By Madison Bendistis
Elm Staff Writer
When Rio, a three-year-old terrier mix with brown and white fur and an adorable smile, first arrived at the Humane Society, he did not arrive alone.
“Rio actually came into the shelter with another dog. They were both surrendered by the same owner. The other dog was a little pug mix named Axel and he was super popular here. I got a lot of messages for people who were interested in him and he went to a good home really quickly,” said Kennel Technician JP Hooker.
Although Axel was adopted, Rio, or Rio de Janeiro, as the staff calls him, is still awaiting his forever home. Rio has a shy personality that has made it difficult for him to meet new people.
“He’s a little shy and timid towards people at first, but once he warms up to you he’s just a big sweetheart. We actually showed Rio to someone the other day and he was just too scared, but after a while he was okay,” he said.
“When I first went into his kennel he didn’t like me at all, but then he realized that I wasn’t going to hurt him. Once he knew I was there to help him we became friends,” he said.
“I think people get the impression that he’s one of those dogs who jumps in your lap and immediately kisses you, but he needs time to warm up. Eventually, he’s really loving but he needs time to get used to you,” he said.
Aside from Rio’s initial shyness, he has a great personality that the staff appreciates.
“Rio loves to run around and play in the yard. He’s good with other dogs for the most part. I have a lot of cute videos of him playing with other dogs in the yard,” Hooker said.
The staff is hopeful that someone looking for a smaller sized dog will adopt Rio soon.
“He’s such a good little dog and he’s so handsome,” he said. “I think Rio’s got a lot of potential, especially because he’s so friendly with other dogs. Rio is a great dog.”
Potential adopters should be prepared to do some socialization with Rio.
“I think Rio would probably do best in a home without little kids, because they might give him too much attention and make Rio uncomfortable. Rio would do better with an older couple or even a family with older children,” he said.
If anyone in the Chestertown community, WC faculty and staff members, or even students with families are interested in rescuing Rio, please contact the Humane Society of Kent County at 410-778-3648 or by emailing info@kenthumane.org.