RUDY

Insights from a shelter dog walk volunteer:Today I met this young German shepherd named Rudy. Today I’m grateful for his unconditional love of humans, his eagerness to connect and have approval, his joy at having a toy to play with, his wondrously huge ears and his even more wondrously deep resilience.He’s thought to be about 8 months old, still a puppy, and it’s clear in his young life he’s had hardships. This youngster is skinny, he has a limp and alarming marks on his muzzle, his coat isn’t in great condition and he smells like he spent too much time without enough clean space and air. And yet he holds no grudges against or apparent fear of people.In fact, when I first caught his gaze as I was walking near his kennel, he looked at me and sat. It was a beautiful, natural, I’m a Very Good Boy sit. And he is.Rudy is very trainable and frankly a joy to be with, observant and curious, soaking up learning and approval and love.Dogs are amazing. I’m grateful Rudy was found and is in our shelter having regular meals, clean water, blankies and toys and people who will take care of him. Imagine the gratitude when he gets adopted! Please share him so he can find his new home soon.Updated Adoption Hourseffective 11/19/25:Tuesday-Saturday1PM-4PM 160 Hitchcock Rd, Salinas, CA Adoption fee:---Included is spay/neuter, microchip and age appropriate core vaccines. Hitchcock Road Animal Services is the shelter for Monterey County & Salinas. We serve a large area and finding great homes for the animals that come into our care is our priority. We do adoptions first come first serve so we recommend coming at the start of adoptions if you are serious about a specific pet. If you are planning to adopt a dog and already own a dog(s), please bring with you and our trained staff will facilitate dog to dog meet and greet. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram (Hitchcock Road Animal Services) for pet profiles, special adoption days/hours and reduced adoption fees and other important announcements.