Old Dominion Humane Society Searches For Homes For Long-Time Rescues
- Lenora Kruk - Mullanaphy
- May 20
- 5 min read
Crash and Ziggy, who are loyal and loving with their fosters, have earned a designation they’d probably rather not have--being at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) the longest. Combined, their time at the rescue is about four years. They’re joined by other available dogs Bellamy, Blakie and Summer, who’ve stayed at ODHS for a total of nearly three years. While they’re given care and attention by volunteers and fosters at the nonprofit organization, the ultimate goal is to find them homes where they can flourish with loving families and get another chance at lives they deserve.
“Crash is a misunderstood gentleman, who doesn’t immediately trust humans,” said Sarah Smith, the dog’s foster. “He’s loyal and loving to his person, crate trained and excellent walking on the leash. He’s fine with other dogs of all sizes and coexisting with cats.”
Smith said Crash has a whole side to him that isn’t apparent on the first or even second meet, but it comes out two or three days after living with someone—then, he’s truly amazing and worships them in typical Chihuahua fashion. A compact 15 pounds and four years old, Crash adores his person.
Crash comes from feral beginnings and was rescued by ODHS to help him thrive with love and patience. He’s shown major improvements since he arrived and would love the chance to show his endearing and lovable qualities to a patient adopter.
Nobody can deny that Ziggy’s one of the most adorable pups ever to have entered ODHS, and he’s been there for nearly two years. This 15-pound boy loves belly rubs and cuddles, and he likes to play fetch.
Ziggy’s respectful, listens to commands, sleeps in his crate and has impeccable potty manners. He even respects the cats in his foster home. Ziggy becomes stressed with changes in the home or loud noises inside or outside, and he needs a person who can set boundaries and read his body language, Once inside his kennel, he relaxes. He needs to wear a muzzle in public and with houseguests---and, yes, there are muzzles that tiny!
The volunteers at ODHS count Ziggy as one of their favorites, because he’s as charming as they come and enjoys their company. He’s one of the easiest dogs to walk on a leash, and he’s quick to gently grab a treat.
Bellamy’s been at ODHS for a year, and he gets rave reviews from his foster family and the volunteers. He’s the perfect housemate and knows the rules of indoor living, settling in beautifully and keeping his kennel clean. His fosters know him as an affectionate cuddle bug who enjoys being around people, and he’s always ready for a road trip or hike.
This smart cookie already knows many commands, including “sit,” “paw,” and “lay down”—he’s eager to please and learn even more. To say Bellamy is pretty low-maintenance is an understatement—he handles bath time like a champ and likes a nice dip in the water during Sunday hikes with the volunteers.
Five-year-old, 68-pound Bellamy is very polite, especially with his treats that he takes gently. He also loves his toys, fetch and bones to chew on.
Bellamy’s selective about his dog friends and prefers the company of female dogs. He’d succeed in a calm, predictable, adults-only household. For anybody who wants a loyal companion for life, this pup fits the bill.
For nearly a year, Blakie, the adorable rescue with cute, stubby legs, has been a volunteer favorite at ODHS. A quiet, chill dog who displays perfect house manners, Blakie’s a quick learner who responds well to corrections and knows “sit,” “down,” “wait,” “spin” and “paw.” His favorite activity is riding in the car and gazing out the window. He enjoys squeaky toys, stuffed animals and bones. He loves people and snuggling with them. With a mix of playfulness and calmness, Blakie matches his human’s energy, whether it’s time for an adventure or a nap.
This four-year-old boy would prosper in an adults-only home, where he can truly shine. If there are other dogs in the home, he does well eating in his crate. Blakie’s an overall easy house dog, and he’ll be a loyal friend with a forever family.
Makenzie Clower has fostered Summer for more than a month, and the rescue dog’s blossoming. When she first arrived at Clower’s home, she was reserved and nervous, running into her crate anytime somebody would try to get close to her.
“Now, she gets excited when I wake her in the mornings and get home from work,” said Clower. “She greets me with a wiggle butt and lots of ‘talking’. She loves running around in the back yard with other dogs, and she also enjoys napping and laying on the couch.”
Clower thinks Summer would be great in a home with another confident dog that can continue to show her that life isn’t so scary. The shy pup does well in the company of other dogs and feels more at ease with her canine friends, making her an ideal companion for a multi-dog home.
Summer’s very respectful of personal space, as she’ll sit on the couch next to Clower or lay at the foot of the bed for naps. With great potty and crate manners, Summer’s a pleasure. She loves peanut butter Kongs and bones.
“I’ve never seen any aggression with Summer,” said Clower. “Her ideal home would be one that’s patient and ready to give her the love and time to show her true self. She’d do best in a home with older kids, since she still gets scared with a lot of activity and loud noises.”
Summer arrived at ODHS from the King George Animal Rescue League with her seven pups in tow las October. Ironically, having her litter and needing to nurse them was a factor in saving her life. One by one, each of Summer’s pups were adopted into wonderful homes, but she hasn’t yet had her turn. Summer had heartworms, for which she’s already had treatment. She’s ready to start living a wonderful life with a caring family.
Be a hero to one of ODHS’s longest residents by visiting at an adoption event for a meet. Find out more about these rescues, how some have overcome a past of neglect, mistreatment, have been the victims of hoarding cases and more. By giving a rescue dog a home and a second chance at a great life, they’ll repay their adopters in plenty of wet kisses and tail wags.
Start by filling out an Adoption Survey on the "Adopt" page of the ODHS website to schedule a meet-and-greet!
