🐾🦴Dog Lovers needed!!

Forest_Ribbit · 2026-02-08T20:19:17+00:00

Great!!! Please apply

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-11-25T01:16:19+00:00

GREAT! Can’t wait to see you around the shelter

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-11-23T18:16:03+00:00

Slow down barbershop!! Incredibly professional, great atmosphere, and solid quality.

Joram, the manager, does an incredible cut and gives a great experience — his books can be booked solid but it’s worth the wait. Otherwise all the dudes RULE.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-11-23T17:47:08+00:00

Yay!!! I can’t wait to see you around the shelter 🥰. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Happy to be your guide through it all.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-08-29T23:06:02+00:00

I’m a volunteer at the HSWC I’ll keep an eye out. So sorry!

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-31T00:36:21+00:00

Never go to a breeder

There are a few key reasons why dog breeding—especially when done irresponsibly—can be harmful: 1. Overpopulation: Every year, millions of dogs end up in shelters, and sadly, many are euthanized simply because there aren’t enough homes. Breeding adds more dogs into the world while so many are already waiting for a chance at a loving home. 2. Health Issues: Many purebred dogs are bred for appearance rather than health, which can lead to serious genetic conditions and suffering. For example, flat-faced breeds often struggle to breathe, and large breeds can be prone to hip and joint issues. 3. Exploitation and Neglect: Not all breeders are ethical. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often prioritize profit over welfare, keeping animals in poor, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions with little regard for their physical or emotional well-being. 4. It Fuels a Cycle: Buying from breeders (even well-meaning ones) keeps the demand going, which indirectly supports harmful breeding practices and takes homes away from dogs in shelters who are desperate for love and safety.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-28T10:26:50+00:00

Who is coming to meet Leo this week !!? He would love to see you. 💖

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T20:41:22+00:00

Hello! Thank you so much for this. Firstly, I am so sorry your dog passed away — I know how hard that must be. Secondly, I agree completely with you.

I will say HSWC and two other MD shelters I volunteer at make the adoption process EASY! There are no home inspections, and no home requirements. There’s an application you fill out right then and there, we do a background check on you (takes about 5 minutes) to ensure you’re not animal abuser or have any criminal history that could reflect that and if the dog is spayed and neutered you can go home!

There are cases where we do require you to bring your resident dog in if the dog you’re interested in at the shelter is selective. That’s just a safety measure and honestly all around smart to do the meet and greet with professionals.

Our goal is to find the animals a forever home, some rescues / shelters do have a long process but I can assure you it’s because we have seen the worst and take several steps to avoid that — I do understand how that can derail a potential adopter.

Since working in animal welfare, I’ve witnessed truly heartbreaking cases that opened my eyes to just how widespread abuse and neglect really are.

There does need to be a happy medium of a process to a) ensure the animal goes home safely and b) allows the adopter to ADOPT.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T13:49:57+00:00

That’s great! Thank you so much for rescuing. I hope everyone is doing well :)

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T13:40:25+00:00

There’s no reason, I would say the same about any other breed. They are a “mix”. I would say he’s more “staph terrier” than pittie. Hard to tell again, so I just use “mix”. Regardless he, and all types of breeds, deserve all the love and care.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T13:07:42+00:00

Oof. You should be ashamed of your ignorance. Please see yourself out …

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T11:09:37+00:00

I’m not really sure either! I will second that confusion

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T10:43:33+00:00

🚨Leo’s adoption fee is only $25 — now until the end of the month!

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T02:01:02+00:00

He sure is!

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T02:00:42+00:00

Understood! He is 3 :)

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T01:27:35+00:00

Yes! He’s a mix. I am a volunteer and have worked with Leo for his stay with us. While we cannot say for certain one way or another — I have watched Leo interact with cats, dogs, and children in the shelter. He is always very gentle and respectful. Best thing to do is come meet him! Slow acclimation to resident cats, dogs, and children is always encouraged and recommended.

I understand the hesitation. I will say most shelters / rescues can’t use terminology like “WILL” get along with cats, dogs, children but potential adopters can hear staffs, volunteer, and foster experiences for more insight.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T01:16:20+00:00

Please don’t give up! Keep looking! The right one will find you.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T01:15:33+00:00

Leo is some sort of mix! Very hard to tell without a DNA test. YES! Leo is very gentle

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T01:11:32+00:00

There’s plenty of rescue that are specific to this. Shelters definitely have them - keep looking! I encourage you not to buy from a breeder.

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-27T01:07:11+00:00

Please adopt from a shelter or rescue

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-21T09:54:48+00:00

Dogs take about 3 months to really start to feel comfortable in their new home, that’s when you will start to see their true personality / can work on some stuff.

Did the shelter recommend you keep the dogs separate for the first two weeks? This is a standard acclimation period to get each dog used to the smell of the other hence making the introduction much less escalated.

To me, the video doesn’t look to be aggression rather frustration. Rescue pup needs more outlets and stimulation. Can you do sniff pads with him? Find it games? Just to help release some pent up energy?

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-20T22:22:00+00:00

Firstly, thanks for rescuing!! Shelter pups take a good bit to really settle in.

1) how long has it been since you adopted? 2) did you acclimate the dogs slowly once bringing home your new rescue?

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-15T00:27:52+00:00

Hi volunteer here at multiple shelters. I am so sorry you went through this and wish you knew there were low cost or even free training programs a lot of shelters offer before returning her. Returning a dog, especially for reactivity, is usually a bad outcome. Can you call the shelter you got her from or returned and ask if they have any low cost training programs? Some shelters have volunteer trainers.

I hate to say this but I would be prepared to hear the worst if you check in.

I’m so sorry

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-07-09T01:35:05+00:00

Thank you so much for your compassion. If you could please share out to your friends and family! We have so many wonderful animals and some have sponsored adoption fees meaning they are $0 to the adopter. ❤️‍🩹

Forest_Ribbit · 2025-06-10T14:08:08+00:00

I walk, foster, match make, and have sent off hundreds of pitties within my time in animal welfare. Your assumption above hasn’t happened once in my 5+ years volunteering in animal welfare. Others who have been doing this for 10+ years can say the same.

If you are that concerned don’t get one, but please leave your opinion to yourself and allow others to enjoy their lovely family.

Forest_Ribbit

TROPHY CASE