Benny is super sweet and good-natured to the core. He's a cuddle bug and a velcro dog because we always wants to be with his person. Benny has never lived with children or with cats, but he has spent several days at a time in homes with cats and did well - high-strung cats avoided him and he ended up cuddling with the friendlier ones. He's tolerant with children but he doesn't know his size and has knocked over little ones inadvertently. Benny is about 10-11 years old and 80-85 lbs. He's healthy other than thyroid dysfunction and is responding well to his thyroid meds. For questions about Benny please email slambertfrench@gmail.com to apply to adopt: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/

2.5-3-year-old Max is exceedingly affectionate. One of the most affectionate dogs she has ever met, says one of the shelter volunteers. Max is a resident of Swansea shelter and a participant in Handsome Dan's Rescue Shelter Dog Enrichment Program where he attends weekly training classes. Max is crate trained, potty trained, and has lived with kids. He may be able to live with another dog with a slow introduction. Cats are also a possibility. Max broke his foot in the shelter play yard so he has a cast and boot but is expected to make a full recovery. To apply to adopt Max: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/

In early June, this young red dog's life changed forever. He was removed from the yard where he was kept chained in the Arkansas heat. He and the others from this dogfighting case made their way to a rural private shelter. The dogs were met with open arms. Dr. Nanci got to work triaging each of the dogs. Next, evidence photos were taken of each dog. This was Nanci's first dogfighting case, and hopefully her last. I can only imagine the emotion she was feeling as she worked quickly to get each of the dogs patched up and settled in the back. Holly and I went down to Arkansas to meet and perform behavioral assessments on each of the surviving dogs. Sadly, not all were still alive by the time we arrived. Some of these dogs were very sick, some beaten up, and others just could not go on. One by one, we met and assessed the first dozen or so dogs. We found silly ones, fearful ones, some were extremely stressed or confused. A few not ready for human touch. Then, a very special one walked into the room. Holly and I are professionals. We assess dogs all the time. But this dog, this particular dog, was different. He cautiously entered the room, low to the ground he looked around and slinked toward us. Holly and I sat down, maybe two feet from one another, and he nestled himself right in between. The fresh punctures and a large abscess on the left side of his face, the surrounding scarring that covered his face, neck, and chest, told us some of his stories. We had a hard time deciding how and where to touch him so as not to cause pain to his wounds. We then sat there, in silence, and cried into him. In all the years of assessments I have done with Holly, this has never before happened. He took turns in our laps, snuggling in as tightly as he could. We comforted him, and told him never again would he suffer as he had. Over the last many weeks he started his heartworm treatment and watched many of the dogs he knew from his yard move onto rescues around the country. He was pretty sick a few times, but under the care of Dr. Nanci and the staff has been doing well. Last week, he left the shelter with Dr. Nanci, never to return. She decided to bring him to her vet office to live as he finishes out his difficult treatment. And after that.... He will come to Handsome Dan's Rescue as my foster dog. Please meet Sesame.? (#opensesame) Sesame has a long way to go before he is healthy enough to make the trip from Arkansas to us here in Rhode Island. But his shelter days are behind him, and his chain and dirt spot just a distant memory now. To apply to adopt Sesame, once he is ready: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/ Questions? Email me at heather@obhounds.com

Tootsie Roll is a very special little being. She is four years old, about 38 lbs, loves everyone she meets, walks very well on leash, and is extremely EXTREMELY affectionate. Tootsie Roll came to us with Pyometra, an infection of the uterus and surgery. She is now fully recovered and ready for her forever home. Roll is an exceptional learner. I am a dog trainer and while I can't keep Roll, if I were to adopt a dog she would make me look like a trainer genius. She loves to work and picks things up super fast. Keep in mind that I work with dogs professionally, and she astounds me. I walk her with a leash attached to my belt and she rarely pulls. She is gentle taking treats, crate trained, potty trained, and loves humans young and old. Tootsie Roll is well behaved but does have two quirks. First, she jumps up on people, second, she wants to kiss them, a lot. She is working hard on learning to keep all paws on the ground, and that is the only way she receives the attention she wants. It will be imperative that her adopter understands this and continues to set boundaries in this regard. It's best for her to continue to understand that she can self-soothe, and does not need to be licking or jumping. I will be very picky about who gets to adopt Roll, she is a really special dog and deserves a home that is just the right fit. I'm her foster mom, heather. Email me with any questions: heather@obhounds.com To apply to adopt: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/

Introducing Maisy!!! 1.5 - 2 year old Maisy had an awful life prior to her rescue. We can't give details due to an ongoing case but can say that she will be safe and loved for the rest of her life; we will make sure of it! As you will see in the photos, Maisy is very friendly and snuggly. She was great with nine-year-old Josephine. Maisy is in our Shelter Dog Enrichment Program where she attends Outbound Hounds' weekly training class with her enrichment specialist, Sara. Since she has never been a pet, Maisy has a lot to learn, but Sara will be right there to help her blossom. Maisy lives at the Hopkington Shelter. For info on adopting Maisy, please email Sara at saracaitlin@gmail.com. To apply, please go to handsomedansrescue.org. BIG thanks to Maisy's shelter for trusting us with this special little girl. You guys are awesome!

Ruru is in our Compassion Hold program. He will live out whatever time he has left with his foster care provider, Steve. Eight month old Ruru has a severe heart condition. His cardiologist tells us it is likely he will not make it to adulthood. We took Ruru into our Compassion Hold (hospice) program from a local shelter and placed him into a home where he will be loved and spoiled for whatever time he has left. For more info on our Compassion Hold program: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/home/programs/compassion-hold-program/

Mister was a resident of the Pawtucket Animal Shelter when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. HDR pulled him to the Compassion Hold Program and he's living out the rest of his time with his foster mother, Sara. She reports to us that Mister is quite possibly the sweetest, kindest, and the most joyful boy she's ever met. His days are spent napping, snacking, lying in the sunshine, frolicking in the grass, and hanging out with his dog and cat siblings (whom he loves dearly).