Meet Ricardo – A Gentle Soul Learning the World at His Own Pace
Name: Ricardo
Gender: Male
Breed: Shepherd Mix
Age: 1 year
Weight: 50 lbs
Current Location: Bristow, VA
Meet Ricardo:
Ricardo is a shy but incredibly sweet 1-year-old Shepherd mix who is just beginning his journey toward trust and confidence. Weighing in at 50 lbs, this beautiful young boy may have an unknown past, but his potential is undeniable.
What Makes Ricardo Special:
• Gentle and Quiet Soul: Ricardo thrives in calm environments and often finds comfort in his crate, which he sees as a safe space.
• Learning to Trust: While he’s still unsure about people, he’s begun taking treats gently by hand and enjoys quietly observing his surroundings—especially his favorite thing: his own reflection.
• House-Trained: Ricardo has had no accidents in the house and shows impressive bladder control, even when he’s nervous about going outside.
• Low-Maintenance Companion: He’s not interested in toys just yet and prefers soft encouragement over high energy or excitement.
• Food-Motivated (in His Own Way): He eats his meals in his crate and especially enjoys them with a little peanut butter on top. He also drinks water like a champ!
• Dog-Friendly: Ricardo truly comes alive when he’s around other dogs. While he’s still curious and a bit unsure when meeting new friends, his personality begins to shine with a calm, confident pup companion by his side.
• Outdoor Enthusiast: Ricardo LOVES being outside—it’s his happy place. Whether it’s a fenced-in yard or an open field, he thrives in wide-open spaces where he can explore at his own pace.
• Working on Leash Skills: He’s currently working on leash walking and becoming more confident around doorways. With time, patience, and consistency, these things will become easier.
What Ricardo Needs:
Ricardo is looking for a quiet, patient home with consistent access to the outdoors. His ideal family will understand that building trust takes time and be willing to offer gentle encouragement as he adjusts to new environments. He’ll thrive in a low-pressure setting where he can move at his own pace and feel safe and supported every step of the way.
He currently doesn’t know his name, which makes it a perfect opportunity for his future family to choose one that fits his personality and the new life they’ll build together.
Though he may start out shy, Ricardo has a big heart and so much love to give. With patience, consistency, and love, his sweet and soulful personality will continue to blossom—and being a part of that transformation is one of the most rewarding experiences in rescue.
Veterinary Info:
Ricardo is up to date on all of his medical care, including:
✔ Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
✔ Vaccinations appropriate for his age
✔ Neutered
✔ Microchipped
✔ Heartworm preventative
✔ Flea & tick preventative
✔ Deworming/parasite treatments
⸻
If you have a calm home and a big heart, Ricardo could be your perfect project pup. Apply to adopt him and help this beautiful boy find the safe, loving future he deserves
All adult dogs, cats, and kittens are altered prior to adoption. Puppies too young to be altered at the time of adoption must be brought to our partner vet in Ashland, VA for spay or neuter paid for by Operation Paws for Homes by 6 months of age. Adopters may choose to have the procedure done at their own vet before 6 months of age and be reimbursed the amount that the rescue would pay our partner vet in Ashland.
This dog's bio is based off the experiences of the foster and/or volunteers of OPH as well as any information that we received from the shelter or previous owner. This is very important because it means that while they may act one way in the foster’s home, you may experience something different in your home.