501c3 non-profit organization in CONNECTICUT

HOPPER AD 09-08-18

ADOPT ME!
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Our vet has recommended that all dogs under 6 months not to spay or neuter the pups because they are too young and their bodies are not fully developed.  Adoption donation includes transport and all vaccinations, except for the Lyme—therefore, the dogs will not need to get any vaccinations for the first year.

ADOPTED ON 09-08-18: Hopper is a White Lab Heinz 57 mix who was abandoned in a back yard. How could anyone be as callous as to a leave puppy to fend for them self? He was left to survive on his own for a long time without a food source, such as a restaurant or family trash can. He was domesticated to a point but did not know how to catch squirrels or how to find other food sources in the wild on his own.  Hopper did not have much or any human contact in his young baby life and therefore, was unable to form a relationship with humans. This is so true of many rescue dogs and they are sometimes given the label of feral, skittish or stray dog–which in fact is not true and hurts the dog’s chances of success.

Luckily for Hopper, a wonderful woman rescued him and he is now in a CT foster home; his foster is enjoying every minute of his puppy antics. Hopper is leaning to have more confidence around things that are new to him, to evaluate situations that he will be sure that nothing bad will happen; most important, his foster gave him his space when he was unsure about something new.  We are seeing him continue to grow and his success shows because he is beginning to smile. His eyes become bright and he knows that he is safe and his happy face is nothing short of amazing.

His foster tells us that “just when you think you’ve met a lot of dogs with the most surprising and charming personalities, another one comes along and makes you say “Now that pup has a charismatic character.” This is Hopper, he is the most adorable puppy ever. He flirts with the camera and will strike a pose till he is sure you have the picture. If you haven’t watched his videos yet, you must see this cutie show you his personality—we know that this is just the first of many.

Hopper is a good-natured White Lab mix, he isn’t bothered by noise or commotion. He is most comfortable with the four other foster pups in his foster home and his attitude toward other pets is the more the merrier. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs, however, he is the kind of a “stay at home guy” and sometimes chooses to stay in and hang around the house when the others are outside playing. One thing he loves is swimming and we hope that his new home will provide that for him. He has a hard-wired good disposition and a sweet, calm nature that is the hallmark of the Lab breed; willing and eager to please. He is a marvelous, courageous, and a keen watchdog who will bark if he hears something out of the ordinary.

Adopting a rescue dog is not just giving a dog a home, it is helping a dog transition from a life of no one caring, of not knowing how to take care of themselves in the wild, and learning about trust and what it is like to be loved.

Like people who hesitant around certain types of people or who feel uncomfortable in certain situations, dogs that are abandoned, like Hopper, can have also have that same personality. During those moments, which are becoming lesser each time, his foster mom will celebrate his success with a “good boy.” Hopper is 80% there but will need a family that can continue to let him naturally get to 100% in small steps towards confidence in knowing that nothing bad will ever happen; eventually his concerns will be completely gone. While there is nothing wrong with a dog that prefers to stay home or is unsure about new things, it is in Hoppers best interest to continue to teach him that he is safe and can trust his new life.

It is important to praise a dog for facing its doubts, teach it that it will be safe with you, and always work together with him to reduce any unsure response. It is important that you act natural during those circumstances that your dog is concerned about. Dogs learn by making associations in the moment and monitoring your actions and reactions to your surroundings. By acting normal and treating the dog consistently in both normal and situations he is not sure about, a dog will eventually learn that its concerns are unfounded and will naturally grow out of them. The human needs to resist the urge to cuddle the dog or reward their reservations. Though it may seem paradoxical in the moment, it is the only way to ensure that you don’t reinforce the behavior and the dog will learn that he can rely on you and it is safe.

Hopper is ready for a forever home, one he very much deserves, he needs his new family to take him the rest of the way from 80% to 100% and as Cesar says “Complete him.”  He has made huge progress in the month since he has arrived in his CT foster home and he continues to grow; he is a beautiful boy and will make a wonderful companion for any family. We owe it to our dogs that the wonderful people who stand to be the last chapter of their rescue and the first chapter of their new forever lives deserve him. He is ready to slide right into your heart, do you have the requirements of a forever home of his own and endless love to celebrate his special qualities? Will you open your heart and home to Hopper?


This dog cannot be adopted to Massachusetts residents due to new laws regarding rescue dogs being prohibited from adoption. Please contact Patricia Cabral at: 617-626-1786 or Mike Cahill at: 617-626-1794 for questions regarding what dogs you are allowed to adopt 

ALL interested adopters MUST complete an application; agree to a vet reference check, phone interview and home visit. ALL family members MUST be in attendance for home visits – no exceptions. This helps us get to know everyone in the family so that we can help find the right dog for you 

Disclaimer: Please note that the breeds posted on our dogs’ biographies are our best guess based on years of working with rescue dogs. Adopters who need to know the exact breed or mix of breeds of a particular dog must have the dog’s DNA tested at their own expense.


 

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO CHECK OUT THE SECTION BELOW

RDVG wants to provide you with as much information as we can because some of our mix breeds you might not be familiar with. The below section on “About the Breed” offers information on some of the Breed Characteristics, Children & Pets, Behavior and Personality, Temperament and more.

It is important to point out that in addition to the breed, there is an enormous variety in the way a dog acts and reacts to the world around him. In the end, your dog’s preferences and personality are as individual as you are–and if you can accept that– then you’re bound to enjoy each other.

Children & Pets

Animal Behavior Guidelines

Many children, especially very young ones, do not realize that pets are living animals and not toys. Failing to teach a child how to handle pets properly can result in suffering on the part of the pet and, in some cases, injury to the child. Taking introductions slowly will allow you to introduce family dogs and your children safely

Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development

Each stage of Puppy Growth and development is fascinating; by the time it reaches its first birthday a puppy is considered a mature, adult dog. Puppy Growth rate is fast compared to humans, just compare a puppy of 8 weeks to a baby of the same age.

One of the most common questions asked about a puppy’s growth and development rate refers to the eventual size of the puppy. How big will the puppy grow? How can you determine the adult size of a puppy? A young puppy is tiny and cute – everyone loves puppies! But will the puppy be suited to your environment? How much exercise will be required for a full grown dog? Will the puppy be a suitable pet for children? The breed of the puppy will determine the answers to these questions. A general response to the size and growth rate of a puppy and the adult size of a puppy is therefore not possible – it needs to be specific to the puppy’s breed.

What the Adoption Fee Pays For

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Age DOB: 01-12-18
Life Average 10-14 Years
Sex Male
Weight 31-40 lbs
Location Preston CT
Breed Labrador Retriever
Purebred
Altered No
Fee 450
UTD Yes
RDV # RDV868
Dogs Yes
Cats
Children 8 to 14, Over 14
House Learning
Energy Medium
Fence Helpful
Crate Yes
Leash Learning
Car Yes
Personality Hopper flirts with the camera and will strike a pose till he is sure you have the picture
Organization Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc.
Name Kris
Phone 860.940.3350
Location Preston, CT
Email rescueguardianvillage@yahoo
Facebook Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc.
Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc.