Featured Pets

Doris

Mystery

Charlie

Bill

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

5 yrs

Male

50 lbs

Standard Poodle

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Bill Before

Bill is about four years old and it is believed that he suffered from Entropion his entire life. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid folds under and in - hair is in constant contact with the eyeball. Bill suffered from constant irritation and eye infections. His generous breeder didn't bother to have the condition treated.

Dr. Trey Rodgers, of Veterinary Express Mobile Clinic was able to successfully perform eye surgery on Bill and repair his eyelids. Both eyes were affected. Bill's surgery and recovery went well and, physically, Bill is in great shape.

Unfortunately, Bill is the survivor of poor breeding practices. His breeder not only left him to suffer from a debilitating disease that was easily treated, his breeder also gave him little to no socialization. What need is there to play with a dog and interact with a dog that has no financial value? His defect made him a poor breeding candidate (which by no means should indicate that he was NOT bred). More than likely he was left with the other unwanted and unnecessary male dogs to waste away in a kennel or crate until word came to the breeder that the shelter would accept the cast-offs.

Bill has been undergoing behavior modification since September. We expect this training to continue for months or even years. It is a very slow process to bring a socially damaged dog back to the world of people, homes, and society. Bill is often fearful of his foster family, fearful of new people, new environments, and new noises. However, Bill has come a long way since entering HEART's foster care program! Bill is housebroken and crate trained . He likes to be in the same room as his foster family. He loves other dogs.

Bill can jump a four foot fence, so we are looking for a home with a six foot privacy fence or who will walk Bill and keep him on a leash at all times. If given too much leash, Bill can leap and spin on the leash and get away from a caretaker who does not pay attention. His family will have experience with dogs and show a dedication to helping him grow. He seems to do best with a second dog in the home that is well mannered and social.

Bill will be looking for a family with lots of time and patience. His is a sad story, but also a story of hope. With time, patience, stubbornness, and love, Bill will remember what it means to be a dog. He'll remember what it means to leap with joy when his family arrives home. He'll learn to meet challenges with courage and strength. He'll become someone's greatest joy and companion.

We are seeking an adult household for Bill that will not have children living in the home for the next ten or more years. Bill's new caretakers will need to have experience with dogs, preferably able to demonstrate and understanding of shy dogs and their rehabilitation. Bill will be adopted to the Raleigh area only. If you've got a great home to offer Bill and can tell us how you'll be able to help him grow and what experience you can bring to his life, we'd love to hear from you!

If you are interested in adopting Bill, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Bill's care and surgery have cost above and beyond what our adoption fees cover. If you'd like to donate to Bill's care, please

BooBoo

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

3 yrs

Male

75 lbs

English Pointer mix

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

BooBoo is a fun-loving guy! He's happy to spend hours in his fenced yard watching the world and thinking about philosophy and calculus- or at least, that's what it looks like. He has a very serious side to go with the upside down clown side!

BooBoo is well trained, walks nicely on a leash and knows his basic commands. He is good with other dogs and older children. He has not been around cats for a while, but was good with them in a previous foster home.

BooBoo is looking for an adult household that will give him the love and attention he wants and deserves. He also does well with those who have high expectations of him. If you expect him to give his best, he will do all he can to meet you! He's a great dog and has been waiting a long time for the right home!

If you are interested in adopting BooBoo, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Charlie

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

2 yrs

Male

63 lbs

Great Pyrenees mix

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Charlie came to us as an under socialized young dog. He didn't have much positive experience with other dogs and was deemed cage aggressive at the shelter. He had no chance for adoption with them, so we took him in.

Charlie has always been very playful and social with the dogs at his foster's house and he also lives with a dog-savvy cat. However, he would lunge and growl at other dogs while on leash in new situations when he felt threatened. He still has a problem with this in crowded places like PetsMart. Charlie has been working hard on gaining better social skills. He now goes to Camp Canine Cary once a week. Initially he would stay at the fence all day, but thanks to a caring and dedicated staff, he has blossomed and grown. With the guidance of Camp Canine staff, Charlie moved from the observer to the participant over the course of a few months! He now can't wait to get to see his friends, both human and canine, when the car pulls up to Camp Canine! HEART would like to thank Camp Canine for their love and understanding while helping Charlie through a challenging time!

