Springfield, Mo. — It started with one cheeky Facebook post. Now, an area animal rescue has a full-blown anti-hero on their hands—complete with merchandise, an official fan club, and a growing internet following.
Meet Richard: a 4-year-old Havanese (allegedly), a self-declared menace to society, and the reluctant face of Rescue One’s “Bad Boys Club.” With the scowl of a villain and the sass of a reality TV contestant, Richard has become a local legend for being—quite frankly—the worst dog in the best way possible.
What made him famous? A viral post describing Richard dramatically barking out the office window, demanding his pool be filled, only to despise the pool, the heat, and presumably, everyone involved. “He marched back inside and binge-watched Forensic Files like he was studying for a final,” the rescue shared. “We’re not saying he’s planning a crime… but we’re also not not saying that.”
From there, Richard’s reputation snowballed. Dubbed president of the Bad Boys Club, he was soon joined by Pot Pie, a volatile English Bulldog who once humped and peed on a motorcycle tire, attempted to battle a TV, and now serves proudly as vice president of the club.
Rescue One embraced the chaos, launching a line of “Don’t Be a Richard” T-shirts—black, of course, “like his soul.” Proceeds go toward animal training, much to Richard’s dismay. “When he found out the money wasn’t going to an all-you-can-eat chicken nugget buffet, he gave us the silent treatment,” the rescue joked. “Which, honestly, has been the greatest gift he’s ever given.”
Despite (or because of) his grumpy charm, fans constantly ask: Can Richard be adopted? Technically, yes. Realistically? That depends on your tolerance for rejection and your insurance deductible.
“Richard wakes up every day and chooses violence,” Rescue One explains. “This isn’t a ‘he just needs love’ story. He needs someone with the patience of a saint and the social calendar of a cave-dwelling monk. But if he chooses you—eventually—you’ll get the funniest, weirdest, most fiercely loyal little tyrant you’ve ever met.”
With a growing following, a line of merch, and social posts that feel like sitcom scripts, Richard has gone from misunderstood mutt to misunderstood brand. He’s proof that not every rescue story is about sunshine and transformation. Sometimes, it’s about leaning into the chaos, laughing through the madness, and embracing dogs just as they are—even if they probably hate you.
Want to meet Richard? Good luck. Want to support his kingdom (and the many other dogs and cats at Rescue One)? Head to rescueonespringfield.com to order a T-shirt, check out adoptables, or join the noble cause of funding snacks for Springfield’s tiniest dictator.
But be warned: Richard is always watching… and judging.
Click on the links below to read the hilariously entertaining posts and learn about how President Richard became Rescue One’s famous Dictator.
– First hit Richard Post – Click Here – I swear they are worth the read!
– Can Richard Be Adopted – At Your Own Risk Post – Click Here!
– Richard Meet Pot Pie Post – Click Here!
– Pool Mishap – Click Here!
