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To look at his eyes alone, you would never suspect Rufus’s history. Every one he meets
gets the shiny, happy, big smile greeting of a dog who loves life, a dog who loves everything. He is one of
those conduits of unconditional love that so many dogs are known to be: eager to give love, hungry to receive it, no questions asked.
To look at the rest of him would cause you to marvel at his generosity of heart. Looking
like he has been swaddled in barbed wire, Rufus’s face and even the inside of his mouth are covered in small
scars, his shoulders and flanks marked by larger ones. The inside of his ears are dark red from
spending years left out in the sun. These are the typical marks left on “bait dogs,” gentle dogs who are placed
in the blood sport ring as objects for fighting dogs to attack during their training.
That is the condition he was in when FoFAS rescued him from the Fairmont Animal Shelter
shortly before it closed. We knew that Rufus’s appearance would prejudice many potential adopters
against him. He isn’t beautiful. He looks as scary as a junkyard dog. Why would anyone adopt a dog
like him? We knew we were taking a chance with our resources when we decided to rescue Rufus. But
“taking a chance” is what animal rescue work is all about. It’s the business of second chances.
And if ever a dog deserved a second chance, an opportunity for a better hand in life, it’s Rufus.
He was born good, and a bad life has not changed him.
Upon leaving the animal shelter, Rufus was temperament tested and passed with flying colors.
He is presently staying at a boarding kennel where he is a favorite among the staff and the
other dogs, large and small, who love to play with him. He is persistently happy, an affectionate,
goofy, grown-up puppy. He is currently receiving obedience training there. We don’t know yet if
Rufus is house trained but he will be going to a boarding house soon where he will receive teaching if he needs it.
Rufus is one of those miracles of resilience. Having suffered great cruelty and abuse, his
heart seems too full with love and friendliness to have any room for distrust. Such a heart not
only has great love to lavish on his adoptive family, but great lessons to teach all who come in
contact with him. We have faith that there is a special home waiting for Rufus, a home where
he will be seen and loved as the special dog he is.
Why shouldn’t we?
After all, Rufus has never lost his faith in people.
See video of Rufus here.
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