Surrendered dog needs good home

Rollo, a 3-year-old mastiff/lab mix, was surrendered to Three Rivers Humane Society in January 2016 when his owners lost their home in a Sisters fire.

This gentle giant, weighing in at 115 pounds, is a sweet boy, although he has been the product of some unfortunate circumstances.

Not long after he was surrendered to the shelter someone adopted him - but it wasn't a good fit.

"The people who adopted him from our shelter surrendered him to the Willamette Humane Society in Salem not long after they adopted him. They should have returned him to our shelter," said Jerilee Drynan, director of operations for Three Rivers Humane Society. "The shelter in Salem called us knowing he belonged here and we went and picked him up."

The paperwork used for that surrender indicated that the new owner's other dog had an altercation with Rollo and the two dogs had to be pulled apart during a fight.

Rollo has been at Three Rivers Humane Society in Madras nearly one year and is now 4 years old.

"We do know that the family had Rollo since he was a pup, and he can be classified as a special-needs dog because he has hearing loss," said Monica Rendon, volunteer dog trainer for Three Rivers and Sisters resident.

"Rollo is languishing in his kennel," added Rendon.

"Some of the volunteers don't like to walk him because of an inappropriate behavior. He's not aggressive but has an anxiety-based behavior which causes him to hump a person or a nearby blanket," Rendon told The Nugget.

"One of our volunteers took him home for a long weekend to give him a break and he humped blankets and pillows at first and then once he was comfortable in her home, he stopped the behavior."

Rollo is housetrained and had full run of the house without any destruction. He loves to play ball, fetch, and catch-me-if-you-can. He may pull on the leash. But when you stop walking he will correct and walk nicely.

"His size can be intimidating, and he has a strong personality," Drynan said. "The family that surrendered him to us did state that he gets aggressive over food when other dogs are present. I think he will do best as an only pet. No other dogs, cats or small children for everyone's safety."

Rollo is affectionate, wags his tail, and loves being petted and brushed. But he's also a bull in a china shop and doesn't know his own massive size.

"I think he would make a great guard-dog and would be great for a single person looking for protection," said Rendon. "Yet he really is a big marshmallow."

Rollo is a smart, friendly dog with idiosyncrasies that are workable. He also has a nice confidence level and plays well with other dogs when food or toys are not involved.

Three Rivers Humane Society offers their support for his transition into a new home.

"We are always available for advice and resources for the adopters. We are available to help Rollo throughout his initial and permanent placement," Drynan said.

Rollo's adoption fee is $125 and includes neutering, current vaccines, a free vet visit, microchip, 30 days free pet health insurance and a custom engraved identification tag.

For more information about Rollo, please call Three Rivers Humane Society at 541-475-6889.