Aged 5-7 years, Ruthie was found with no collar or tags, infested with fleas, yet has been (from the moment we met her) a very happy girl with a wonderful disposition!

She’s very sweet, and we have it on good authority because when she spent the night at the emergency hospital, they wrote in her records, "SWEET DOG.!" (That's a quote in all caps!)

She loves to have her belly rubbed, has a very deep bark, and barks to alert – sometimes to entice a dog to play. She also has good manners, takes treats by hand very gently, and is house-trained to the doggie door, but does counter surf – although we’re working on this behavior.

Perhaps best of all, she is attentive to humans, listens well, really wants to please, and asks for reassurance that she is doing what is expected or asked of her. She already knows “sit” and “down” – and is working on “stay.” She does reasonably well on a lead, although occasionally will pull really hard – but she’s getting better at overcoming this “LET’S GO!” behavior all the time. Soon, it should no longer be a problem.

She does not jump up on people, although we can tell she really wants to (because she bounces in place on her front legs - very cute). She’s crate-trained, does very well when Foster Mom and Dad are gone, and puts herself in her crate for naps and at night (sleeps there with the door open). She also rides well in the family van, but needs a bit of a boost getting in because of a weak hip (which will be diagnosed and treated soon). She’s too big to fit in the seat comfortably, so lies in the floorboard - - or is happy for Mom or Dad to help her into the back of the van.

She plays well with Mom and Dad’s Golden (and is interested in their 4 cats but will not chase them), and she will initiate play – but tires quickly because of her hip and she has too many extra pounds - - - but she’ll rest for a while and return to play asap. She likes to chew on bones and will chew toys into pieces – but she has not chewed on any "people possessions" (although she did carry Mom’s socks around one day!)

Ruthie’s health is still being evaluated. She seems to feel good and be happy, but needs to lose 10 pounds – so everyone who loves her is working hard on helping her diet – and progress is being made on a daily basis. She’ll start heart worm treatment very soon, so will have improved health and stamina as time goes on. Additionally, our vet is still investigating the hip and other areas. Soon, we’ll have more test results to share, so stay turned.

Again, her foster family wants to emphasize: Ruthie is a very happy and sweet girl; a joy to have around – and will be a joyful, wonderful, and easygoing companion!