Redford

When Redford went home, he was glowing.<br/>This gorgeous one-year-old Redtick Hound had come to us from an overcrowded rural shelter, timid and cautious. But Redford wanted so badly to get things right - wanted so badly to hear "good boy" (and get the treats that came with those magic words) - that he changed almost before our eyes. The dog who first cowered soon began sniffing us, then snuggling us, then leaning in for gentle, full-body hugs and proudly sharing his squeaky toys.<br/>So when his new people arrived, Redford was thrilled. He had never lived in a house before, but when the car door opened, he closed his eyes and took that leap.<br/>And here's the remarkable part: he did beautifully.<br/>Housetraining went great. His manners in the home were excellent. He was friendly and respectful with the family's two cats. On walks, he was polite on leash and didn't pull. For a young dog experiencing almost every part of ordinary family life for the very first time, Redford was doing an extraordinary job.<br/>He was not, however, instantly fearless. Strange sights and sounds sometimes worried him, so he stayed close to his people for reassurance. Visitors made him nervous, so he hid. And Redford apparently failed to understand that 7:00 p.m. was designated "wind-down time," because he would bring his people toys and suggest - with all the subtlety of a one-year-old hound - that perhaps everyone could wind down after one more squeak.<br/>After two weeks, they brought him back - because he was still scared sometimes, and because he wanted to play at 7:00 p.m.<br/>So Redford's back with us, and somehow, because dogs are much better at forgiveness than people deserve, he's still the same sweet, affectionate, playful boy. He still gives those wonderful full-body hugs.<br/>What Redford needs now is someone willing to give him something he's never really had: time. Not years, not months of heroic sacrifice - just enough time to learn the sounds of your house, the rhythm of your neighborhood, the faces of your friends, and the strange human rule that apparently nothing interesting is supposed to happen after 7:00 p.m.<br/>Redford's already shown us how much he can learn when someone gives him a chance.<br/>We're hoping the next person gives him long enough to finish.<br/>Redford would love to hug you at Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA. Visiting hours are 9am to noon, daily, including weekends & holidays.<br/>Interested? Come for a visit any day of the week - 365 days a year between 9am - 12pm. Hope to see you soon!<br/><br/>PLEASE NOTE: Animal Aid Society observes a 40 mile adoption radius to facilitate post adoption support and follow ups.

When Redford went home, he was glowing.
This gorgeous one-year-old Redtick Hound had come to us from an overcrowded rural shelter, timid and cautious. But Redford wanted so badly to get things right - wanted so badly to hear "good boy" (and get the treats that came with those magic words) - that he changed almost before our eyes. The dog who first cowered soon began sniffing us, then snuggling us, then leaning in for gentle, full-body hugs and proudly sharing his squeaky toys.
So when his new people arrived, Redford was thrilled. He had never lived in a house before, but when the car door opened, he closed his eyes and took that leap.
And here's the remarkable part: he did beautifully.
Housetraining went great. His manners in the home were excellent. He was friendly and respectful with the family's two cats. On walks, he was polite on leash and didn't pull. For a young dog experiencing almost every part of ordinary family life for the very first time, Redford was doing an extraordinary job.
He was not, ho

When Redford went home, he was glowing.
This gorgeous one-year-old Redtick Hound had come to us from an overcrowded rural shelter, timid and cautious. But Redford wanted so badly to get things right - wanted so badly to hear "good boy" (and get the treats that came with those magic words) - that he changed almost before our eyes. The dog who first cowered soon began sniffing us, then snuggling us, then leaning in for gentle, full-body hugs and proudly sharing his squeaky toys.
So when his new people arrived, Redford was thrilled. He had never lived in a house before, but when the car door opened, he closed his eyes and took that leap.
And here's the remarkable part: he did beautifully.
Housetraining went great. His manners in the home were excellent. He was friendly and respectful with the family's two cats. On walks, he was polite on leash and didn't pull. For a young dog experiencing almost every part of ordinary family life for the very first time, Redford was doing an extraordinary job.
He was not, however, instantly fearless. Strange sights and sounds sometimes worried him, so he stayed close to his people for reassurance. Visitors made him nervous, so he hid. And Redford apparently failed to understand that 7:00 p.m. was designated "wind-down time," because he would bring his people toys and suggest - with all the subtlety of a one-year-old hound - that perhaps everyone could wind down after