Description:
Rico is a St. Bernard that we rescued from West Virginia. Yes, you read that right, West Virginia. How did we end up with him? I'm glad you asked. Judy gets e-mails from all over the country asking for her to rescue pets. There was one from a woman in West Virginia who was running a small rescue from her home. The local Zoning board was coming down on her and were going to take all her dogs to the kill shelter. Could Judy help? Well, this story struck a little too close to home for Judy to just come right out and say no. Instead she offered to take five dogs if the woman could arrange to have them brought to Orlando. That seemed safe, right? I mean, how was she going to get them from West Virginia to Florida, especially with gas $4/gallon. Well, Judy hadn't figured on this lady being just as resourceful as she is. One week later, who arrives at our door but a carload of dogs with thick West Virginia accents. I mean, we can hardly understand a thing they say!!! After all their adventures, it will be our pleasure to find forever homes for Rico and his friends.

Watch Rico playing ball:


Rico isn't a giant of a guy like so many of that breed. He has the look without using up all of your couch. And he's quiet. Having been around a lot of dogs, I can't tell you how much I appreciate a quiet one!!! And he likes to play ball. Just once I'd like to have a dog that will play ball. All of mine look at me like, "Hey, you dropped something. You might want to go get it...."

Foster Update 8/7:
Rico is such a love! He doesn't lick much, which means I can shower and actually manage to stay clean. Instead, he shows his affection by giving you his paw. It is so cute! Rico is a very mellow dog who is happy hanging out with you by the couch. He also loves the dog park and playing fetch. He becomes a different dog when you put a ball in front of him, all lively and excited. He doesn't play much at the dog park, rather he likes to walk around and meet the dogs. At home, he and our other foster dog love to play. It took them a few days to get comfortable with each other, but now they roll all over the floor together playing. Rico has been an amazing dog to foster. He is so easy to take care. He is great with kids. The other day at an adoption event, I caught a kid sticking his hands all over Rico (in his nose, ears, etc...). Although you could tell Rico didn't like it, he stood there and let the kid do it. He understands the difference between a person and a dog, and has the utmost respect for people. He has the look of a St. Bernard, but he is much smaller and does not drool constantly like a lot of St. Bernards do (yuck!). You would be lucky to have this great guy as part of your family!

Foster update 6/6: We were at the dog park yesterday and since there was an alligator in the pond on the big dog side we had to use the little dog side. Could you image the little dogs faces when Rico the big ole St. Bernard come walking up the them! This one dog was furious with Rico for being big and decided he was going to bark and attack his legs the whole time! Rico did nothing but look at him with those big eyes and try to keep walking. Then of course here comes a 3-year-old girl running and screaming through the dog park right for Rico. The mother running behind her yelling at her to stop. The little girl runs up to Rico gives his a big huge and steals his stick then tries to get him to chase her! Now what did Rico do? He gave up the stick and waited until the little girl was done petting and hugging him. He is such a good dog!

Foster update 6/5: Rico is doing wonderfully! He is such a good dog. He comes when called, goes into his crate with a little bit of treats a