Meet Rey!
A thoughtful almost five-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix currently living in Medford, MA, whose heart beats strongest for bacon-scented fetch balls, cozy naps, and training games that come with tasty rewards.
With her striking black and fawn coat and expressive eyes that light up for treats, Rey is both clever and loyal! She’s house-trained, crate-trained, and knows an impressive list of commands like “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” “touch,” and even “hold,” where she’ll patiently balance a treat on her nose. Walks around the neighborhood and treat-dispensing puzzle toys are some of her favorite ways to spend the day, and she’s happiest when life follows a calm, predictable routine.
Rey is currently taking daily fluoxetine to support her anxiety, and with consistent training and structure, she’s made incredible progress! Her anxiety tends to show up around unfamiliar people and dogs who approach her with interest, and while she can settle quickly when left alone, she needs help managing greetings and space boundaries. Her current caregivers use leash management, positive reinforcement, and distance-based games to help her feel secure during new encounters.
It’s important to note that Rey has a bite history. In past situations where she felt startled or overwhelmed—such as when someone disturbed her while she was sleeping or tried to take food—she has reacted defensively and bitten. These incidents were not unprovoked and did not require medical attention, and her signals when uncomfortable are easy to spot with experience. For this reason, Rey is not suitable for homes with children or other pets. She’s best suited for a quiet, structured environment with a caregiver who has experience working with anxious or reactive dogs.
Despite her challenges, Rey is deeply connected to her people and incredibly responsive to training. She’s not high-energy, but she’s engaged and eager to learn when motivated by food and trust.
We’re including a full month of behavioral guidance from our consultant to help Rey settle in. Her new family will have compassionate support every step of the way to feel confident, connected, and at home.
Could your steady, pet-free home be the space where Rey can thrive with calm leadership and loving patience? Reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more about welcoming this special girl into your life!
