Meet River – A Pekingese with Personality (and a Heart Ready to Heal)

River is a 15.8 lb Pekingese, around 5 years old, and every bit as striking as his breed promises. He’s currently in foster care, living with three female dogs (including a dominant alpha!)—and he’s done beautifully with all of them.

When River first arrived, it was clear he hadn’t been treated kindly. He came in terrified, and his initial “aggression” was really just fear—his way of saying “please don’t hurt me.” He never bit, and with time, patience, and love, he’s made a dramatic transformation. Today, River is a total love bug who just needed someone to give him a chance.

He still has a few quirks. He occasionally tries to chase or “attack” his tail, usually when he’s excited—like getting a treat or settling down for the night. His foster mom suspects that his tail was once matted and heavy, and now that it curls over his back, he catches sight of it and thinks it’s something sneaking up on him.

River also gets nervous when being set down, barking or growling out of fear. His foster thinks he may have been tossed or dropped before, so she simply lowers him facing away from her—problem solved. Once he trusts you, he melts.

The biggest milestone came recently: River fell asleep in his foster’s lap and let her give him full-body scratches. For a dog who once trembled at human touch, that’s pure magic.

River is on medication that’s helped calm his anxiety, and his foster describes him as a “2 out of 10” on the challenge scale—very manageable for someone experienced with Pekingese or dogs with a history of trauma.

He’s not suited for a home with children, as he startles easily, but he’ll thrive in a calm environment with someone patient and committed. He’s smart, strong-willed, and full of personality—the kind of dog who will make you earn his love, but once you do, you’ll never find a more loyal friend.

Details:

• Breed: Pekingese
• Age: ~5 years
• Weight: 15.8 lbs
• Dental: Completed
• Good with dogs: Yes
• Needs: Experienced owner, no kids, calm and patient home

River isn’t for everyone—but for the right person, he’ll be everything.

We at Tired Dog Rescue strive to find homes for dogs in need, build quality relationships with responsible owners, and preserve current dog-family homes by seeking solutions to financial, behavioral, and situational dog problems. We believe the lives of homeless, abandoned and abused dogs are just as precious as dogs that currently have a loving home. We believe that all dogs deserve a loving home despite their age, medical condition and/or disabilities. We provide whatever medical care is needed regardless of cost. All dogs are spayed/neutered, heartworm negative and current on vaccinations before being placed.