Adopt: Pick of the Litter

It's no surprise when, while caring for our sheltered animals, one of our shelter staff members or volunteers becomes won over in a special way by one of our dogs or cats. Here, we honor these rich relationships in our Pick of the Litter! feature.

Janet and Darby

HSPC volunteer Janet poses with her Pick of the Litter, the lovable Darby. Darby is a high-energy, coquettish girl with warm, loving eyes and a bouncy spirit and step. She's most at home playing with her doggy friends in the dog park and receiving hugs, pats, and praise from people. She loves to dart around the park, chasing playmates and taking a break every once in a while to say hello to her human handlers. She's a very playful pup but can sometimes be a little rough with dogs with a lower activity level or who are fragile. She would adjust well as either an inside or outside dog, provided she received plenty of exercise and activity. She is HOUSETRAINED and people friendly, always aiming to please. Won't you give this spunky and spirited girl a chance at a forever home?

Ann and Laurence

Ann and Laurence Ann, long-time HSPC volunteer, is in love with Laurence, a beautiful 1-year-old black flat-coat retriever of medium size. "Laurence would always stick his paw out through the run door when he saw me coming. I would stop to pet and talk to him and he would cock his head from side to side as if he was trying to understand what I was saying. Since I was looking for another dog to foster, I guess you could say Laurence chose me, instead of me choosing him!" Laurence just finished training class where he learned to sit, stay and the command off. Ann is continuing to teach him new skills like house training and heeling on leash. Ann says that he does not like to be in trouble or to be spoken to sharply, he is very committed to doing what you want, as soon as he understands what you might want. Like most retrievers he has a very soft mouth and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. (A soft mouth refers to the willingness of the dog to take treats or carry things in their mouths without biting into it.) Laurence is just a little behind in his socialization. He is very smart, however, and with some time and training he will rapidly catch up. He loves to play with other dogs and play in the water. Laurence has been at the shelter since he was just a pup and is ready for a home. He is very sweet, likes everyone, and will make a very loving and loyal pet. His shiny coat and big brown eyes will melt your heart. Laurence will be your best friend.

James and Graham

HSPC volunteer James nominates Graham as his Pick of the Litter. Graham is an Olympic athelete among HSPC shelter dogs, demonstrating an unquenchable thirst and stamina for running and jumping. His supersonic energy level and affinity for fun make him a good playmate for individuals or families who have an active lifestyle. His rough and tumble style of play can be a bit much for some dogs and people but with the right home his boundless energy can be harnessed into appropriate channels such as learning physically demanding tricks. Graham is an extremely intelligent dog too which is a plus when learning new commands and facing new challenges. He has been at the shelter for a long time, his poor spirit aching to lead a life where he can run and play the day away. Come see if Graham could be the perfect addition to your home!

Sheldon and Slim

Sheldon, HSPC staff member, picks the Greyhound Slim for his Pick of the Litter. Slim will soon be ready for adoption and will likely find a home quickly due to his graceful appearance and loving personality. Slim gets along with other dogs and loves people, not afraid to introduce himself to strangers. Sheldon notes one of Slim's greatest characteristics is his laidback personality.

Bo and Jezzie

Bo, HSPC staff member, elects the agile Jezzie as his Pick of the Litter. Jezzie is one smart pooch, excelling phenomenally in the HSPC training class and loving the physical and intellectual demands presented to her there. Jezzie would make an apt pupil for someone wanting to pursue dog agility competitions or for someone with an active lifestyle who can provide her with the love and daily excercise she needs. She would adjust best in a home without small children and with a handler that would offer her plenty of intellectual and physical challenges. Come to the shelter and meet this dog progidy in person!

Laura and Blue

"My Pick of the Litter is Blue! Blue is my favorite color and dog!" says Laura, HSPC volunteer. Blue is a high-octane, playful Australian Cattle Dog mix with stunning, arctic-ice-blue eyes. He has a curlicue tail that complements his beautiful brindle color and white chest. Blue is a high-energy whirling dervish who needs daily exercise or a fenced in yard where he can run free. He can sometimes be picky about his doggy friends, preferring submissive dogs rather than other alpha dogs. Blue is such an athletic dog he would be a great addition to a family with an active lifestyle. He would likely do well with older kids but may play a little too roughly for smaller kids. Meet Blue in person and be thunderstruck by his energy and entertained by his puppy-like antics!

Christy and Anna Belle

Christy, HSPC staff member, elects Anna Belle as her Pick of the Litter. Anna Belle is a stunning Shepherd/Sharpei mix with a beautiful yellow coat and deep, caramel-colored eyes. Christy became attached to Anna Belle when she cared for her following Anna's entrance into HSPC. She has been training Anna Belle to calmly walk and not pull on a leash when she's excited to be going out to play. Christy describes Anna Belle's personality as warm, affectionate, and playful. She has a bouncy spirit that's reflected in her enthusiasm when going on a walk or playing in the dog park with her handlers. Anna Belle would adapt best in a home that would provide her indomitable spirit with lots of exercise or a fenced in yard to run freely around in. Meet this lovely pooch in person...to play with or to take home forever.

Nikki and Honeymist

Nikki, HSPC volunteer, has been charmed by sweet and lovely Honeymist. Honeymist is her favorite because of her gentle disposition and bouncy spirit. Honeymist's favorite pastime is to play and exercise in the dogpark with both human and doggy friends. As well as being an exercise and doggy-playtime enthusiast, Honeymist is an academic! She's completed the shelter's rigorous training program and can now sit on command. Honeymist would be best suited in a home with older children and with an owner who'll allow her to get plenty of exercise. Come meet and play with Honeymist, her sweetness will melt your heart.

Nathan and Princess

A Princess reigns over Nathan's heart. Nathan, HSPC staff member, loves Princess who was already at the shelter when he started working here. Nathan says Princess possesses a sleek beauty and is one of the most loving dogs he's encountered at the shelter. Each morning when he cleans out her run, she greets him with gentle kisses. She's loving and has a great temperament. Because her appearance suggests that she may be part American Pit Bull Terrier, a home visit will be required prior to her adoption. Princess bonds easily with people and if Nathan vouches for her, you're guaranteed she's a great dog.

Mark and Sassy

HSPC volunteer Mark is smitten with Sassy! "Sassy is one of my favorites. She loves to be brushed, and will sit very patiently and joyfully while I brush her coat. She has a great smile, and is very appreciative of any love and attention. She is very gentle." Though sometimes a diva with other dogs, she adores human attention and wags her tail whenever she's fussed over. She also walks great on a leash and, though a large-sized dog, would make a perfect indoor pet due to her low energy level and overall calm attitude.

Jessie and Daisy Morgan

Jessie adores Daisy Morgan. Jessie, HSPC staff member, picks this lovely pooch because of her gentle disposition and her sensitivity. Jessie bonded with this pup after her cage was placed in the lobby where Jessie works at the front desk. She's loyal and protective of her handlers and loves to get behind the counter with Jessie as she works.

Questions? Interest? Email us at info@warmhearts.org!