Name: Raefe (FKA Rod) – 1.5 years old, located in Arizona
PRO ID #: 260043-P-D-GA
Intake Date: 2/15/26
Available Date: 3/14/26

Foster Raefe joined his foster family as a wary but gentle dog recently surrendered by a
hunting plantation for being “gun shy”. After watching him pace, refusing to come
inside, finally settling on a dog bed out in the yard, it was clear Raefe needed time to
just be a dog and begin learning to trust again. My pack of four pointers and two cats
were up for the challenge! We took the next few weeks allowing him to experience
plenty of head scratches, kisses and hugs, new noises, household comforts, tasty treats
and plenty of play, play, play.

It has taken time, patience, and boisterous pointers to move Raefe forward, but it has
been worth it to see the sheer joy he has sleeping with a pack of pups up on a bed, his
confidence going through the scary sliding doors, creating dust clouds running through
the yard and wrestling with the pack. Importantly, Raefe has learned to accept love and
companionship –- it shows with a tail that never stops and a mind and body that knows
how to settle.

It has been important to remember that Raefe is still a bit of a puppy. Something I
periodically forget when the irrigation system clicks on and waterworks begin wherever
Raefe “tasted” the tubing or the look I get when I forget the treat for a good potty
outside. But he is standup with vet visits. In fact, Raefe is “a real trooper” according to
the vet after inducing him to vomit…twice, producing a plush toy and two quarter socks.
Just like a puppy – indestructible rubber toys only!

We continue to work on further building his confidence and trust on loose leash walks
by increasing distractions, adding more noise, people and other dogs. Raefe is wary of
new people – house guests and friendly strangers, but he is not aggressive, he just
stays back 5-10 feet. As far as basics, Raefe learns quickly and has been great house
guest with nice inside manners, strong “leave its”, and good recall in the yard by name
or by kissy noises, yes, just to embarrass any male.

As Raefe continues to train and practice, certain requirements for his forever home may
change, but right now it will be best for the home to have:
 A fenced yard, given how easily Raefe can get spooked and sprint;
 At least one other active dog to ease Raefe’s adjustment to new home and
ongoing confidence while on walks and outings;
 Preferably no toddlers or young children for now as they can have erratic motions
and make loud noises;
 Puppy-proofing to eliminate risk of swallowing or chewing on smaller items;
 Patience, patience, patience and ongoing training to overcome skittishness with
loud noises and comfort with new people. This work will quickly and deeply bond
Raefe to his new family – and he is so worth it!