Life of Riley Dog Rescue

06/11/2025

This is the hardest post I’ve ever had to write. Over the years, many people have asked about Rico. They’ve rooted for him, loved him from afar, and held onto hope for his happy ending.

Rico joined us in the fall of 2022, and from the start, it was clear just how special he was. He was smart, protective, goofy, and deeply sensitive. He made incredible strides over time - learning, growing, and slowly letting his guard down with those he trusted. He went on countless meet & greets. But none of them truly captured who he was at his core. The real Rico, the one who felt safe in quiet places, who was silly and loyal, who melted into the safety of Ashley’s love - was often hidden behind layers of fear. But Ashley always saw him.

Ashley was more than a foster. She was his safe place. She poured nearly 3 years of her life into helping him feel secure, showing him that the world wasn’t always so scary. Rico adored her with every ounce of his being. Their bond was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. And while we hoped he’d find a forever home one day, the truth is, he already had. Ashley was his forever home.

Though he made so much progress, he carried invisible wounds, ones that left him mentally exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. And while we often talk about physical pain as a reason to say goodbye, mental suffering can be just as heavy. For dogs like Rico, this world can be too much. And when the hard days start to outweigh the good, we have to put their peace ahead of our own heartbreak.

Rico passed last week, surrounded by love. He left this world in the arms of the person he loved most - his mom - finally free from the weight he carried for so long.

Rico was a huge part of my rescue, and I loved him so much. And to all of you who followed his journey, thank you. He felt love. Deep, unconditional love. And he gave it back in his own, beautiful way.

Rest easy, sweet boy. You were always home.

To honor Rico’s memory, we’d be so grateful if you considered donating toward Grizz - Ashley’s beloved pup who is bravely fighting lymphoma. Link to donate is in our bio. Supporting Grizz is a meaningful way to give back to the person who gave Rico everything. ❤️

https://gofund.me/80585f39

05/23/2025

Ranger is battling recurring pneumonia, and his vet bills are growing faster than his parents can manage. Every little bit helps give him the care he desperately needs. If you're able to donate or share, his parents would be incredibly grateful. 💛

NOTE: Ranger is NOT from our rescue. He was adopted from the Denver Animal Shelter.

Hi everyone! We feel a little odd doing this, but we’re also at a loss for w… Melanie Bryant needs your support for Aid Ranger's Battle with Recurring Illness

01/08/2025

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️ Meet Conan, a one-year-old handsome brindle boy bursting with charm and endless love to give! This sweetheart loves people and is always ready for playtime. He’s all about spreading happiness and will have you smiling in no time.

Conan is not only affectionate but also incredibly smart and eager to learn. He’d thrive with someone who enjoys training and building a strong bond with their pup.

He’s a social butterfly who would love having a playful canine companion, but would also do well as a solo pet. Running, chasing, and wrestling are his favorite things to do, followed by a cozy nap to recharge. Conan is always ready for an adventure and would make a fantastic addition to an active family.

While he’s great with people, very small kids might not be the best match since his big energy could accidentally knock them over. Conan is ready to bring endless love and fun to his forever home!

Conan is up-to-date on all vaccinations, neutered and microchipped. He is in a foster home in Eugene, OR

12/24/2024

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️ Meet Mochi! At just 5 months old, he’s looking for his forever home, and if you’re lucky enough to meet him, you’ll see why he’s so special. He is quite honestly, the PERFECT GSD puppy. Mochi’s extremely friendly, loving, and a total sweetheart who’s great with everyone, from kids to adults. He is a quiet, very well-mannered puppy!

Mochi’s top love language is cuddling. He’s all about being close to his humans (and his doggie foster sibling too). He’ll lean on you for pets, shower you with kisses, and is the perfect lap dog. Whether you’re chilling on the couch or just walking around the house, he’ll be right there beside you, soaking up all the affection.

Mochi is a social butterfly when it comes to other dogs. He’s been around tons of dogs and plays well with all of them - he’s submissive to bigger dogs and respectful of boundaries. He’s got a playful streak and can run, wrestle, and chase with the best of them.