Charlie attends regular training workshops with Sylvie's K9 Solutions and is progressing well in his work. He is still challenged by crowded locations and does not do well at adoption events held at PetsMart. He is still working on his shyness with unknown or unruly dogs. As with all dogs, training is a lifetime commitment and is ongoing. He grows and changes every month and is making up for the loss of early training and socialization!

When we first got him, he would pace nervously and couldn't settle. He may do that initially at his new home until he figures things out. Then he can relax with the best of them. Charlie is a really sweet dog around the house. He tends to be independent and would be ok either as a single dog or with existing dogs. He was originally crated while his foster family was away, but he now is usually free in the house at all times. He also stays behind baby gates without jumping them. He will go under them, though, if he can...he can do a good army style crawl!

He has never "counter surfed" and doesn't get on furniture. Oddly, his preference is to lay on hard surfaces and he usually chooses either the fireplace hearth or linoleum floor. He is not a big chewer. He has pretty much learned what is ok to chew and what is not. You will still have to teach him what is acceptable at your house. He loves to sit outside in the very middle of his fenced-in yard and wait patiently for squirrels. He can stay completely motionless until they forget about him, much like a cat. Then he chases them back up the tree with glee--if only he could figure out how to climb trees!
The fence where Charlie lives is 4 ft high and that seems fine for him. He also loves to go barreling out into the yard each time, just in case there is a squirrel nearby.

Charley can eat beside his foster dog buddies and not bother their food. His house manners are pretty good. He learns quickly. He needs an owner who can teach him confidence. He had a tough start in life but he is willing to give us all the benefit of the doubt.

Charlie is looking for a family that enjoys outside activities like hiking and long walks. His family will have children that have been around large dogs and are old enough that being bumped over isn't going to hurt them, we suggest over the age of eight.

The family interested in Charlie will have had large dogs before and be prepared to help him gain confidence and continue his basic obedience training!

If you are interested in adopting Charlie, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Chief

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

6 yrs

Male

12 lbs

Miniature Pinscher

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Chief has been a joy for his foster family. He enjoys attention and loves to sit with his family to watch movies. He gets along with the dogs in his foster home. He's just an all-around nice guy!

Chief would like to find a family that enjoys going for walks and hopefully enjoys camping and hiking. He likes his time outside and loves to see the world! He will make a wonderful companion for the right family!

If you are interested in adopting Chief, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Cinderella

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

4 yrs

Female

12 lbs

Pomeranian

No

Yes

Yes

No

Cinderella is a good girl. She can be a little shy when she first meets someone.  She's gentle and sweet and seems to be adjusting well to her new surroundings.

This little girl is looking for an older family that is active and enjoys keeping their dog with them. She is a social girl and would like to be included in family activities and outings!

If you are interested in adopting Cinderella please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Finnegan

DOB

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

12-3-05

3 yrs

Male, neutered

75 lbs

Great Dane/Plott Hound/Rhodesian Ridgeback/Australian Shepherd mix

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Have you ever met a guy who was big, and silly, and just the best guy you’d ever met? The guy who would like you just because you said hello? The guy who would follow you anywhere because you smiled? Well, some say I’m like that guy. I suppose they’re right, although it’s a bit of an embarrassment to talk about myself that way. Honestly, I just like people. I like the way they smell. I like the way they talk. I like the way it feels when they pat my back or rub my belly.

The folks here at HEART took me to some classes with K9 Solutions. They say I’m a VERY good boy. I think they’re kidding. I mean, really, what’s it take to just sit there for a few minutes? And then, like, lay down! They give me treats for that! Can you believe it? They also say I’m a “Canine Good Citizen”. Well, yeah! I can be a good boy! I like to keep my people happy. I like to see them smile and, well, if the truth be known, I REALLY like those treats! I don’t always get rewarded for good behavior, but when I do… Mmmmmm!

So anyway, I'm a K9 Solutions Advanced Manners Graduate! AND I've also been awarded my Canine Good Citizens Certification! Can you say Good Dog!

Cost to bring me to an adoptable condition: $95 includes:

• Neuter

• De-worming

• Rabies vaccination

• Distemper vaccination

• Heartworm test

• Heartworm Preventative

• Flea Preventative

PLUS Monthly cost to maintain in foster care: $20 includes

• Heartworm Preventative

• Flea Preventative

• Food

Feeling you'll get when I'm your best pal: PRICELESS.

