Homeward Trails Animal Rescue

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Homeward Trails finds permanent adoptive homes for more than 3,000 dogs and cats annually.

SO MANY HEARTBREAKING STORIES here in Ukraine. While our initial plans are focused on rescuing cats due to the ongoing b...
01/25/2025

SO MANY HEARTBREAKING STORIES here in Ukraine. While our initial plans are focused on rescuing cats due to the ongoing barriers to bringing dogs in, we are looking down the road in a few months at trying to bring a few dogs over - those who have been at the shelter for more than a year with survival stories that more than warrant their rescue.

PLEASE DONATE NOW: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainetransport
WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME HERE WITH LIMITED INTERNET TO RAISE THE NEEDED FUNDS

One dog was found as a puppy in a trash bag that was mistaken for trash until someone saw it move after hours. It was a young puppy tossed over a fence to die in a bag. That puppy was saved, nurtured and loved but has little chance of finding life outside the shelter.

One dog was tossed out on the street and somehow wandered along the busy highway until he found the shelter. He stood outside the shelter fence patiently for hours until someone saw him. As they opened the gate, he wandered in and sat down resting his head on a staffer's lap - he was not leaving. He was scared, hungry and tired. And he deserves a family. He loves more than anything to get his head cuddled and kissed and to walk on leash to take in the smells of the nearby fields. But he loves to return to the safety of the shelter. He wants a family so badly.

We are LIVE ON THE GROUND IN UKRAINE. We arrived several days ago but the shelter this time has no internet so we are a ...
01/25/2025

We are LIVE ON THE GROUND IN UKRAINE. We arrived several days ago but the shelter this time has no internet so we are a bit delayed coming to you.

The skies are grey. Completely grey. The air is damp and cool. The animals are thrilled to see us and get the extra attention and love. And we love seeing the staff again who care so well for these animal victims day in and day out - some who have now been here for years.

We have a ways to go with under 5 days to raise the funds we need to fly the cats here. The shelter funding is running very, very low so no more animals can come in right now. Thus, the 25+ cats we will take will empty each cage and allow for more cats and kittens to be saved if funds come and space is available. So our saving 25 cats really saves 50.

As the war here wages on, the morale is low, the stress is high and hope feels lost for so many. Villagers look worn. Yesterday there was a funeral for a local young man who had been killed in the war. We were walking dogs when we paused to observe the long, somber funeral procession - mostly by foot - and to be reminded of why we are here.

Here are just a few of the cats we are trying to save and bring to homes in the US. We have 25 who still need funding but due to space and time we are going to try and highlight just a few each day. They all have stories of survival and hardship, just as so many people here do.

But saving a life means the world to that animal, the world to the person who loves that animal...and honestly, brings hope and some joy at at time and in a place where it is desperately needed.

Please consider a donation to ANY of these kitties. We cannot bring them until their costs are covered.

Misha (photo below) - This sweet boy was born under the dog kennels in the middle of the night, where his mother had taken refuge from the stray dogs and other animals that could easily kill her. Muysa is his mom who has one surviving kitten from another litter (Betty) and also needs rescue. She is a true survivor and has worked so hard as a feral cat to learn to trust people. Their entire family of 6 needs rescue.

We are trying to go off site to post photos of our days spent caring for the animals and learning of their harrowing survival stories but it's a challenge. :(
Donate here to Misha, Milo, Millie, Mac, Muysa and Betty:

Milo - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainemilo2025
Mac - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainemac2025
Muysa - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainebetter2025?blm_aid=15533
Millie - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainemillie2025?blm_aid=15533
Misha - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainemisha2025?blm_aid=15533
Betty - https://www.mightycause.com/story/Ukrainepink2025

Meet Mosby! We are looking for a foster or adopter for Mosby. Mosby is a five-year-old boxer mix (65lbs). He arrived at ...
01/24/2025

Meet Mosby!

We are looking for a foster or adopter for Mosby.

