Category: foster dogs

adopters, foster dogs, fostering dogs, hard to adopt, Humane Society of Shenandoah County, Long Term Dog, owner surrender

Why Would You Want a Puppy, When You Could Have This Great Dog?

Cara Achterberg

On our recent shelter tour, a director asked me, “Who would want to adopt a puppy?” (it was a rhetorical question so it wasn’t necessary, but I said, “Not me!”)

She went on to explain why she hustles puppies out the door to rescues, and only adopts out adult dogs.

Our little foster cottage is mostly quiet these days. That is unless Marley spots a squirrel daring to cross our property. Krimpet went home with an adopter after her spay surgery on Monday.

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adopters, dog rescue, foster dogs, fostering, hard to adopt, puppies, returned dogs

Looking for that Adoption Magic

Cara Achterberg

From Marley’s point of view, people just don’t understand. What she’d like is a person (preferably a man) to be devoted to her in the same way that she is devoted to him. She’d like someone she could stick close to when he’s home and a safe, comfy crate to hang out in when he’s gone. Maybe a few long walks to sniff stuff, a few treats after she sits when asked, and a couch to snuggle on during movie marathons.

She’s a pretty simple girl.

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adopters, dog rescue, foster dogs, fostering, hard to adopt, heartworms, hound dogs, Humane Society of Shenandoah County, multiple dogs, puppies

The House of Bark

Cara Achterberg

I’m currently working in the house of bark.

It’s rarely like this, but for the next nine hours, until our temporary foster takes off for his new life, there doesn’t seem to be a way around it. I’m trying to breathe calmly and exude still energy, but nothing really helps with this particular combination of dog.

I’m fairly sure he’s a Husky mix because of his need to ‘talk’ all the time, his crazy smarts, and his style of play (chasing anything and everything but not bringing it back). At nine months, Steele is a bundle of energy and curiosity.

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adopters, Breeds, foster dogs, fostering dogs, hound dogs, Humane Society of Shenandoah County, puppies

How Big Will the Puppies Be?

Cara Achterberg

The Snack Cake Pups were born November 2, so they were five weeks old on Thursday. They are weighing in at between six to seven pounds. The question everyone asks (right after they ask what kind of puppies they are) is—how big will they be?

The answer to that question depends largely on the answer to the first question. And the only one who has the answer to that question is Krimpet, and she’s not been forthcoming with the information.

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adopters, dog rescue, foster dogs, fostering dogs

It’s an Adopter’s Market

Cara Achterberg

It’s a tough time to be a dog looking for a home. Especially if you’re labeled a ‘bully breed’. And also if you’re ‘older’ (five years or more). And if you have opinions about other dogs, that makes you a tough sell as well.

Adoptions are down all across the country, so basically it’s an ‘adopter’s market’ which means you can find a pretty darn near perfect dog right now just about anywhere. Or a puppy – lots of them are available too.

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dog rescue, foster dogs, heartworms, Humane Society of Shenandoah County, pregnant dog

Mystery Solved

Cara Achterberg

One mystery is solved – Krimpet is definitely pregnant. The mystery now is when is she due?

At her vet check that confirmed the pregnancy, the vet put her at about 45 days along (gestation period for a dog is between 57-65 days). Counting backwards that means she either got pregnant the day she entered the shelter (almost seven weeks ago or got pregnant at the shelter. I’m going to hope the vet’s off by a few days and she got pregnant shortly before entering the shelter.

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barn cats, cats, dog rescue, foster cats, foster dogs, kittens, mama dogs

The Cottage Ladies (and the cats!)

Cara Achterberg

Last week I told you about Cherry, so this week I want to introduce you to the other lovely lady sharing the foster cottage and my office with me.

Gracie Lou is what I call a Miniature Land Hippo. She’s a bulldog mix with a stout, sturdy, roundish frame, much like a hippopotamus. She weighs about 50 pounds and is simply adorable.

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dog rescue, foster dogs, mama dogs

Mama Dogs Get to Me

Cara Achterberg

The mama dogs are always the ones that get to me. They’ve been through so much and it’s clear not just in the condition of their bodies, but in their eyes.

Grateful. That’s the word that emanates from them.

And Cherry is no different. She’s had a particularly hard journey. Her owners surrendered her to the shelter and said she didn’t belong to them —she was just a stray who had been tied in their yard for the last four years.

So much about that statement chills my soul.

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adopters, foster dogs, fostering, mama dogs

And the Fun Goes On and On

Cara Achterberg

So here’s the fun part…..

All of the puppies went home to wonderful adopters. And what lucky adopters they are, as these are some wonderful puppies!

Meanwhile, Argus left on a trial adoption.

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dog rescue, foster dogs, fostering dogs, oph, puppies

Puppies!

Cara Achterberg

Puppies.

What can I write that I haven’t written before?

This bunch is unique only in that they are all boys. I’ve never had a litter of all one sex. I came close with Edith’s litter of eleven girls and one boy.

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