If you’re looking for a pup who walks like a champ on a leash, Mochi is your guy. He also knows several basic commands: sit, come, break (command to eat his food), off (from the counter), and is learning “down”, “stay” and “leave-it”. He’s food motivated and eager to please, so training has been a breeze. True to his breed, he’s a smart boy, so with patience and consistency, he’ll continue to blossom into the perfect companion.

Mochi is still a puppy, which means he has energy and needs plenty of exercise. He’s playful, active, and loves going on walks and adventures, but also has a chill side. When it’s time to settle down, he’s the sweetest little snuggler. Mochi’s very smart, affectionate, and just the right balance of goofy and calm. He’s a loyal companion and will follow you around the house just to be near you.

He is up-to-date on all vaccinations, neutered and microchipped! He is in a foster home in Troutdale, OR.

11/28/2024

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️ Get ready to hear all about the ultimate cuddle bug...Levi! Levi is a 2-year old pit bull with a heart of gold and a personality that’s impossible not to love. Whether you’re familiar or a stranger, Levi’s excitement knows no bounds - he’ll greet you with a wagging tail and a big, goofy grin. It’s impossible not to smile when he’s around - his personality is magnetic. He’s been incredibly sweet and friendly with everyone he’s met so far, and although we haven’t tested him with kids, we think he’d do great with children, especially once he gets a little more training to control his jumping (he’s just so happy to see you!). He might be a bit much for very young kids or elderly folks, as he’s a strong boy who sometimes forgets his size when he’s excited.

Levi currently lives with two strong-willed female dogs and does great with them. He loves playing with his cattle dog housemate, and he’s always excited to meet new dogs and eager to make new friends. He hasn’t been tested with cats, so we’re not sure how he’d react, but he’s been great with other dogs so far.

He loves his walks but does need a bit of leash training, especially when he spots another dog or critter he wants to say hi to. He’s a little mouthy when he’s excited and loves to play by mouthing arms and clothes, but he’s learning to dial it back.

Levi has a lot of love to give, and he’s got a lot of energy to burn! He enjoys running, playing, and wrestling with other dogs, but he’s equally happy to flop down for a nap or snuggle up for some one-on-one time. His energy is balanced with plenty of moments of sweetness, and he loves to be close to his people. He’ll curl right up on your lap or snuggle in bed with you if you let him - he’s all about that affection!

Levi’s ideal home is a loving family or individual who can provide him with the training and structure he needs. He’d do well with another dog to play with, and as long as you’re patient with his training (and strong enough to handle his enthusiasm), Levi will be an amazing, loyal companion.

Levi is up-to-date on vaccinations, neutered and microchipped. He is currently being fostered in Portland, OR.

11/27/2024

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️ Meet Zoey, the sweetest 1-year-old husky who is sure to steal your heart! Zoey might start out a bit shy with new faces, but give her just a few minutes (especially if there are kids around), and she’ll be all tail wags and smiles, ready to soak up all the belly rubs. She’s an absolute gem with kids and adores family life.

This girl has energy to spare! Zoey loves adventure, whether it’s a walk, a run, or a playful game of chase with her dog friends. She’s got that young husky spirit - full of life and curiosity. She’s great with all dogs big and small, but she is very playful and wouldn’t be well-suited for a dog who doesn’t like to play. Zoey’s also a big-time snuggler, always ready to roll over for a belly rub and nudge you for attention. She’s still learning her basic commands and some puppy manners (she’s a gentle jumper!), but she’s incredibly eager to please and packed with love to give. There isn’t a toy or treat that she doesn’t like.

Zoey would thrive in an active home with kids or another playful dog sibling. She’ll blossom in a setting where she can enjoy plenty of attention and all the belly rubs and love she deserves. If you’re ready for an affectionate, goofy, energetic pup who will fill your home with joy, Zoey is your girl!

Zoey is up-to-date on all vaccinations, spayed & microchipped. She is currently being fostered in Milwaukie, OR.