Mosby is a five-year-old boxer mix (65lbs). He arrived at HT after his family relocated overseas. Unfortunately, they were unable to take him and his sister, Pig, along with them, which left them heartbroken. Both Mosby and Pig experienced profound sadness when their owners dropped them off at the center, unable to comprehend the situation. Mosby exhibited signs of anxiety, and trembling uncontrollably.

Mosby was placed in a foster home as part of a Tails Out initiative, allowing the staff to gather valuable insights for potential adopters. Upon entering the foster home, Mosby eagerly explored his new surroundings, sniffing everything in sight. It was also found that he needs to be an only pet. Mosby is such a sweet and cuddly boy.

About Mosby:
1. He likes running around a fenced in backyard
2. Loves Food and treats
3. He is great with kids and people of all ages
4. Hanging around his people; snuggling or cuddling up with them
5. He is house trained and crate trained
6. Needs to be an ONLY pet
7. Loves belly rubs and sleeping with his people
8. He can pull on a leash if there are other dogs walking. With a gentle leader, he walks much better

His adoption fee has been WAIVED as a loving family sponsored him.

Can anyone foster or adopt him? Once you meet him, you will fall in love with him instantly. Please contact Lani at [email protected]

What a week it was in Danville, VA as we spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and returned 65 cats to their ded...
01/24/2025

What a week it was in Danville, VA as we spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and returned 65 cats to their dedicated, loving caregivers. We spayed 38 females who will never again have to worry about having kittens and fighting to keep them alive.

https://www.mightycause.com/story/Danville-Jan2025

We also brought back 20 cats and kittens from the local shelter and they're now in foster homes ready for adoption.

In addition to providing surgery, vaccines, and microchips through the amazing Angels of Assisi, we also provided lifesaving treatment to Nicky. We shared his story with you a few days ago. His caregiver contacted us when they realized he had a large wound on his leg. Without treatment, the infection would have spread and, coupled with the freezing temperatures, Nicky wouldn't have made it. Nicky had his wound cleaned and received antibiotics and his caregiver allowed us to bring him back to Homeward Trails so we can keep an eye on his healing and provide extra care should he need it. He's transitioned seamlessly into life as a couch cat.

That's almost 90 cats with a new lease on life, but we can't do it without your support! We'll be back in the field in less than two weeks to help more cats. Your support allows us to continue our lifesaving work!
https://www.mightycause.com/story/Danville-Jan2025

A Special Thanks to our partner District Dogs for opening up their hearts and space to help care for our rescued dogs! F...
01/24/2025

A Special Thanks to our partner District Dogs for opening up their hearts and space to help care for our rescued dogs! For every space we have for a rescued dog, another life can be saved. We are SO GRATEFUL! Brody and Lady Bird are only two of the pups that have enjoyed the accommodations!

As part of this partnership, District Dogs has provided boarding services to dogs under the care of Homeward Trails. The partnership reflects the shared goal of both organizations to ensure that every dog has the opportunity to find a loving home while receiving the best possible care in the meantime.

Brody
https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210259721

Lady Bird
https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210259788

For more information:
https://www.homewardtrails.org/
https://districtdogs.com/

We've, uh, been a little busy...PUPPIES!!! SCADS, nay, OODLES OF PUPPIES NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!Two beautiful, famil...
01/24/2025

We've, uh, been a little busy...

PUPPIES!!! SCADS, nay, OODLES OF PUPPIES NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Two beautiful, family-friendly, kid-friendly, dog-friendly mamas, Mary and Sandy Warbucks, each raised BIG litters, 10 and 11, respectively. Both mamas delivered their shepherd-mix litters before Christmas and now they and their families are ready to meet their forever families!

Are you a movie buff, or are cartoons more your sauce? Sandy's litter are all named for famous Hollywood dogs, Mary's litter after iconic cartoon characters!

Listed in alphabetical order (to be fair), have a look at ALL of these cuties! Click on each picture to find their website bios with information on how to apply for adoption so you can meet these darlings.

