Friday's Feature: Ranger

Kirby's heart beats for shelter dogs who need a little help which is why we foster. It's our way of helping one needy dog at a time. Another way to help is spotlighting one dog who is searching for his or her forever home. So if you are looking for a new furry member to add to your family, consider checking your local shelter or rescue!

Today’s feature is from Pets for Patriots, an organization dedicated to bringing rescue dogs and veterans together. I normally feature little dogs like Kirby but when I received their Wet Nosed Blog e-newsletter and read about Ranger, I knew I needed to share him in hopes of finding him the forever family he so richly deserves.

WHO: Ranger

WHAT: One year old AKC Registered German Shepard

WHERE: Washington

At eight weeks old Ranger was adopted by a family. At ten months old he was donated to Independence Guide Dogs (IDG) who trains dogs to become guide dog for a visually impaired individual at no cost to them.

Ranger traveled from California to Washington where he learned new rules quickly and bonded with his temporary family. Next he was placed with a puppy raiser and professional dog trainer where he continued to make up for lost time. He learned more obedience skills and became better socialized.

Sadly he failed as a guide dog because he lacks the needed trait called “intelligent disobedience” which allows a dog to defy their handlers when asked to do something that may be dangerous. Ranger is just too eager to please and seeks direction from his handler.

The staff at IGD firmly believe Ranger would be an awesome companion for a veteran in need of an intelligent, loving and loyal best friend. He isn't fearful or aggressive, not innately protective and doesn’t guard his handler. He adores people, is friendly around both adults and children and is playful with other dogs. Because of his intelligence and activity level, they think he could make a good agility dog. Ranger bonds tightly with his handler, wants constant companionship and needs a real, forever buddy – ideally a veteran in need of the loving companionship Ranger is so eager to give.

Ranger is AKC-registered, up-to-date on all relevant vaccinations and celebrated his first birthday on St. Patrick’s Day of this year.

While the preference is for Ranger to go to his forever home with a veteran, he is available to any qualified home. Those interested should inquire directly with IGD at [email protected]. Individuals interested in adopting Ranger may do so through IGD directly or, if a qualifying veteran, through a special, one-time partnership between IGD and Pets for Patriots. If approved by our charity and by IGD, all of our program benefits would apply, including ongoing discounted veterinary care – like the generous 20% discount offered through ACCES – contributions to help with the startup costs of a new pet, and sponsor-provided pet discounts. Veterans interested in qualifying for Pets for Patriots must apply and be approved before executing a final adoption contract with IGD.

Any veterans who apply to and are approved by Pets for Patriots for companion pet adoption can visit any of their three area adoption partners - Seattle Humane Society, Kitsap Humane Society and Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society.

Can't adopt but still want to help a shelter dog or a veteran? Donate today!