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Rico

  • Adult
  • Male
  • Large
  • German Shepherd Dog

About Rico

Bothell, WA

Breed

German Shepherd Dog

Physical Traits

Adult
(3-8 years)
Male
Large
(61-100 lbs)

Behavior

House-trained: Yes

Health

Spayed/Neutered:
Yes

Rico’s Compatibility

    This pet has unknown compatibility with kids.

    This pet has good compatibility with dogs.

    This pet has unknown compatibility with cats.

    This pet has unknown compatibility with other animals.

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Rico's Story

Animal Profile: Rico is an almost 6-year-old (DOB 10/1/2019), 80 lb neutered male German Shepherd with a very sad story looking for a brighter future. He seems older than his years, due to his history of neglect, but he is now safe in foster care and getting the TLC he will need to thrive.<br/><br/>Rico has some chronic skin issues that are improving, but will need ongoing supportive care with quality food and supplements. He will also need a structured exercise regimen to promote muscle growth and weight loss. Rico is open to connection with a human -- you can see it in his eyes. He has no aggressive tendencies with humans or dogs but is just awkward with interaction. You can see he wants to do it! He is house trained (with regular access to potty breaks) and crate trained, and has quickly learned some basic obedience such as sit and heel in foster care. He does not have any reactivity on leash but does pull without a prong collar. He seems to have some prey drive for toys (which will be helpful for connection and his spirit!) and cars. We will test him with cats and share that info. More updates as we get to know him.<br/><br/>Animal History: Rico was purchased from Tannerhaus GSD, a "reputable breeder" (we DO NOT recommend) that advertises they take their dogs back, but when Rico's senior owner had to move to assisted living, the breeder did not uphold the contract. Rico's family discovered that Rico had not been let outside regularly in years, was forced to potty in the house, and did not have regular access to water; he was more of a well-fed houseplant with limited mental or physical stimulation, or even touch. His owner's family could not find placement for him and moved him to a kennel where he stayed for months and developed skin issues, including a systemic fungal infection. When they could no longer afford to kennel him, they reached out and we could not refuse to help him. Rico found emergency placement with The Good Dog Way in Bellingham (6/9/2025) and began his journey to recovery. He is now in foster care in Bothell and making great progress. He is available for adoption to the greater Seattle area, though we are continuing to work on his physical and mental condition. We will update his profile as he progresses.<br/><br/>Adoption Info: The adoption fee is $575 which includes his neuter, core vaccinations, DPPV, Bordetella, microchip, and recent health check with a veterinarian. Adoption fee may be tax deductible as DGS is a 501c3 organization.<br/><br/>Apply Online: www.doggoneseattle.org/adoption-application

Animal Profile: Rico is an almost 6-year-old (DOB 10/1/2019), 80 lb neutered male German Shepherd with a very sad story looking for a brighter future. He seems older than his years, due to his history of neglect, but he is now safe in foster care and getting the TLC he will need to thrive.

Rico has some chronic skin issues that are improving, but will need ongoing supportive care with quality food and supplements. He will also need a structured exercise regimen to promote muscle growth and weight loss. Rico is open to connection with a human -- you can see it in his eyes. He has no aggressive tendencies with humans or dogs but is just awkward with interaction. You can see he wants to do it! He is house trained (with regular access to potty breaks) and crate trained, and has quickly learned some basic obedience such as sit and heel in foster care. He does not have any reactivity on leash but does pull without a prong collar. He seems to have some prey drive for toys (which will be helpful for connection and his spiri

Animal Profile: Rico is an almost 6-year-old (DOB 10/1/2019), 80 lb neutered male German Shepherd with a very sad story looking for a brighter future. He seems older than his years, due to his history of neglect, but he is now safe in foster care and getting the TLC he will need to thrive.

Rico has some chronic skin issues that are improving, but will need ongoing supportive care with quality food and supplements. He will also need a structured exercise regimen to promote muscle growth and weight loss. Rico is open to connection with a human -- you can see it in his eyes. He has no aggressive tendencies with humans or dogs but is just awkward with interaction. You can see he wants to do it! He is house trained (with regular access to potty breaks) and crate trained, and has quickly learned some basic obedience such as sit and heel in foster care. He does not have any reactivity on leash but does pull without a prong collar. He seems to have some prey drive for toys (which will be helpful for connection and his spirit!) and cars. We will test him with cats and share that info. More updates as we get to know him.

Animal History: Rico was purchased from Tannerhaus GSD, a "reputable breeder" (we DO NOT recommend) that advertises they take their dogs back, but when Rico's senior owner had to move to assisted living, the breeder did not uphold the contract. Rico's family discovered that Rico had not been

How To Adopt

Rico was listed as Adoptable by Dog Gone Seattle
How can I adopt Rico?
Click the Start Your Inquiry button, and share some preliminary details with Dog Gone Seattle. They may then ask for more details or an official application prior to an adoption. If you're a match, they'll reach out with next steps and timing.
How can I find out if Rico is a good fit for me?
Click the "See How You Match" button, answer a few simple questions, and see how you match up! It takes less than a minute to complete. You can also reach out directly to Dog Gone Seattle for details on the pet.
When can I meet Rico?
If you've submitted an inquiry, Dog Gone Seattle will review your information and may ask you to fill out an official application. If you're a good fit for Rico, they'll reach out to set up a meeting.
What if I have more questions about the adoption process?
Just reach out directly to Dog Gone Seattle, and they'll be happy to help!
Dog Gone Seattle's Adoption Policy
Adoption Process: (1) Complete an adoption application at www.doggoneseattle.org/adoption-application (2) A case manager will follow up with you typically within 72 hours to let you know if you are a good fit. If you do not hear back within 72 hours, you may follow up by email to adopt@doggoneseattle.org (3) Virtual meet and greet via Facetime or Zoom with foster family (*Depending on dog/location) (4) In person meet and greet with foster family and dog(s) (5) Home visit completed (if required) (6) DGS completes reference checks (7) Review vet records, sign adoption contract, pay adoption fee (8) Welcome home your new family member NOTE: There is no guarantee of adoption at any step in the process. We are a match making organization. We do not adopt first come first serve. Our priority is finding the right home for the dogs in our rescue. Once your adoption application is on file, you may use it for consideration of any adoptable dog in the rescue. A new application does not need to be completed.

Rico is from Dog Gone Seattle

[Bothell, WA]

Our Mission
Dog Gone Seattle is a Washington based non-profit organization dedicated to saving homless dogs in high kill shelters in Washington and beyond through rescue, foster, and adoption. We are a foster-based organization, and our rescue is 100% funded through adoption fees and donations. We believe every dog deserves a chance at...
Read more on our profile page

Consider Rico for adoption?