We would like to formerly introduce you to Rip formerly known to the Sioux Falls Humane Society AND the Siouxland Humane Society as Dexter. He was rescued and entered the SEPR foster program 1/26/23 with what we knew was not going to be an easy road ahead. He literally was scheduled to be euthanized the very next day.

​

What we know about Rip. He entered the shelter system in Sioux City in 2020 as a young adult! Within ONLY four short years he has been adopted, returned, or abandon at least SIX times that we are aware of. His last family had adopted him in March of 2023 and by September of 2023 he was picked up as a Sioux Falls stray and never claimed. What we DO NOT know is WHY humans continually failed this dog. What we DO know, despite all of his failed relationships he still has a heart of gold that you clearly can see he wears on his paw and his favorite past time is fetch. At some point, we hope someone loved him because he is too good of a dog to be abandon time after time. We know housing, the economy, and overpopulation is staggering for pet owners, so if you loved Dexter at some point please know he is now forever safe with SEPR.

​

Rip is about 7 years young. Which is just the PERFECT age for enjoying all of his companionship without having a put up with all the younger dog training! HOWEVER, RIP had not 1, but 2 torn ACL’s. Whoever owned him prior may not have had the financial means to repair them - at a cost now of $4800. Due to this fact, he was scheduled to be humanely euthanized 1/27/24 if a rescue partner could not be obtained. Luckily, we saved the day in the last hour! True to his character; thereafter, he has taken the entire surgery process all in stride and is recovering like nothing was ever wrong in the first place. Talk about resilience!

 

Rip has been the epitome of a "good dog" from the moment we pulled him from the shelter. He's smart, loving, and the perfect mix of chill and playful. He loves foster mom and dad equally and with his whole heart. Rip enjoys the company of the tiny human (a rambunctious 3 year old) but can easily get wound up by the running, playing, screaming, and general excitement that a toddler brings. He may prefer a quiet home with older kids, but could be successful in a home with smaller children with the right adults to provide everyone with everything they need to be successful.

 

Rip loves every stranger he's met so far; immediately showing interest and rolling over for belly rubs. He'll put on a tough guy façade if he sees someone outside his house or car, but is working on letting that go and letting foster mom or dad take care of things.

​

Rip walks great on a leash, learns quickly, and has even taught his foster mom to throw his toys, so he can play fetch. He's happy to play on his own or with his people, happy to get pets and attention or just lay quietly near you, and is also happy to snuggle up under the covers and just relax.

 

Rip has a canine foster sister who he seems to enjoy. Full integrations haven't happened yet as he finishes up recovering from his surgery, but we feel confident that he can be successful and would likely enjoy having canine siblings. Just the same, he'd be perfectly happy to be your one-and-only. Rip has seen rabbits in the yard and cats in the neighborhood and pays them very little attention. We don't know enough yet to say how he'd do with a feline friend in the home, but feel he'd be adaptable to many situations with the right leadership and structure.

 

Rip is truly an amazing dog who has endless love to give. While the beginning of his journey might have been a bumpy ride the ending is sure to be smooth sailing for this handsome man. 

 

​

SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO RIP'S FOSTER FAMILY FOR THEIR TIME AND DONATIONS: 

Denise & Tony