or
call me or my wife, Dana, at home (evenings or weekends): 302
996-6480.  My wife also keeps our local Ridgeback Club's rescue list.
So call if you are interested in adopting an older Ridgeback in
general, too.  We've had Ridgebacks come up for adoption about once
every 2-4 months.

Again the Greater Valley Forge Rhodesian Ridgeback Club, will assist
with transporting Charlie to a good home just about anywhere we can
drive in a day--we're based in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley/
Southern New Jersey area.

Thanks again for your attention.
-- 
Richard Gordon                             richard@brahms.udel.edu
CNS User Services, Smith Hall          or  gordon@udel.edu
University of Delaware                 or  acs02244@udelvm.bitnet
Newark, DE 19716 USA (302-831-1717) 
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs