Rook

~DOB: 7/1/2024<br/>Weight: 32 lbs<br/>Energy Level: Moderate<br/>Overall Drive: Moderate<br/>Location: Mount Vernon, WA<br/><br/>Meet Rook The Sensitive Theatre Kid of Dogs <br/> <br/> <br/>If Rook Had a People Job...<br/>Hed be a Sensitive Theatre Kid - full of feelings, wildly expressive, absolutely devoted to his castmates (you), and not afraid to make a scene if you walk offstage without him. Hes quirky, lovable, occasionally exhausting, and unforgettable in the best way.<br/> <br/>The Rook Rundown:<br/>Rook is a high-energy, emotionally-driven, and hilariously odd little guy. He came to us from a California shelter with low confidence and a strong need for emotional security. After ~90 days in structured training, hes made great strides in confidence, dog socialization, and obedience but still struggles with intense vocal protest behaviors when emotionally overwhelmed.<br/>He bonds fast and hard to his people and when you leave the room, hell let you (and the neighbors) know how deeply it hurts.<br/> <br/>In Training, Rook Has:<br/>Developed solid leash skills and off-leash recall using low-level e-collar<br/>Grown in confidence even braved paddleboarding!<br/>Successfully integrated into dog playgroups can get a little &#34;main character,&#34; but redirects easily<br/>Begun learning to settle indoors with structure and enrichment<br/>Tolerates handling and being picked up, but is still sensitive to sudden invasive movements, from strangers<br/> <br/>His Biggest Challenge:<br/>Rooks biggest struggle is emotional regulation, especially around attachment. When hes left out, separated from his favorite person, or sees you loving on another dog, he can launch into a very loud, very dramatic protest. Hell argue through mild corrections, and when overstimulated, can spiral into full barking meltdowns.<br/>Hes not being defiant hes overwhelmed. Tools like vibration collars, lemon juice, or low stim dont break the cycle. A firm leash upward steady correction does work, but it also rewards him because it causes the handler to return to him. For this reason he would prefer to be your shadow. It is improving, but we want to be transparent.<br/> <br/>Health:<br/>Rook is healthy, with no known allergies or sensitivities. He takes Gabapentin (100 mg) and Doggy Hemp/C.B.D at night to help with evening wind-down and emotional settling. He loves chew toys, cozy beds, and stuffed Kongs in his bedtime routine.<br/> <br/>Rooks Ideal Home:<br/>No apartments or shared walls - his protest vocals arent neighbor-friendly<br/>Someone home often, or able to include him in everyday life<br/>An active lifestyle - hiking, outdoor adventures, training sessions<br/>Experienced handler who understands herding breeds and emotional dogs<br/>Clear structure + emotional softness he thrives with someone firm, but kind<br/>May do well with a well-matched, neutral dog who wont trigger jealousy or competition<br/><br/>Summary:<br/>Rook isnt for everyone hes for someone special. Someone who appreciates a quirky, sensitive, emotionally loud little guy wholl make you laugh, test your patience, and love you with his whole being. With continued structure and the right kind of human, Rook has all the potential to be an amazing companion. Hes not here to play a background role hes looking for his forever castmate.

~DOB: 7/1/2024
Weight: 32 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Overall Drive: Moderate
Location: Mount Vernon, WA

Meet Rook The Sensitive Theatre Kid of Dogs


If Rook Had a People Job...
Hed be a Sensitive Theatre Kid - full of feelings, wildly expressive, absolutely devoted to his castmates (you), and not afraid to make a scene if you walk offstage without him. Hes quirky, lovable, occasionally exhausting, and unforgettable in the best way.

The Rook Rundown:
Rook is a high-energy, emotionally-driven, and hilariously odd little guy. He came to us from a California shelter with low confidence and a strong need for emotional security. After ~90 days in structured training, hes made great strides in confidence, dog socialization, and obedience but still struggles with intense vocal protest behaviors when emotionally overwhelmed.
He bonds fast and hard to his people and when you leave the room, hell let you (and the neighbors) know how deeply it hurts.

In Training, R

~DOB: 7/1/2024
Weight: 32 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Overall Drive: Moderate
Location: Mount Vernon, WA

Meet Rook The Sensitive Theatre Kid of Dogs


If Rook Had a People Job...
Hed be a Sensitive Theatre Kid - full of feelings, wildly expressive, absolutely devoted to his castmates (you), and not afraid to make a scene if you walk offstage without him. Hes quirky, lovable, occasionally exhausting, and unforgettable in the best way.

The Rook Rundown:
Rook is a high-energy, emotionally-driven, and hilariously odd little guy. He came to us from a California shelter with low confidence and a strong need for emotional security. After ~90 days in structured training, hes made great strides in confidence, dog socialization, and obedience but still struggles with intense vocal protest behaviors when emotionally overwhelmed.
He bonds fast and hard to his people and when you leave the room, hell let you (and the neighbors) know how deeply it hurts.

In Training, Rook Has:
Developed solid leash skills and off-leash recall using low-level e-collar
Grown in confidence even braved paddleboarding!
Successfully integrated into dog playgroups can get a little "main character," but redirects easily
Begun learning to settle indoors with structure and enrichment
Tolerates handling and being picked up, but is still sensitive to sudden inva