Rio celebrated his one-year anniversary at HHS on March 6, 2024. While we love him deeply, a shelter is not a permanent home. He deserves a family to call his own and this 6-year-old good boy with soulful brown eyes truly desires a loyal friend, stability, and structure to bring out the best in him.

Rio exudes a zest for life that is simply contagious. His lively antics are guaranteed to keep you entertained and on your toes. Rio can spring over 3 feet high from a standing position so he would benefit greatly from a securely fenced yard. He will play fetch, and return the ball each time. He loves squeaky toys but doesn’t usually destroy them. Eager to please, and quick to learn, Rio has learned quite a bit in his time at HHS. He knows ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘come,’ and has recently mastered ‘roll over.’ Most importantly he is an excellent walking companion. He walks well on a leash, eagerly exploring his surroundings. Rio would prefer to be the only pet in the home and would do best with older respectful children.  He is completely housebroken. If you’re searching for a dog that brings an abundance of energy, playfulness, and a zest for life, look no further than Rio. His future adopter will need to stock up on squeaky toys and soft blankets because although he may be a big boy, inside he’s just a big baby!

Swing by the HHS today to meet this bouncy bundle of joy and find out why he’s the perfect match for your home and heart. Our pet viewing and adoption hours are noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday. Visit heritagehumane.org/dogs to learn more about Rio and our other available dogs. Even those who are unable to adopt can still help Rio find a home by sharing his story far and wide. 

Rio has had many supporters along his journey with us, one of which has sponsored his adoption fee. Read more about Rio below from his champions here at HHS.

One day I took Rio to Colonial Williamsburg and he was very happy after a long walk to sit at a bench and watch the world go by. On another occasion after a walk around my neighborhood I needed a nap so I made him a bed on the floor and I settled down on the couch. After 2 minutes on his bed he got up, looked at me with very sad eyes, put his paw on my leg and when I patted the couch he was very happy to jump up, lay beside me and put his head in my lap. We had a nice 45 minute nap. On a rainy day at the shelter he seemed to not notice the rain because he loves being outside. When we got back to his space he promptly layed down and rolled over for belly rubs. He loves to go to the play yard and play “find the treats” and tug of war. 

– Marie Parks, HHS Volunteer

I love when Rio rips around the HHS classroom chasing toys. I love when he gazes into my eyes. It is such a sincere, searching gaze. I love his beautiful rich colored coat, especially in the sunshine. He loves butt scratches and he’s a real couch potato.

– Sharon Willoughby, HHS Volunteer

Rio is a big boy that has the capability to show affection and respond relatively quickly to training. He is a smart dog that enjoys interacting with his handler and is eager to please in exchange for reward treats. He loves to get treats and sometimes seems to demand them without aggression. Rio walks very well on a leash. He stands patiently to allow the placement and removal of his harness. He acknowledges the presence of other dogs without be reactive. Some of the tricks he likes to do in exchange for a treat are; sit, lay down, roll over and give a paw. I am still working on getting him to stay. Even though Rio is a very large dog, he is not clumsy or forceful with his motions. He would be most happy in a large home with a backyard. He’s not a runner or dasher. He loves to just sniff around and be free from a leash at times. 

– Stephen Munday, HHS Volunteer

He is a very snuggly, low-key kind of guy. He won’t require much exercise and will likely take up residence at his person’s feet quickly. He’s been working with a few HHS Dog Handler Volunteers to teach him household skills like kenneling up and polite car rides to hikes. Rio has been learning to “kennel up” when asked and has enjoyed crate training. He also knows so many tricks, walks like a dream on the leash, and is pretty low-energy. He is also non-reactive to other dogs on leash. Plus he’s super cute! 

– Amy Willoughby, Dog Training, Shared Joy Dog Training