Kane County Animal Control Pet of the Week - River

He's all ears.

Each one, right and left, seems as though it's attempting to reach out beyond his cute little puppy head. If he put his face up to look over a table, you wouldn't see his eyes or nose at first, just his ears. But you would definitely know it's him.

His name is River, and he's just the cutest 6-month-old German Shepherd-mixed puppy you ever want to see. It almost begs the question of how could this gorgeous little man have been a stray in the first place? But, unfortunately, he was.

Maybe that's why River is a little timid at first meeting or when he's introduced to new things. He hasn't had the benefit of learning cues from a sibling or parent or even an owner. There hasn't been anyone around to show him the ropes or introduce him to new situations or even let him know that he's safe.

He's going to get a little bigger. He's not going to stay this small forever, but he will stay cute and handsome. His main look is one of worry as he furrows his brow and stares at you with dark eyes. He wants to make sure he understands the situation before he can figure out if you want to play with him or not.

He loves toys, by the way, so playtime is very important to him. Playing with him can also be a great time to work on training. He's just a puppy now, with puppy exuberance and strength. He'll get smarter and calm down eventually, but it will take time. His ideal new family will need some patience and strength along with a willingness to teach him.

He seems to like other dogs, but he is cautious when he first meets a new dog, which is very appropriate. Tell River to sit and he obediently sits. Take his chew toy away from him and he seems okay with that, although he may furrow his brow a little. Introduce him to a new dog and he will play bow, sniff around and then get excited to meet a new friend.

River is a blank canvas waiting for an artist to apply the first of many brush strokes. You could say he's a work in progress waiting to become a masterpiece, waiting to fit into his tall ears, waiting to finally feel safe.

KCAC Pupdate

Congratulations to Aspen, the 1-year-old Siberian Husky-mix with a little bit of diva in her DNA. Her forever family finally came to adopt her and was she ready! Leaving was the only thing on her mind and we don't blame her!

Enjoy your wonderful new life, Aspen!

How to Adopt

For more information regarding Kane County Animal Control's adoptable animals and for an adoption application, please go to www.kanecountypets.org.

All Kane County Animal Control adoptable cats and dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on all vaccines including rabies. They are tested for feline leukemia/FIV and heartworm.

The adoption fee for dogs is $200 and $100 for cats. Adoption of two dogs is $300 and it is $150 to adopt two cats.    

“A dog wags its tail with its heart." – Martin Buxbaum, American author and poet