Rufus needs a patient owner who will help him to overcome his separation anxiety. He drools profusely and howls in his crate. This is partly due to separation anxiety, and partly because he just doesn't like being crated! The vet prescribed benedryl to help him relax when he is home alone.

UPDATE ON SEPARATION ANXIETY: We have been working to slowly wean Rufus off the crate when he is home alone. He now stays in the kitchen when we are gone. He is much calmer without the crate, though he still shows some moderate anxiety (pacing, whining, knocking over the trash, housetraining accidents). He only exhibits these behaviors when left alone. According to a recent videotape, he doesn't bark or howl when left in the kitchen. (Yay!) He has shown no signs of destructiveness whatsoever. (When he knocked over the trash, he didn't even chew any of it!)

Ideally his new owner will help him get used to being alone by leaving him for very short periods at first and gradually extending them when he seems calm enough. Click here to learn more about separation anxiety.

A home with other dogs (or regular access to other dogs) is preferred. Rufus loves to have playmates, and he is more relaxed when he has canine company.