Meet BUDDY RAY - an Indiana Shepherd Mix Seeking a Forever Home

This is BUDDY RAY, and he wants to be your buddy. He is our Thursday Pet of the Week from It Takes a Village.

BUDDY RAY is an 8-month-old Shepherd mix, weighing about 45 pounds. BUDDY RAY is a lovable and energetic young pup who is eagerly awaiting his forever home. He has a charming and friendly personality that will surely win your heart.

BUDDY RAY has been a big hit with ITV's "Doggy Day Out" program! A recent date says, "BUDDY RAY is the sweetest and most handsome little guy. He was very curious on his walk and loved to explore everything on his route. He will be a great addition to any home!"

Our friends at It Takes a Village say that BUDDY RAY is at a prime age for training. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, will be effective in shaping his behavior and building a solid bond with his adopter.

If you're ready to welcome this incredible pup into your heart and home, you can pay him a visit at It Takes a Village in Evansville, but first, you must fill out an online adoption application.

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All of the animals at ITV are examined by a veterinarian, given age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and FIV/FeLV-tested.

See More of Our Adorable Pets of the Week

If our pet of the week isn’t the right fit for your home, please visit It Takes a Village to see the other rescues that need to get fostered and adopted. And don't forget about their RENT A DOG Program. A quick fill form and copy of your photo ID will allow you time out with one of ITV's vetted shelter dogs. These day dates are great for the rescues - it gets them some exercise and new information to help us get them adopted. It’s been a big hit- so don’t miss out!

47 (Otherwise) Good Pets Caught Doing Bad Things

No matter how well they're trained, at some point in time, a pet's primal instincts will kick in which usually ends up with something destroyed.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.