At the Roanoke Valley SPCA, we take pride in the amount of care and support we provide to our pets. The shelter, despite all of our best efforts, is a scary place for a lot of animals. Most of the dogs coming through the shelter are able to adjust their circumstances and are adopted to great homes quickly. However, there are some that end up needing an extra bit of support. This does not mean they are bad dogs at all.
Unfortunately, not all organizations have the resources to facilitate the adoption of dogs that need extra support. Thanks to our dedicated and knowledgeable staff, the Sara Jane and Mickey Second Chance Fund (which you can donate to here), and dog professionals in the community, we are able to do everything in our power to try to find homes for all the dogs in our shelter. It’s part of our commitment to being a Safe Shelter!
If you are interested in one of our foster to adopt dogs, it takes a little bit longer to bring them home than our traditional adoption process. You begin by talking to one of our adoption counselors, who can talk about the specific needs of the dog. If you think you can provide the type of care that the dog needs, then you will come in for a meet and greet. This appointment may be with the adoption counselor you spoke to, or you may meet our “canine person,” Emily Fugate. You will likely meet with the dog a few different times. Once everyone is ready, you schedule a time to take the dog out to foster!
For the foster period, we partner with Certified Applied Animal Behavior, Dr. Megan Maxwell from Pet Behavior Change, LLC. Once out in foster, you schedule a time with Dr. Maxwell to meet over Zoom and develop a detailed plan to help your dog become the best dog they can be. You will meet with her several times, and the Roanoke Valley SPCA will also check in regularly to assist with the process. Once everyone feels ready, you can come back and officially adopt your dog!
Adopting a dog that needs additional support is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. These animals come from a variety of situations, and they need routine, patience, and lots of love. It takes a little extra time and effort, but the outcome is a forever companion that is so thankful for opening up your heart and home to them!
Currently, we have three dogs available as foster to adopt.
Boss, age 4, is a goofy, smart, loving American Staffordshire terrier mix that has been with us since August of 2020. You should hear everyone laughing, smiling, and saying hello to Boss when he walks down the hallways. He is quite loved here! But, it takes a little while to win Boss over. He is nervous around new people, particularly men. We have taught him several appropriate behaviors to do when meeting new people, and he’s been making huge strides. He is patiently waiting for his forever home, but in the meantime he is happy to be spoiled by all of us!
Violet, age 10, is a sweet, playful hound mix that has been with us since September of 2020 (and originally left our shelter as a puppy). When she arrived this time, she had a large, infected mass on her side. She went through several painful procedures to remove the mass then get back on her feet. Violet has been through a lot, so some types of touching and handling make her nervous. But once she is comfortable with someone, she is a great dog and gives the best kisses!
Stella, age 5, is a gentle, timid hound mix that has been with us since March of 2021 (and originally left our shelter as a puppy). Stella loves being around people, and she gets very nervous when she’s on her own. Stella has separation anxiety, so she paces, whines, barks, and sometimes has accidents when she’s by herself. There are exercises that can be done to help her get used to being on her own and to gain more confidence. She doesn’t have to go to a home where somebody is home all the time – because we want Stella to feel more comfortable on her own, but it is going to take some time to help her adjust.
We have had great success with our foster to adopt dogs in the past, and we can’t wait for Boss, Violet, and Stella to be added to the list of successful foster to adopt placements!
Domino had separation anxiety and was an expert at escaping (and destroying) crates. With lots of love, patience, and a heavy duty crate, Domino was able to work through his fear of being alone. He was successfully adopted in March 2021!
Comet stayed with us here at the shelter from February 2020 until December 2020 when he went out to foster. Before he left, Comet was a staff favorite. But when he first arrived, Comet was very fearful. It took him quite a bit of time (and lots of treats) to get comfortable with everyone. Now Comet is absolutely living it up. He and his Dad love to go camping. Can you see him there in the windshield?
If you’re interested in fostering to adopt one of these special dogs, give us a call at 540-339-9247! You can also see their full biographies on our website!