One of our missions at ApacheRidge Ranch is to provide for the rescue, care and rehoming of abandoned or unwanted Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs occasionally, as well as to love, protect and preserve the integrity and welfare of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. A home where everyone gives the dog an opportunity to live up to its potential as a great friend and canine companion. Some of these Rescued Ridgebacks come from wonderful, loving homes that had to give them up due to major, life-changing events like divorce, separation, moving into a nursing home, going overseas, death, major illnesses, etc. Some, however, have lived difficult lives where their owners were unprepared for the lifestyle requirements of the breed or they did not spend the time to properly train their dogs or they may have lost someone they loved very much. In any case, they often go through an adjustment period when they join their new family, which can be sometimes difficult. Sometimes we are able to acquire a complete background of their health and temperament, sometimes that is not available.

Our goal is to nurture them, make sure they are taken to a veterinarian for a health check-up and immunization, help them adjust, and find these sweet animals responsible owners who are committed to the dog's needs -- exercise, socialization, understanding, obedience training, patience, love and plenty of "quality" time spent with their dog. Sometimes this means you will have to re-arrange your work or other schedules to attend to your dog's needs, or arrange for someone else: like a puppy or doggie daycare to do this for you. When you work 9, 10, or more hours each day away from home and away from your dog, then it might not be the best time right now for you to have a dog -- regardless of how much you love dogs and want one. You must think of what is good for and fair to your dog.

We do not always have the precious opportunity to have one of these special dogs in our home, but when do, we like to place them within driving distance of our home here in Washington, so they are placed into homes in either Oregon or Washington. We can also direct you to other places to look here in the northwest. A good place to start is Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue. If you live somewhere other than the northwest - Oregon or Washington, we can direct you to rhodesian ridgeback rescues who are closer to you and can possibly match you up with one of these special rhodesian ridgebacks in your area. A good place to start looking is Ridgeback Rescue of The United States.

Feel free to email:  diana@loveyourridgeback.com   for more information as to the rescue organization that has rescue ridgebacks available in your area.