Rudder: The Affectionate Underdog Ready to Be Your Superstar
Location: Underdog Animal Rescue, Oakland, CA
Breed: Cattle Dog & Black Labrador Retriever Mix
Age: Young (2 years)
Gender: Male
Size: Medium (50 lbs)
How to Adopt Rudder
Ready to give Rudder the loving, forever home he’s been waiting for? Visit Underdog Animal Rescue at http://www.underdogca.com to complete the adoption application at http://form.jotform.com/underdogca/dog-adoption-application. Schedule a meet-and-greet with Rudder at his foster home in the Bay Area (all adopters must travel to meet him). Can’t adopt? Share Rudder’s story on social media with @FeatureADog and link to featureadog.org to help him find his perfect family, or consider donating to support his care. Follow Underdog Animal Rescue on Facebook or Instagram for updates. Contact the rescue at adopt@underdogca.com for more details or to forward your application. Rudder’s ready to be your loyal superstar—don’t miss out! 🐾❤️
About Rudder
Meet Rudder, a 2-year-old Cattle Dog and Black Labrador Retriever Mix who’s gone from a scared shelter stray to a loving, playful superstar! This 50-pound, medium-sized male is Underdog Animal Rescue’s longest resident, blossoming into an affectionate, athletic, and curious companion in his Oakland, CA foster home. Rudder loves snuggling, playing fetch, and exploring, making him the perfect blend of Velcro dog and adventure buddy. His gentle and loyal nature shines through once he warms up, and he’s ready to find a forever family who will cherish his heart and potential.
Characteristics
Affectionate & Loyal: Rudder is a Velcro dog who loves cuddling and staying close to his people.
Playful & Athletic: A natural at fetch, he has the skills for agility, flyball, or dock diving.
Smart & Curious: He knows sit, stay, heel, and down, and is eager to learn with treat motivation.
Gentle but Selective: Rudder enjoys calm dog friends but prefers a home without cats or young kids.
Health and Care
Rudder is neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations (including DHPP and rabies), microchipped, and has received flea treatment and deworming, per Underdog Animal Rescue’s policy. He’s had a health check in January 2025 and is in excellent health with no reported issues. Rudder is fully house-trained, non-destructive, and trusted with free access to his foster home and yard.
Rudder’s Story
Rudder, a 2-year-old Cattle Dog and Black Labrador Retriever Mix, arrived at Underdog Animal Rescue in Oakland, CA, as a terrified stray who shut down in the shelter. Since joining a loving foster home in early 2025, he’s transformed into a confident, affectionate superstar who’s ready for his forever home. Rudder spends his days mastering fetch with lightning-fast reflexes, snuggling on the couch, and learning new commands like sit, stay, and heel. His foster family praises his polite, respectful nature and quick learning, especially with treats as motivation.
As a moderately selective dog, Rudder enjoys calm canine companions but is still building confidence with unfamiliar dogs, particularly on leash. He prefers a home without cats or young children, thriving best with adults or older kids who respect his gentle, sensitive side. With his athletic potential and love for play, Rudder would excel in dog sports or active outdoor adventures. After waiting longer than any other resident, Rudder is eager to find a family who will give him the love, security, and fun he deserves.
Ideal Home
Rudder would thrive in a calm, patient home with a securely fenced yard for fetch and exploration. He’s great with calm dogs and could be an only dog or live with a respectful canine sibling, but he needs a cat-free environment and prefers homes without young children (adults or older kids are ideal). His medium energy level and athleticism require owners who can provide daily playtime, walks, and mental stimulation, with a bonus for those interested in dog sports like agility or flyball. A suburban or rural home in a pet-friendly neighborhood will suit Rudder perfectly, where his loyal, cuddly nature can shine.
Rescue Information
Underdog Animal Rescue in Oakland, CA, is dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs like Rudder. Your support helps save more underdogs! Consider donating, volunteering, or following their journey on Facebook or Instagram. Contact the rescue at adopt@underdogca.com or visit http://www.underdogca.com to learn more.
