Ranger

My story

Introducing Ranger, resident beefcake of Pal's Place rescue! This handsome hunk and self-described David Hasselhoff of dogs was rescued from an overburdened, overcrowded animal control facility in Kentucky. He's a mature fella, with an estimated age of 10-11 years, and weighs in at a healthy 75 pounds. Judging from his appearance and behavior, we strongly suspect a large percentage of German Shepherd in his family tree, possibly mixed with Labrador or another retriever breed. Without a DNA test, however, we cannot say for certain what his breed mix is; but we can say with certainty that he is 110% a gorgeous, good boy. Ranger arrived at Pal's Place several months ago in very rough shape. He was almost completely bald, had open and oozing blisters and sores on his body, and was 25 pounds underweight. He was diagnosed with mange and loaded with parasites. He has spent the last several months recovering in our care and is finally ready for his happily ever after! Ranger is a big boy with a big personality! He's friendly, outgoing, social, and exudes charm and charisma. He has the energy and enthusiasm of a dog half his age and remains young at heart, with a playful and, at times, slightly mischievous personality. He's also wickedly smart and occasionally stubborn and hard-headed. He knows several commands and is generally well-behaved, but as is the case with older, intact male dogs (Ranger is recently neutered), he has a mind of his own and will sometimes test the waters and push boundaries a bit. If you are looking for a dog that will listen to every command you give and always do what you ask, Ranger may not be the dog for you. If you appreciate a dog with lots of character and personality, some unique and comical quirks, and a dog that can think for itself and, at times, try to outsmart you, Ranger is your dude! Ranger is also a great communicator and likes to "talk", not necessarily with barking but with a variety of vocalizations from grumbling, grunting, to huffing and puffing, earning him the affectionate nicknames of Grumbledore and Sir Grumblesalot. He almost purrs like a kitten when he receives a good scratch behind the ears or a belly rub, and is a very affectionate dog. As much as he enjoys human touch, he can be a bit sensitive and grumpy about his nails being clipped or ears being cleaned, so those duties are best left to professional groomers or taken care of during his vet visits. He's a dog that knows what he likes and what he doesn't, and has a few clear boundaries (who doesn't?!), which we totally respect and appreciate! Because of this, however, we believe he would do best in a home with older or no children, and guardians who can also appreciate and respect his boundaries. He enjoys the company of other dogs and is being fostered with several others, but loves dogs much smaller than him a little too much. He is very excited by them and can be overbearing with his enthusiasm and interest. He's not the most self-aware dog, is still quite clumsy, and has a full-contact, full-on play style that's better suited for dogs who are at least 25-30 pounds. Ranger is housebroken and crate trained as well. He is recently neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and has undergone a heartworm test (negative), a senior blood panel, and hip and spine x-rays. Not surprisingly, for a dog of his age, breed, and size, he has some arthritis in his hips and spine, and he takes an anti-inflammatory medication twice daily. He's also on a daily allergy medication (Apoquel). Pal's Place will provide a three-month supply of his medications when he is adopted. Ranger still has a lot of life and love left in him and is anxious to find the loving, comfortable retirement home he so deserves. He brings a smile to our faces every day with his joyful, clownish, and bright personality, and we know he will do the same for any household lucky enough to share their lives with him. Ranger is currently fostered in Chicago and can be visited by appointment once an adoption application has been submitted and approved by the rescue. For more information or an application, please email palsplace1@hotmail.com or visit palsplacerescue.org If expecting a response from us, please check your spam folders regularly, as our correspondence sometimes will end up in there! • Ranger's adoption fee to the rescue is $275. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date with age-appropriate vaccines. Meet-and-greets are arranged by appointment only, once an adoption application has been submitted and is approved by the rescue. To complete an adoption application online, visit http://palsplacerescue.org/adopt/ or email Palsplace1@hotmail.com for an application or more information. We cannot place holds on our dogs for any reason. Please do not apply unless you are prepared to welcome a new member into your home within three days of submitting your application. • Pal's Place adoption fees start at $475 for puppies and $375 for dogs aged six months or older. This fee helps cover the medical expenses necessary to prepare dogs for adoption, including vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter surgeries, and other related costs, as well as the dogs' feeding, transportation, and general care. Pal's Place is 100% reliant on donations to care for our rescued dogs. • Please email Palsplace1@hotmail.com or visit our website, www.palsplacerescue.org, for an adoption application. Pal's Place is a volunteer-run organization. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response. Please also check your spam or junk folder when awaiting a response; sometimes, replies and applications end up there. • All our dogs are in foster homes and can be seen BY APPOINTMENT ONLY after an approved application is received. For more info, please email palsplace1@hotmail.com. Email is the preferred contact method and is the quickest way to receive a response. Unfortunately, we cannot place holds on our available dogs. Please do not submit an application until you are prepared to adopt.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ranger, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.