Rufus

My story

Meet RufusRufus is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever looking for a special home. Rufus has hip dysplasia, which we had been intending to correct with surgery, however, we then discovered Rufus also has a heart condition. It's called tricuspid valve dysplasia, which means one of the valves on the right side of his heart is abnormally formed. In some cases, this malformation can lead to atrial fibrillation, or right sided congestive heart failure. So far, Rufus is not displaying any symptoms of his condition, but that could change with time.Due to the condition, Rufus is not a candidate for any kind of procedure that would involve anesthesia. He has been placed on medications, which cost approximately $182, per month. Because he's not a surgical candidate, the hip dysplasia must also be managed by supplements and medications. His diet will be restricted and he cannot have any salty foods, including broth, meats or salty treats.Rufus is about 65 pounds of love and loyalty. He’s gentle, playful, and full of heart. He just needs a soft place to land and someone willing to give him a chance.If you’re ready to help a special dog get the care he needs, Rufus is ready to give you all the love in the world. He will be at the adoption center on Saturdays from 10am-4pm, or you may email info@AzFriends.org to arrange a weekday meeting.No appointments are necessary and you can come and see us any time we are open. Please go to our website (www.azfriends.org) to fill out a consultation form then come and see us! We do require any family interested in meeting our dogs or cats to fill out a consultation form – this form helps us determine if the dog/cat and the home are a good match, since it is so easy to fall in love with a photo, without knowing the personality of the animal. Once you have filled out the online Adoption Consultation Form, just come in and see us (or come and see us and fill out the consultation form upon arrival)!Please note that ALL dogs and cats are available to the first home that meets the dog or cat that we feel is a good match. In order to help make the best match, we do want all family members (dogs and humans) to meet any potential new family member. Our adoption center hours are: Closed Sunday/Monday; Tuesday 10a-2p, Wednesday 3p-7p, Thursday 3p-7p, Friday 10a-2p, Saturday 10a-4p. We are located at 952 W Melody Avenue in Gilbert (zip code 85233).All animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, licensed (dogs). Cats tested for FELV/FIV. Dogs tested for Heartworm. All animals are available to the first family that is a good match, and if we have more than one animal who is a good match, there will be a lottery for all matches. Note that families must have come in to our adoption center and spoken with an adoption counselor prior to any lottery (when we have lotteries, they usually occur on Saturday mornings).

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