He came in off the streets with a little arthritis, a few knee and hip issues, and an enormous heart. Now Rigby, a 10-year-old dog at Michigan Humane, is looking for a family to call his own - and his adoption fees are fully covered by the Mike Morse Law Firm.
Michigan Humane President Matt Pepper said dogs like Rigby are often passed over but shouldn’t be.
“Older dogs get overlooked sometimes in a shelter environment,” Pepper said. “When you talk about a dog that is an absolute lover and just wants to be there - this is that puppy.”
Pepper described Rigby as an ideal companion for a laid-back household. The senior dog is not running 5Ks, he said, and prospective adopters should simply be “somebody that understands he’s not going to be as active as a puppy.” Short walks, plenty of cuddles and a cool spot on the couch are all Rigby needs.
The search for Rigby’s new home comes as metro Detroit swelters through dangerous heat - conditions Pepper said pose a serious risk to dogs of all ages.
“Know your dog. When behavior and things change, something is probably not right,” he said. “Look for labored breathing, any type of respiratory distress, heavy panting, just general lethargy, acting different than they normally would.”
If those symptoms appear and don’t improve quickly, Pepper said, owners should not wait.
“Heat exhaustion can escalate quickly and can be fatal, can be very serious,” he said.
His advice for the current heat wave is straightforward: keep dogs inside as much as possible.
“If your dog doesn’t have to be outside in this heat, don’t have it outside. Limit the time outside,” Pepper said. “When the weather’s extreme, limit your time outside. Spend some time inside with the dog. Make sure they always have water, winter, summer — always have water, always have shade, and most of all, just get ‘em inside.”
For those who do need to take their dog out briefly, Pepper cautioned owners to watch for hot asphalt and cement, keep trips short, and always bring water.
Rigby is available for adoption at Michigan Humane. The Mike Morse Law Firm is covering all standard adoption fees for whoever brings him home.