Ricky is a 1-year-old, 31 pound Black and Tan Coonhound mix with the sweetest face and a heart that's still learning how to feel safe. He's very shy and fearful right now, and the world can feel like a lot for him. Ricky isn't the kind of dog who walks into a new place and instantly settles in. He needs time. Quiet. Patience. A slow decompression period where nothing is expected from him except simply existing and realizing he's safe. A confident, friendly dog in the home could make a huge difference for Ricky. Dogs like him often watch other dogs for guidance, and a calm "mentor dog" could help show him that people are kind, routines are predictable, and couches are not, in fact, traps. He could also do well as an only dog with someone experienced in shy or fearful dogs, someone who understands that trust is built softly and slowly. Right now, Ricky is scared. But scared dogs are not broken dogs. Sometimes they're just dogs who haven't had enough gentleness yet. And when one of them finally starts to come out of their shell, it feels less like training and more like watching hope happen in real time. PLEASE READ BELOW: If you are interested in meeting and/or adopting, the first step is to complete an application and read all of our FAQs: https://www.takepawsrescue.org/adopt Please note: Information to determine if you might be a match for one of our animals can only be found on our application. *An inquiry, questions or introduction through Petfinder is NOT an application* All known details about our animals are posted on their profile and updated daily. Other info will be discussed in detail with the foster during the application review process. Due to the high volume of introductions/questions received we ask you to submit an application (that application can be used for any dog with Take Paws Rescue). The adoption fee for adult dogs covers age appropriate vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter if not yet performed, heartworm test & appropriate heartworm treatment by the rescue's vet. All dogs in our care are also kept up-to-date on HW/Flea Prevention. For more on this, or for additional information, including the adoption process and our adoption fee scale for all our adoptable pets (including an explanation about Benefactor Dogs), please see our FAQs page: https://www.takepawsrescue.org/faq Any breed labels used by Take Paws Rescue, its employees/volunteers, or on vet records provided cannot be guaranteed. Breed labels are given based on information obtained during intake and/or best guesses based on appearance and/or temperament of the dogs and Take Paws Rescue gives no assurance to the accuracy of these labels. Labels are necessary for postings to many animal networking sites, such as our website, Chewy, Pet Finder, and others. These are in no way a guarantee. Additionally, exact age and potential size cannot be guaranteed. ***Take Paws Rescue, based in New Orleans, saves dogs from high-kill shelters across the South, owner surrenders, and discarded dogs with uncertain futures. All of our animals live in foster homes where they are socialized and well cared for. An application will be required to make sure it's the perfect match!