Tall tails: Where WTOP’s ‘Pet of the Week’ pups are now

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WTOP’S Kate Ryan shares some stories of puppies who were on our Pet of the Week.

WTOP and the Humane Rescue Alliance have been working together for years — this author’s own fuzzy friend was a Pet of the Week way back in 2019.

The HRA has helped hundreds of dogs (and cats and bunnies and even turtles) find new homes. According to their website, more than 400 animals find their forever homes every single month.

So that leads to an obvious question: Where are they now?

Well, we have quite the pupdate (I can’t take credit for that pun, that one’s from our own Kate Ryan) for you to close out 2024 — with many thanks to Diane Ashton, the director of media relations for the HRA.

WTOP’s 2024 in Review:

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You hear and see our profiles of the WTOP Pet of the Week, but what happens after that initial pet profile appears? WTOP’s Kate Ryan reports.

1/29

Luna is now named Nelly. Her adopter says Nelly is a happy dog who always has a wagging tail and a smiling face. Nelly is a snuggle enthusiast who can turn any ordinary day into a cozy cuddle fest, Ashton said. (Courtesy HRA)

2/29

Wade is very happy in his new house in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ashton said. He recently enjoyed frolicking in the snow. Wade’s adopter said: “He is very sweet and affectionate all the time. He has definitely made my life happier, as he is always glad to see me when I come home and never stops making me laugh.” (Courtesy HRA)

3/29

Skye is a social butterfly who thrives on affection — and her coat is soft like velvet, according to Ashton. (Courtesy HRA)

4/29

Skye’s adopter says she’s thriving in her new home, Ashton said. “Skye is doing amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without her,” her adopter said. (Courtesy HRA)

5/29

Watt was adopted by his foster family. His new family called Watt “a total love-muffin. He loves to go on walks and play with balls and toys outside. He also loves the beach,” Ashton said. “He’s good with kids and other dogs. We have cats, and he is playful and gentle with them and often sleeps with the younger kitten.” (Courtesy HRA)

6/29

Nyle’s new name is Gram. Gram is doing very well in his new home, Ashton said, and he gets along great with his family’s other pet. His adopters say he’s still a high-energy dog who gets super excited and occasionally forgets his manners. But he’s easy to forgive — and even easier to love. (Courtesy HRA)

7/29

Kay came to HRA after his owner could no longer keep him, Ashton said. He had bite wounds from being attacked by other dogs in his neighborhood and he was very stressed in the kennel. His foster gave him lots of TLC and helped him relax and recover. She fell in love with Kay and wound up adopting him. Now, he’s got toys galore, belly rubs on demand and treats in different cuisines. Kay enjoys going to Sniffspot to play fetch and run around. He even dressed like Batman this Halloween. (Courtesy HRA)

8/29

Egg Drop’s new family renamed her Mabel Zucchini. They said they chose “Mabel” to fight the stereotype of pit bull pups, and “Zucchini,” because this cutie loves fruits and vegetables. Her favorite fruit is blueberries, and she once ate a whole zucchini in a day. (Courtesy HRA)

9/29

Ashton said Abby is a senior gal who was found as a stray, and quickly won over the hearts of staff and volunteers at HRA. Abby wants to be close to her people. It took a bit of time, but she eventually found her new family and is loving her new life in Maryland. (Courtesy HRA)

10/29

Ashton said Jada is a sweet senior who is still bursting with energy. At 11 years young, she loves playing fetch and will give any pup a run for their money with her agility and speed. In May, she was adopted by a loving family from Virginia. (Courtesy HRA)

11/29

Ali is thriving in his adoptive home. According to Ashton, his family says he’s a smart, playful pup who makes a good work-from-home buddy. One day when his new guardian was working, Ali placed his head in his lap and looked up at him as if to ask why they weren’t cuddling. With that face, he’s hard to resist. (Courtesy HRA)

12/29

Appollo has become Hercules. He is, according to Ashton, completely spoiled in his new home. Most days, you’ll find him snuggled up next to his adopter on the couch (see above) while she works from home. Hercules is full of playful energy and enjoys frequent trips to the dog park. (Courtesy HRA)

