Rook

~DOB: 7/1/2024

Weight: 32 lbs

Energy Level: Moderate

Overall Drive: Moderate

Location: Mount Vernon, WA

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Meet Rook – The Sensitive Theatre Kid of Dogs 

 

 

If Rook Had a People Job...

He’d be a Sensitive Theatre Kid - full of feelings, wildly expressive, absolutely devoted to his castmates (you), and not afraid to make a scene if you walk offstage without him. He’s quirky, lovable, occasionally exhausting, and unforgettable in the best way.

 

The Rook Rundown:

Rook is a high-energy, emotionally-driven, and hilariously odd little guy. He came to us from a California shelter with low confidence and a strong need for emotional security. After ~90 days in structured training, he’s made great strides in confidence, dog socialization, and obedience — but still struggles with intense vocal protest behaviors when emotionally overwhelmed.

He bonds fast and hard to his people — and when you leave the room, he’ll let you (and the neighbors) know how deeply it hurts.

 

In Training, Rook Has:

• Developed solid leash skills and off-leash recall using low-level e-collar

• Grown in confidence — even braved paddleboarding!

• Successfully integrated into dog playgroups — can get a little "main character," but redirects easily

• Begun learning to settle indoors with structure and enrichment

• Tolerates handling and being picked up, but is still sensitive to sudden invasive movements, from strangers

 

His Biggest Challenge:

Rook’s biggest struggle is emotional regulation, especially around attachment. When he’s left out, separated from his favorite person, or sees you loving on another dog, he can launch into a very loud, very dramatic protest. He’ll argue through mild corrections, and when overstimulated, can spiral into full barking meltdowns.

He’s not being defiant — he’s overwhelmed. Tools like vibration collars, lemon juice, or low stim don’t break the cycle. A firm leash upward steady correction does work, but it also rewards him because it causes the handler to return to him. For this reason he would prefer to be your shadow. It is improving, but we want to be transparent.

 

Health:

Rook is healthy, with no known allergies or sensitivities. He takes Gabapentin (100 mg) and Doggy Hemp/C.B.D at night to help with evening wind-down and emotional settling. He loves chew toys, cozy beds, and stuffed Kongs in his bedtime routine.

 

Rook’s Ideal Home:

• No apartments or shared walls - his protest vocals aren’t neighbor-friendly

• Someone home often, or able to include him in everyday life

• An active lifestyle - hiking, outdoor adventures, training sessions

• Experienced handler who understands herding breeds and emotional dogs

• Clear structure + emotional softness — he thrives with someone firm, but kind

• May do well with a well-matched, neutral dog who won’t trigger jealousy or competition

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Summary:

Rook isn’t for everyone — he’s for someone special. Someone who appreciates a quirky, sensitive, emotionally loud little guy who’ll make you laugh, test your patience, and love you with his whole being. With continued structure and the right kind of human, Rook has all the potential to be an amazing companion. He’s not here to play a background role — he’s looking for his forever castmate.

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Our adoption process includes- completion of an application, followed by a telephone interview. 

 

Adoption Donation: $500.00

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Transport along Interstate 5 (Rowland Heights, CA to Edmonds, WA) is available but cost not included in adoption fee.

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For all inquiries, please fill out our adoption application first, as the volunteer answering emails is probably not the coordinator for the specific foster home/dog.

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