Ryker, STAR #2129

 Ready to Play, Ready to Work and Ready to Love! 

Meet Ryker, a stunning 4-year-old, 68-pound red merle Australian Shepherd with crystal-clear, expressive eyes and a heart that’s just waiting for the right person to call his own.

Ryker recently joined STAR after his family made the heartbreaking decision to surrender him (and another Aussie – Magnolia) due to medical and personal circumstances. While losing his home wasn’t easy, he’s settling beautifully into foster care and showing everyone what a loyal, loving Aussie he truly is.

Once Ryker knows you’re part of his circle, his personality shines. He’s incredibly affectionate, loves to lean in for attention, and has a goofy, playful side that will keep you smiling. His favorite things include playing endless games of fetch, splashing in the water, going for walks, squeaking every squeaky toy into silence, and dramatically flopping over beside you for a well-earned belly rub.

Like many Australian Shepherds, Ryker is happiest when he has a job. He has plenty of energy, a strong herding instinct, and would thrive with an Aussie-experienced family that understands the breed’s need for both physical exercise and mental stimulation. A home with room to run, explore, and “patrol” would be his dream. Speaking of patrols… Ryker takes neighborhood security very seriously and is always happy to let you know when someone is passing by!

Ryker can be reserved when meeting new people, but he’s easily won over with a few treats or a tennis ball. He’s clearly had previous training and already knows “sit,” walks nicely with an experienced handler, and is currently polishing up his “stay” and leash manners with the help of a trainer. His foster family has been impressed by how quickly he responds and how eager he is to work alongside his person.

Around other dogs during playtime, he exhibits strong herding instincts, and as excitement levels rise, and he’ll work to control the environment – a standard Aussie trait. Our expert trainer tells us he’s a really well-trained boy and clearly has had previous experience participating in herding activities and has simply learned to channel his energy through work rather than play.

Ryker has excellent house manners, only chews on his own toys, and is familiar with a crate. He eats with great enthusiasm (slow feeders are his friend!) and loves interactive feeding games that keep both his body and brain engaged.

Ryker is looking for someone who appreciates everything that makes Australian Shepherds so special including intelligence, loyalty, work ethic, and deep bond they form with their people. If you’re searching for a devoted companion who will happily spend the day hiking, playing ball, helping around the property, and then curl up beside you for belly rubs at the end of it all, Ryker may just be your perfect match.

Ryker isn’t just looking for a home! He’s looking for an Aussie-savvy family to share life’s adventures with. Could that be you? 🐾

Please complete an application to be considered as an adopter, learn more about and meet him. His foster home is in Houston. He’s fully vetted, neutered, microchipped and on heartworm preventative.

https://www.southtexasaussierescue.org/adopt/

IMPORTANT: We do not deliver dogs to adopters. You must be able and willing to come meet the dog in their foster home. A home visit by one of our STAR volunteers is a required part of our adoption program. Adoptions outside of Texas are rare because of these requirements. You must have a secure fence in place, and we are not fans of apartments for this breed, nor homes where the dogs will be home alone 8+ hours daily. All STAR dogs are adopted to be inside pets and family members only and all current or past pets in the home must have proof of being kept up to date on vaccinations and Heartworm prevention. The adoption fee is $300 and trust us, we spend that or much more on dogs to get them vetted – all STAR dogs will be neutered/spayed, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, heartworm negative, and on monthly heartworm prevention. If you already have an application on file with us, you can contact us to let us know you are interested.

Ryker is a stunning 4 year-old red merle male and weighs 60 pounds.  His owner made the very difficult decision to release him to STAR due to medical and personal family issues.  So far, we have discovered that he is a sweet boy and loves balls!  He will be fostered and vetted in the Houston area.  Ryker should be ready for adoption in mid to late July.