2023 Pets of The Week: Where are they now?

WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer and Humane Rescue Alliance Acting Communications Director Samantha Miller contributed to this report. 

On Mondays, WTOP brings you a Pet of the Week — here’s a look at where 2023’s furry friends ended up.

Many pets were adopted into homes in the D.C. area and beyond, but some of them still remain up for adoption.

Samantha Miller, acting communications director at the Humane Rescue Alliance, which partners with WTOP for the weekly feature, said the holidays can be a great time for residents to take advantage of the “Test Drive” program, which gives interested adopters the opportunity to foster a dog for seven days to see if it’s a good fit.

“Give a dog a soft spot to land over the holidays,” Miller said.


Click below to see pets who are still available for adoption:


Learn more about all the animals who are still available at D.C.’s Humane Rescue Alliance by going online or by calling 202-723-5730.

“He blossomed in his foster home and he turned into this goofy, happy, healthy pup,” Miller said of Huggy, the first Pet of the Week this year.

Huggy’s new owner called him “the best companion I could ever ask for.”

“Huggy has the power to change any bad day just by wagging his tail or kissing me,” his owner said. 

Danny was adopted by a loving family with children and another dog. They tell the Humane Rescue Alliance that he’s always eager to learn something new!

Rita got lost and ended up at the Humane Rescue Alliance as a stray. Despite the organization’s efforts to locate her previous owner, she wasn’t claimed.

A month later, her former guardian finally discovered her whereabouts, and the team was thrilled to facilitate their reunion!

Bugs is a snuggly bundle of joy who loves attention from everyone.

The four-month-old puppy loves to steal sneakers from her human siblings when they’re getting ready for school so they’ll chase her. Bugs hates to see them go, but loves to sit on the deck and wait for their return each day.

Treat enthusiast Nomad is enjoying being spoiled with snacks and greeting new friends in Maryland.

Snacktime Theodore won the heart of his foster mom and continues to get belly rubs and ear scratches from her at his new forever home.

The best failure is a “foster fail,” according to Miller.

That’s the term for when “you bring home an animal to foster on a temporary basis to help them find a new home and over the course of fostering them, you both fall in love and then you end up adopting them and making them a part of your family,” Miller said. “It does happen pretty frequently here at HRA.”

 

Leo was a volunteer favorite while at the Humane Rescue Alliance and a total love bug. He’s happily soaking up cuddles and hugs from his new family in D.C.

Calabaza was found tied to a fence, sad and alone. But that’s all in the past, as she now spends her days soaking up all the love from her new family.

Trout is the catch of every day for his new family in Virginia.

Ten-year-old Pluto found a retirement home in New Hampshire. 

Franco lives in Virginia, where his family spoils him with squeaky toys, cuddles and games of fetch.

This affectionate and young girl is loving life in Maryland, where she can play and give her new paw-rent’s kisses.

Bobo found a wonderful home in D.C. and is happily settling in with his new family.

After Lola’s foster mom had been caring for her for several months, she realized Lola was meant to be hers and made the adoption official.

“I’m sure that Lola is just happy to find a home where she’s already comfortable and loved,” Miller said.

Astra found her perfect match with a loving family that shares her enthusiasm for outdoor adventures.

Diamond’s mom made the adoption official after taking advantage of Humane Rescue Alliance’s “Test Drive” experience.

After waiting nearly six months to find a new home, goofy boy Tintoretto landed with a family in Maryland who loves him unconditionally. 

 

Dominga’s foster mom fell in love. She officially added Dominga to her pack, which includes another dog and cat, both of whom were adopted from Humane Rescue Alliance. 

Adoptable


Despite facing heartbreak after his owner’s passing, Judah is a resilient pup, demonstrating his gratitude for a new beginning with face licks. Judah eagerly awaits a family that will appreciate his affectionate energy.

“I am so surprised he hasn’t been adopted yet because he’s so cute and so sweet,” Miller said.

To learn more, visit humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

 Ryder has been adopted and now lives in D.C. with a cat, who is also an Humane Rescue Alliance alum.

Life of the party Son Son found his new BFF in Maryland.

This pretty girl, Maui, gets to enjoy long walks and adventures with her new family in D.C.

Adoptable


Remy is a love bug. This young pup is energetic but loves to give affection through snuggles, belly rubs and kisses. Remy loves to explore and would do well with an active family who can help him continue his work on his basic manners while giving him lots of love.

To learn more about Remy, visit www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

 

 

It didn’t find long for senior pup Charlie to find a soft spot to land.

Adoptable

Ziba would fit right into a household with a family that’s active and craves adventure. This 6-year-old girl is one of those dogs who follows the rule, “a tired dog is a happy dog!”

She’s a favorite among volunteers at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Her nominator said, “Ziba is the perfect on-the-go partner. Whatever your pace is, she will match it and stay by your side!”

To learn more about Ziba, visit www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

Nine-month-old Lunchbox gets plenty of attention and training with his new family in D.C.

We’re thrilled Prosecco found her match and has a place to call home with her former foster!

Adoptable

Wallace is an absolute sweetheart who puts his whole heart into everything he does — he plays hard, sleeps hard and loves hard. He’s good with kids but is still learning about how to contain his excitement when meeting new people.

He’s great on the go in the car or at the park but is also occupied for hours by super chews and bones. Wallace LOVES to play fetch and would do best with a family who can get him exercise daily to work off his energy.

Learn more about Wallace and how to adopt him by visiting www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

Astin’s mom made the adoption official after taking advantage of the Humane Rescue Alliance’s “Test Drive” experience, which gives folks the opportunity to foster a dog for seven days to see if it’s a good fit.

Adoptable


Billy Goat is still looking for a forever home. This intelligent pup is great on walks and is already housebroken.

“When he’s not cuddling or training, he plays with his toys on his own,” Miller said.

He’s a cuddlebug.

“It’s getting really cold out there. We can all use a little extra warmth and Billy Goat would love to be by your side helping you cozy up,” Miller said.

To learn more, visit www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

Storm spends her days napping on the bed and playfully wrestling with her adoptive brother.

Her family told WTOP, “we love her so much, and are impressed every day by her warmth and affection.”

Fernley was adopted just in time to spend the holidays with her new family.

Adoptable

Meet Abe!

Abe is ready to make your home happier, and here are just a few reasons why he’s a great fit for your family:

  • Adaptable: Abe can handle different situations. Whether he’s spending time with you or chilling at home alone, he’s the perfect buddy.
  • Adventurous: Abe loves outdoor fun! He enjoys walks and exploring trails. New things? He’s always up for it.
  • Affectionate: Abe is a big fan of cuddles. He’ll be close, whether it’s on your couch, bed or just sitting in your lap.
  • Alert: Abe is like a guard dog. He looks out for his family and is always aware of what’s happening around him.
  • Awe inspiring: Despite a difficult past, Abe loves people a lot. His strength and love will amaze you.

To learn more, visit www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

Adoptable


When Shiva was found wandering D.C. alone, she was underweight and had a troublesome skin condition. The medical team at the Humane Rescue Alliance nursed her back to health and got her back to a healthy weight. She’s blossomed into a loving, playful and goofy pet at her foster home.

She loves the outdoors and lights up on walks. Shiva would do best in a quiet home without young children or other animals.

To learn more, visit www.humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

Sweet senior Jinx was adopted and will have the joy of spending his golden years on a farm in rural Virginia.

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