Rufus

Hey there! I'm Rufus 🐾💙<br/><br/>I'm a 3-year-old Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) weighing about 49 pounds (and yes, I'm currently "watching my figure" -- beach body season is year-round, right? 😉). I've got the classic good looks, the brains to match, and enough energy to power a small city. Blue Heelers are true working dogs. We were bred to herd cattle all day long, which means we're incredibly intelligent, loyal, and driven. It also means we need consistent exercise, structure, and mental stimulation to thrive. Training isn't optional for a guy like me -- it's essential. The great news? I absolutely love to learn. I'm eager to please, highly trainable, and happiest when I have a job and clear expectations. 🧠🐕 Let's just say... I'm not a couch potato. I'm a go-go-go kind of guy. Hiking buddy? Running partner? Agility prospect? I'm your dog. 🏃‍♂️🌲 I love to follow my nose and explore -- give me a trail and I'm in heaven.<br/><br/>I walk wonderfully on a leash and truly shine when I'm out and about with my person. I also load easily into the car and ride great -- adventures are my thing! 🚗💨 I can be enthusiastic when saying hello (I might pop up on my back legs 🙈), but with guidance and consistency, I can absolutely polish my manners. Because I have a confident, alpha-type personality, I need slow and proper introductions to other dogs. I tend to prefer female dogs and would do best with a submissive canine companion who respects my leadership style. I do want to be transparent about a few things. Small confined spaces like crates and vet offices make me very nervous. Needles especially are scary for me, and I do require muzzling at the vet to help everyone stay safe. I'm not trying to be difficult -- I just get overwhelmed. With patience, trust-building, and positive experiences, I can continue improving. 💙I also want you to know that I am heartworm positive, but please don't let that scare you. Heartworm disease is very treatable, and I am already on medication and under a treatment plan. With proper care and follow-through, dogs recover well and go on to live full, active lives. The shelter can walk you through everything. <br/><br/>My story started with an older couple who adopted me as a puppy. As I grew, my energy became more than they could manage. For most of my three years, I lived outdoors in a small fenced area. I was fed and cared for, but I didn't get the structure, enrichment, and partnership my breed truly needs. Now I'm ready for someone who understands what a Blue Heeler is all about -- someone active, consistent, and committed to keeping my mind and body engaged. In return, I'll give you unmatched loyalty, intelligence, and devotion. I don't just want a home -- I want a teammate. If you're ready for a smart, driven, adventure-loving partner, please call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to learn more about me. Let's build something amazing together. 🐾💙<br/>****************<br/>All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.<br/><br/>Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known.<br/><br/>Adoption Fees:<br/>-$60 for cats<br/>-$60 for dogs over 6 years<br/>-$80 for dogs 6 months old to 6 years<br/>-$100 for puppies up to 6 months<br/><br/>Come visit our pets Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm.

Hey there! I'm Rufus 🐾💙

I'm a 3-year-old Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) weighing about 49 pounds (and yes, I'm currently "watching my figure" -- beach body season is year-round, right? 😉). I've got the classic good looks, the brains to match, and enough energy to power a small city. Blue Heelers are true working dogs. We were bred to herd cattle all day long, which means we're incredibly intelligent, loyal, and driven. It also means we need consistent exercise, structure, and mental stimulation to thrive. Training isn't optional for a guy like me -- it's essential. The great news? I absolutely love to learn. I'm eager to please, highly trainable, and happiest when I have a job and clear expectations. 🧠🐕 Let's just say... I'm not a couch potato. I'm a go-go-go kind of guy. Hiking buddy? Running partner? Agility prospect? I'm your dog. 🏃‍♂️🌲 I love to follow my nose and explore -- give me a trail and I'm in heaven.

I walk wonderfully on a leash and truly shine when I'm out and about with my person

Hey there! I'm Rufus 🐾💙

I'm a 3-year-old Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) weighing about 49 pounds (and yes, I'm currently "watching my figure" -- beach body season is year-round, right? 😉). I've got the classic good looks, the brains to match, and enough energy to power a small city. Blue Heelers are true working dogs. We were bred to herd cattle all day long, which means we're incredibly intelligent, loyal, and driven. It also means we need consistent exercise, structure, and mental stimulation to thrive. Training isn't optional for a guy like me -- it's essential. The great news? I absolutely love to learn. I'm eager to please, highly trainable, and happiest when I have a job and clear expectations. 🧠🐕 Let's just say... I'm not a couch potato. I'm a go-go-go kind of guy. Hiking buddy? Running partner? Agility prospect? I'm your dog. 🏃‍♂️🌲 I love to follow my nose and explore -- give me a trail and I'm in heaven.

I walk wonderfully on a leash and truly shine when I'm out and about with my person. I also load easily into the car and ride great -- adventures are my thing! 🚗💨 I can be enthusiastic when saying hello (I might pop up on my back legs 🙈), but with guidance and consistency, I can absolutely polish my manners. Because I have a confident, alpha-type personality, I need slow and proper introductions to other dogs. I tend to prefer female dogs and would do best with a submissive c