10/10/2024

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️ Through absolutely no fault of her own, Tally is available for adoption again! She is a sweet, 2-year-old German Shepherd mix who is a true social butterfly. Tally is an absolute lovebug with a heart full of affection for everyone she meets—people, dogs, strangers, you name it. She is the kind of dog who’s happiest being close to you, whether it’s snuggling or tagging along on an adventure.

Tally is high energy and thrives in an active environment. She loves to play with other dogs and would do wonderful in a home with another playful companion. If you enjoy being outdoors, going for long walks, and doing fun training exercises, Tally would be the perfect match. She’s eager to learn and needs someone who understands working breeds and is committed to ongoing training.

Tally is up-to-date on all vaccinations, spayed, and microchipped. If you’re ready to welcome a loyal and loving girl into your life, Tally could be the one! She’s located in Everett, WA, and can’t wait to meet her new family. ❤️

06/07/2024

❤️ ADOPTED ❤️

***Courtesy post***

❤️ Roscoe is a loving and loyal 5.5-year-old Border Collie/Terrier mix who is looking for his forever home! He thrives on retrieving games and structured activities. He walks beautifully on a prong collar and responds well to guidance, especially when given ample exercise and clear leadership.

In his current home, Roscoe gets along well with a 9-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever and two cats. He’s very sweet with people and seeks connection. Roscoe is very gentle when taking treats and has a sweet disposition once he feels secure. Roscoe would thrive in a home with someone experienced in handling herding dogs. He has a strong protective instinct and would do wonderful in a home that appreciates his loyalty and can provide him with plenty of exercise. He’d make a wonderful hiking companion!

If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will offer endless love and protection, and you have the experience and environment to meet his needs, Roscoe could be the perfect addition to your family!

Roscoe is neutered and current on all vaccinations. He is located in Roseburg, OR. If you are interested in meeting him, please reach out via email ([email protected]) and tell us a little about yourself, your lifestyle and why you think Roscoe would be a good fit!

05/23/2024

Adoption update for our Riverside Shelter Survivor, Meadow! 🌼 Meadow’s blossoming personality shines brighter and brighter every day. She’s gotten much more confident in her space and loves demanding belly rubs. She is also best friends with her kitty sibling! 🥰

05/22/2024

Our next adoption update is Aster, formerly known as Zeke/Murphy! He was one of our shortest foster residents - he captured the heart of an adopter soon after becoming available! From the City of Stockton Animal Services Center to Oregon, this sweetheart landed the perfect forever home. The last photo is the cutest 🥰. From his mama:

“He is the best dog and now actually likes going in the car. He is crate-trained and walking on his leash well (when the dogs aren’t all tangled up). He is very sweet with my mom and the people at her assisted living facility love him.” ❤️

05/20/2024

We’re very behind on our adoption updates, and the first one we’d like to share is sweet Kevin! Kevin was formerly known as Shrek at Stanislaus Animal Services, and he was on their euthanasia list. Look at him now! He’s best friends with their Great Dane, loves their kids and gets so excited for snow. 🥰

03/22/2024

***COURTESY POST*** Wally is a vibrant and affectionate 6-year-old Labradoodle looking for a forever home! He thrives on activity and interaction, making him the perfect companion for someone with an active lifestyle. Wally is also a cuddle bug who enjoys snuggling up with his humans.

Wally adores playtime with other dogs and people, and would do best in a home with another playful dog. Wally’s friendly nature extends to everyone he meets - he is excellent with men, women and children. He’s a social butterfly who greets the world with enthusiasm, sometimes expressing his excitement with a happy bark or two. NO APARTMENT living for Wally. He needs a fenced backyard to run and play.

One of Wally’s standout qualities is his impeccable behavior during car rides, making him an ideal traveler for adventures near and far. He would make an incredible hiking buddy.

Wally is neutered and current on all vaccinations. He is located in Portland, OR. Please complete an adoption application if you are interested in Wally.