If you are interested in adopting Finnegan please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Jackie

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

4 yrs

Female

22 lbs

Pomeranian

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

What a sweetheart!  Jackie is loving and gentle.  She seems to get along with everyone in her foster home and is a happy girl.  She loves attention and loves being with her family!

Jackie is learning to adjust to living in a home with people who will give her care and attention.  She is lapping it up!  She absolutely adores her family and spending time with them!  She likes to hang out and relax in the evening and is learning proper manners in a home.

If you are interested in adopting Jackie please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Josie

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

3 yrs

Female

45 lbs

Lab & Iziban Hound Mix

No

Yes

No

Yes

Josie loves to run, chase and leap. She could spend all day in the yard running around and still not be winded! She plays well with other dogs and loves people.

Josie knows sit, down, shake, and high-five. She is working on "wait" and loose leash walks. She will sit for "leash on", "leash off". She is still quite young and needs to continue her obedience training. Josie is extremely intelligent and is looking for a family that is going to be able to keep up with her! Trail walks, agility, flyball, search and rescue, tracking, artificial lure coursing, and carting would all be wonderful challenges for her! Have her carry your water bottles on your walks in her saddle bags! Take her on your morning jogs (or runs)! Basically, give her a job. She'll love it!

Josie is a fence jumper. The last time she jumped a fence we saw her back legs as she went over the top of a six foot privacy fence. She is now learning the boundaries of a chain link fence that has been reinforced with an invisible fence. She cannot be left in the yard at any time without her receiver on. One of the side effects of being a very intelligent dog is that she can figure out when the collar isn't on. No beep, no shock- let's go! You can actually watch her gauging the collar. Unfortunately, her foster mom didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late!

Josie needs to learn "come". Something her foster home is working on, but which her new family will really need to reinforce. We want her to know that "run away" isn't as much fun as "come"!

Josie is crated when no one is home. She is still considered a puppy behaviorally and is too easily tempted into poor choices when left alone. She does great in her crate and absolutely loves chew bones and her Kong! If you're looking for a dog that will be a joy to you and your family for many years to come, if you are high energy and want a dog that can keep up with you and then haul you with her, Josie is what you're looking for! Josie was with children in one of her foster homes and did fine with them. Because of her energy level and size, we suggest children over the age of eight. Josie is not a good choice for a home with cats.

If you are interested in adopting Josie, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Neo

DOB

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

Adoption Pending!

3-8-05

3yrs

Male, neutered

5 lbs

Chihuahua

No

Yes

Yes

No

What a great little dog! Neo is a little shy with new people and situations, but he adjusts well. He likes playing with some of the other dogs in our foster program. Neo's favorite spot is in his foster mom or dad's lap. From there he can survey the world in comfort and feel big!

This little guy came from a very quiet household and would do well going to the same. He is too small for little children. He enjoys walks and time in his fenced yard.

If you are interested in adopting Neo please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Petchuska

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

6 yrs

Female

17 lbs

Bichon Frise

No

Yes

Yes

No

Petchuska is such a great little girl! She's got a lot of joy in her just waiting to burst out! She will wiggle and giggle at you 'til the cows come in. However, if you try to actually touch her, she's like a fullback that can't be caught! She enjoys the company of her family from a distance. She is playful with some dogs, but not all. She has an easy-going personality, somewhat like a cat.

Petchuska really shines when she is out on leashed walks. If you enjoy going for walks and want a dog to accompany you that will lighten your heart and lead the way, Petchuska is your gal! She simply bubbles with delight in the world around her! It's an amazing thing to see!

Petchuska has come a long way since entering our program last fall! She is housebroken in her foster home- taken on regular walks outside to take care of business. It took a while to figure her out, but walking is what she needs to be reliable!

Her new family will have children over the age of 15 or no children (and won't be expected to have children during her lifetime). They will enjoy the company of dogs and may have one other dog in the home that is well socialized. Her family will be gentle and patient and will enjoy going for multiple walks each day.

