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.

Rufus is a six-year old Shar Pei/Pit Bull Terrier mix. He is neutered and vaccinated. Upon leaving the animal shelter, Rufus was temperament tested and passed with flying colors. While staying at a boarding kennel in his first days out of the shelter, he became 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 living in a boarding home and making quick progress with obedience and house training.

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.

Contact Info:
This animal is in a private foster home. If you are interested in "Rufus," please contact Paulette at 510-604-9020, email sandpmurillo@sbcglobal.net if you have questions or want to arrange a meeting. ... Visit fofas.org/adopt to fill out an adoption application.