"Rambo"

Updated February, 2010

Over two years ago, Rambo had been found as a stray. He was adopted out of one shelter, returned to another and finally taken under the wing of RSVP. He was not an easy sell. A 2 year old, male pit bull, black/brindle and "rambunctious," hence the name, "Rambo." He was mouthy and would jump on you and want to play tug-of-war with whatever you were holding, albeit in play. You had to be careful. Very careful. He would pull when walked on a leash. One of the volunteers got him a back pack with two 2-liter bottles of water strapped to him to slow him down. Yeah, right. This 65 lb. muscle in a dog suit was like a locomotive train.

But in contrast to his brute strength, he was a sweetheart underneath it all. Loving and affectionate, loved belly rubs and giving gentle kisses.

But the clock was working against him. He was isolated in a kennel most of the day, waiting for a volunteer to share some quality time with him. Boredom was taking its toll and destructive behaviors began to emerge. He chewed his blanket first and then the kennel door.

Rambo desperately needed to experience a "normal" life. A little bit of socialization could go a long way for a dog like Rambo. RSVP had advertised a $200/month stipend for a foster home. No response. You couldn't pay someone to take Rambo.

Then, one of the volunteers offered to foster him for a while.

Rambo has his own room with visibility to the rest of the household. He is exposed to other dogs and cats, observing them safely from behind his lattice gate, in a non-threating, stress-free environment. The kids play fetch with him in a fenced yard while under adult supervision. There is so much energy that needed to be released. He is walked regularly and corrected when he pulls. He is pet, talked to, engaged and most important ... loved.

Rambo is thriving and is beginning to demonstrate the qualities of a well behaved companion pet. He is house-broken and not destructive when left alone. He has learned not to be mouthy or jump, is walking well on a leash and learning basic commands. Our Rambo is becoming a "Rainbow!"

Rambo still needs a permanent home. Could he be the dog for you? If you would like to meet him, call (631) 219-8529 or visit www.rsvpinc.org.

Updated 04/15/09

“President Obama adopts pit bull!”

Wouldn't that make a great headline? As many of you know, our president and first family have been looking for a dog since he was elected. It was a “campaign promise” – when the election was over the family would get a dog. Now, I know it has been reported that little Malia Obama has allergies and they are focusing on a hypoallergenic breed, but let's be honest. They don't call it the “White House” for nothing. Their home is immaculate! Surely someone there could keep the dander down with a pet wipe once or twice a day.

Just the idea of a pit bull being the dog of choice for the President: strong, courageous, loyal and ... loving! And contrary to their reputation, the pit bull, or “American Staffordshire Terrier” makes a great family pet. Of course, it would have to be a shelter dog. You can't beat the message it would send. This could do for pit bulls what the Obama organic garden is doing for seeds!

So, I've decided to forward our Pet of the Week, “Rambo” to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC. But don't let that stop YOU from considering Rambo as an addition to your household. He is a great choice. Rambo is approx. 4 years young with a sad story to tell. He was a stray who had broken free of his lead. His collar was missing but had left its mark – a gash around his neck. Rambo was treated with ointment and his wound healed. He loves to play fetch and with his toys and has been waiting for a permanent home for nearly two years! Please visit www.rsvpinc.org for more info or call (631) 728-3524. And to our first family, if you're listening, please consider Rambo. Besides, dogs are like potato chips. You can't have just one.


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We promoted Rambo, a Riverhead shelter dog in July, 2007. Rambo had a sad story to tell. You wouldn’t know it by his smiling face or his playful disposition.

This black, male, 55 lb. terrier/staff mix, about 2 years old was picked up as a stray. He had broken free from his life on the end of a lead. His collar was gone but had left its mark. A raw gash was visible around his neck, a tell tale sign that the collar had cut into his skin. He was taken to a vet and treated with ointment and some medication. One of the volunteers brought a harness for him to wear while his neck healed.

Rambo would get so excited when visitors came to see him.
You couldn’t help but love him. The volunteers and staff worked with him. He loved treats and was quick to learn the basic commands. Rambo loved to play fetch and chase after balls and toys.

He was adopted, but his owners had to move and once again, Rambo found himself in a shelter. He was there for a year before RSVP found a temporary foster home.

He is a very loving dog, housebroken and good with other dogs. Rambo is just waiting for someone to love him back. For more information, call RSVP at (631) 728-3524.

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