If you are interested in adopting Petchuska, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Romeo

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

2 yrs

Male

6 lbs

Pomeranian

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Romeo was taken to a local shelter because his caretaker was moving away and didn't want to take him with her. "He supposedly has food allergies. He smells bad and I just don't want to deal with it any more", the caretaker explained. The shelter where he was left was not in a position to take on his health issues and asked us for help. (a larger view of Romeo)

One of HEART's intake coordinators met Romeo and found him to be sweet and affectionate. He has a great personality despite his obvious discomfort and pain. HEART agreed to bring Romeo into their foster program and take on his medical care and expenses. HEART contacted the caretaker's vet for more information about his condition. He was one large scab from his head to his tail and the only hair on his body was a puff on the top of his head. The vet records showed that the caretaker had been told three times to place Romeo on a low allergen diet in hopes of reversing his hair loss and crusty/scaly skin. The caretaker did not do this and his condition simply worsened.

Dr. Trey Rodgers of the Veterinary Express Mobile Clinic examined Romeo not only for his severe skin condition, but also for his locating patella. This is a condition where the knee cap slides out and does not go back into joint on its own. Unfortunately, Romeo is going to need surgery after his skin condition improves to correct this deformity. Dr. Rodgers placed Romeo on a low allergen diet, antibiotics, and a special shampoo to treat his skin infections.

At the time of this write-up Romeo has been in HEART's foster program for four weeks. His low allergen diet seems to be helping his skin condition and he is improving weekly. He will be re-evaluated in two more months to see how his skin and hair have improved. His knee surgery will have to wait until his skin condition has been healed and he is considered healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

• 1-16-08 Update: Romeo went to visit his orthopedic specialist on Monday to determine his eligibility for surgery. He's ready! His hair is growing in nicely and his health is good. His surgery will cost almost $1000. So, once HEART has been able to bring in enough donations to cover the cost of his surgery, we will be able to get his leg repaired. He will then have eight weeks of physical therapy. After that we will have him re-evaluated for adoption.

Romeo and other dogs and cats like him are why we charge an adoption fee and why your donations are so important to our organization. Our organization is fully funded by donations and adoption fees, HEART does not receive government or municipal funds to help with expenses.

If you are interested in adopting Romeo, please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Sadie

DOB

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

5-12-02

6 yrs

Female, Spayed

10 lbs

Miniature Poodle

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sadie had a puppy shortly after entering our program. Sadly the puppy died shortly after birth. Sadie's foster mom just happened to be bottle feeding a litter of puppies for another rescue organization at the time, so we put the bottle feeders with Sadie after she lost her puppy. Sadie thought she'd died and gone to heaven! You wouldn't believe how pleased she was with her babies!

She raised them up as her own and gave them the love and attention they would have missed by only being bottle fed. The puppies have now grown bigger than Sadie at only six weeks! They've been weaned and Sadie is now ready to find her forever home. Sadie is a shining example of how rescue organizations can help one another!

Sadie is a quiet girl who loves to be with her people. She's very friendly with everyone she meets and is more than happy to sit in your lap or find a quiet corner to sleep in.

Cost to bring this pet to adoptable condition:$575 includes

• Spay

• Dental, teeth removal (12)

• Antibiotics

• Treatment for Ear Mites and Infection

• Rabies Vaccination

• Distemper (DHPP) vaccination

• Heartworm Test

• Heartworm Preventative

• Flea/Tick Preventative

PLUS Monthly Cost for Foster Care:$15 includes

• Heartworm Preventative

• Flea/Tick Preventative

• Food

If you are interested in adopting Sadie please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.

Sir Chester

Age

Gender

Weight

Breed

Special Needs

Good with...

Dog

Cat

Child

7 months

Male

60 lbs (expected)

Golden Retriever Mix

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sir Chester is a happy guy! He enjoys his family, his siblings, and the children in his home. He is still young and will need to go through a basic obedience class and continue to build on his "good citizen" skills! He's off to a great start and is looking for the right family that will help him continue to excel in his studies!

Sir Chester will be great in a home with children over the age of six who have been around large dogs before. His family will be active and interested in outdoor activities. They will enjoy outings and consider it natural to include their pet in activities. They will consider training to be a part of the package when adopting a puppy and will think of it as a priority.

If you are interested in adopting Sir Chester please fill out an application and send it in to us. If you have specific questions about the pet, please include them in an email with your application. You do not need to sign the application at this time. Only completed applications will be considered. Please answer all questions and include all phone numbers.