EMERGENCY PLACEMENT DEADLINE CLOSE OF BUSINESS Monday May 11, 2026 AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION ONLY THROUGH PACC Name: RUFUS Animal ID: A849852 Age: 9 YEARS Weight: 45.5 LBS. Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A849852 About: Rufus is the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart. This adorable 45-pound black mixed breed is 9 years old and has been through more loss and change than any dog should ever have to endure. Despite it all, Rufus continues to show people love, loyalty, and resilience. Back in September 2024, Animal Protection Officers rescued Rufus after his owner had tragically passed away in the home several weeks earlier before anyone realized. Through it all, Rufus survived by finding his way into a bag of dog food that had been left in the house. Thankfully, a family member later came to reclaim him from the shelter. Sadly, Rufus ended up back at PACC in July 2025 as a stray. Since then, Rufus has spent time in two foster homes, including a recent foster placement where he lived happily for six months. Unfortunately, he was returned to the shelter on 04/21/26 through no fault of his own—his foster became seriously ill and was hospitalized for an unknown amount of time. During his return to the shelter, Rufus became startled when leashes became tangled around him while staff were trying to move him into a kennel. Frightened and overwhelmed, he bit a staff member during the incident. He has since completed his quarantine and is now ready to find the stable, loving forever home he deserves. According to his foster, Rufus was a wonderful companion in the home. He did well with children ages 3 and 10, loved sleeping beside his person in bed, and wanted nothing more than to be close to the people he loved. Rufus will happily follow you from room to room, out into the yard, and anywhere life takes you. He enjoys toys, chasing after balls, and alerting you if someone comes to the door—but settles down quickly afterward. Rufus doesn’t enjoy being left alone and may scratch at the door when someone leaves, though he eventually calms himself down. He also made it clear that cats are not his thing, so a feline-free home will be best for him. This sweet senior boy is searching for a quiet, calm home where he can finally feel safe and secure for the rest of his days. Rufus has already survived heartbreak and uncertainty—now he deserves comfort, patience, and a family who will love him through his golden years. If you think you could be Rufus’ fresh start and forever person, please come to PACC and ask to meet him. Available for adoption ONLY through PACC. Interested parties: Must visit PACC before the COB Monday May 11, 2026 deadline to meet with a counselor who will review notes and introduce you to the dog to ensure that it’s a good fit. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with. Home Management Plan Separation Anxiety: Rufus may experience stress or anxiety when left alone, which can result in vocalization, pacing, or destructive behaviors. • Crate Training: Proper crate training can provide a safe space and help prevent destructive behaviors when unsupervised. • Enrichment & Comfort: Provide mental stimulation through frozen kongs, puzzle toys, or other enrichment items. Background noise, such as calming music or television, can also help reduce stress. • Gradual Independence: Practice short departures and slowly increase alone time to build their comfort level. • Companion Dog Support: Some dogs experiencing separation anxiety may feel more secure and settle better when another calm, stable dog is present in the home. Bite History: • Incident Details: moderate bite to the hand due to stress, and mishandling upon return to the shelter. Fatally Injured Another Animal: NO Cats • Rufus has a documented history of fatally injuring another animal. • Incident Details: cat