13/29

Over the holidays, Hercules traveled with his new mom to New York and met her entire family, and of course they adored him. (Courtesy HRA)

14/29

Ashton said Errol was in rough shape when he was discovered as a stray earlier in 2024 — he was apparently so skinny you could count his ribs. But he made an incredible recovery thanks to his caring foster family. Errol wound up being adopted by a woman who had lost her dog to cancer last spring. She was ready to welcome another pit bull into her home. She says Errol is a blessing to her. (Courtesy HRA)

15/29

Miss Nancy has found a little bit of heaven. Her adopted home has a half-acre of yard where she can romp and play, and the neighborhood is dog friendly. Miss Nancy loves other dogs and children. She came to HRA because she had been abandoned, Ashton said. Her current adopter said, “We love Miss Nancy and can’t understand how anyone would let her go.” (Courtesy HRA)

16/29

Gumbo was reunited with his former owner in September. So, that’s going to be a big congrats to Gumbo and his family. Ashton said the HRA couldn’t be happier for him and his family. (Courtesy HRA)

17/29

Ursula is now known as Roxy, and she has been enjoying her exploration of Capitol Hill and meeting her new neighbors. She recently celebrated Thanksgiving in West Virginia, complete with leisurely walks in the woods. (Courtesy HRA)

18/29

Roxy was adopted from HRA 10 years ago. Sadly, this 12-year-old dog came back to the shelter after her human had to go into hospice care. But she’s now enjoying her golden years being spoiled in a wonderful new home, Ashton said. (Courtesy HRA)

19/29

Seth’s foster mom fell in love with him and adopted him, Ashton said. She said Seth infuses much needed joy and laughter into her life. (Courtesy HRA)

20/29

This Halloween, in Seth’s honor, she carved a pumpkin in his likeness. She said Seth’s favorite thing to do on walks is stop, sit, watch and maybe judge as people try to parallel park. (Courtesy HRA)

21/29

Momma Longlegs (one of the greatest dog names ever) is thriving in her new home. Her adopter says that name suits her perfectly, in fact. (Courtesy HRA)

22/29

Momma Longlegs is a gentle giant and a cuddle bug who loves everyone she meets. (Courtesy HRA)

23/29

Momma Longlegs’ adopter plays bike polo and she likes to go to practice, too. (Courtesy HRA)

24/29

Upton was found wandering the streets in Southeast D.C., and was eating out of a trash can when he was spotted. Ashton said he was friendly and ran right over to an HRA animal control officer, who took him to the shelter. Upton spent months waiting to be adopted, but this October, his new family took him home. They said his new name is Rocky. He’s gained some weight and the vet says he looks very healthy. Rocky is loving his new home and even has a new doggy friend. (Courtesy HRA)

25/29

Dakota has undergone quite a transformation since being adopted three months ago, Ashton said. She was very skinny and had severe separation anxiety. (with her ribs and spine showing)

26/29

But now, Dakota is a healthy weight and has overcome her separation anxiety. Her adopter says she’s a sassy girl who loves giving people the side-eye, which makes everyone crack up. She loves to give everyone kisses and chill in her cozy blanket. (Courtesy HRA)

27/29

Marla has a new name: Diana. Her adopter said: “Diana is doing amazing. She is loving the city life, taking walks around NoMa and getting to sniff all of the new smells. My husband and I are so happy Diana came into our lives. As you can see by the smile on her face, she is living the cushy life and loving every second of it.” (Courtesy HRA)

28/29

Whether Scuttle is diving into a game of fetch, showing off his tricks, or snuggling with you on the couch, his enthusiasm is contagious. This happy-go-lucky guy loves people, other dogs, sniffing everything, and his favorite — splashing in water. (Courtesy HRA)

29/29

Ashton said Lovo is a welcome addition to his new family and is enjoying the company of two young children. His adopter said: “He is doing great! He jumped right into our hectic household. Despite his serious face, he’s a goofy snuggle bug who always wants to be on someone’s lap. We’ve renamed him Eisenhower ‘Ike.’ Our family has a tradition of naming our dogs after U.S. presidents.” (Courtesy HRA)

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Will Vitka

William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come.