Noto bene: Chance, Sandy's baby girl who was born with a bum leg, is healing nicely following her amputation, and while shown below, she is already spoken for. Thanks again to all who supported her care!

Nothing better on a cold winter's day than warming up with a pup and promoting Homeward Trails at the Washington Auto Sh...
01/22/2025

Nothing better on a cold winter's day than warming up with a pup and promoting Homeward Trails at the Washington Auto Show!

We are partnering with Subaru at the Washington Auto Show at the DC convention center.
But we desperately need your help! We need multiple volunteers for each 4-hour shift to handle the dogs and to speak about the wonderful work we do.

Please use this link to sign up and include: Name (first, last), email address (for credentialing purposes). Reach out to [email protected] with any questions!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F084EA8AE2DA5F49-54471668-2025 #/

**Convention center address: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
**January 30th - February 9th, 2025

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

For the past year the dogs at the HT Adoption Center have enjoyed flavorful, high quality and nutritious dog food all do...
01/21/2025

For the past year the dogs at the HT Adoption Center have enjoyed flavorful, high quality and nutritious dog food all donated by Pet Wants Chantilly. With the food provided by Pet Wants Chantilly, the dogs in our care at the Adoption Center are receiving the best in nutrition - so they can focus on getting healthier and feeling better for their forever families. Last year Pet Wants Chantilly donated 3,400 pounds (a retail value of over $12,000!) as we fed over 500 of dogs.

You can also support the dogs the Adoption Center and beyond with Pet Wants Buy a Pound, Donate a Pound program. For every pound of food you purchase on behalf of Homeward Trails, Pet Wants Chantilly will match your donation. Shop bit.ly/4akf8B1 and select the number of pounds you wish to purchase/donate and Pet Wants Chantilly will coordinate delivery (and donations!)

A BIG THANK YOU to Pet Wants Chantilly for your support and donating nutritious food year round to feed our dogs!

Spaghetti Bingo & Auction Fundraiser Coming In March! Our very popular Spaghetti Bingo fundraiser is back! Join us March...
01/20/2025

Spaghetti Bingo & Auction Fundraiser Coming In March!

Our very popular Spaghetti Bingo fundraiser is back! Join us March 15 and March 22. We need lots of volunteers and donations to help make this event a success.

We especially need to start collecting silent auction items now, it takes a lot of great stuff to support two event dates and this is where we generate the most event revenue.

Donate Silent Auction Items
Do you have an item of gift card to donate? Do you have connections to a business who would like to donate goods or services? Are you willing to help solicit donations?
Please contact [email protected] with details.

Donate Bingo Prizes
Do you have fun items or small gift cards to donate for bingo prizes? Are you willing to buy a few prizes to donate? We will need prizes for adults and children.
Please contact [email protected] with details.

Donate Food and Supplies
Can you help cover the cost of food by donating spaghetti, pasta sauce, salad dressing, parmesan cheese, soda, water or grocery store, Costco, or party store gift cards? The more we can get donated the more money we can raise for the animals!
Please contact [email protected] with details.

BAKE DESSERTS
Calling all bakers! You can get involved by donating your delicious baked goods for our dessert table. Can you help us provide a nice variety of yummy desserts by baking cookies, brownies, cupcakes etc.?
Please contact [email protected] with details.

VOLUNTEER
Volunteer shifts are available both Saturdays and Friday, March 14. Lots of volunteers are needed for set up and during the events. Most volunteer opportunities are suitable for volunteers age 13+ with an adult. Check out the Sign Up Genius link for details and sign up for your spots!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F084EA8AE2DA5F49-54471526-spaghetti

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT DOGS NEEDING FOSTERS. PLEASE READHappy Monday everyone.Wanted to share a very important message ...
01/20/2025

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT DOGS NEEDING FOSTERS. PLEASE READ

Happy Monday everyone.

Wanted to share a very important message and need we have that will be landing in your inbox every MONDAY going forward.

As most of you know we have our Adoption Center in Fairfax Station and the Trails Home Farm in Delaplane. At both locations we have a number of dogs - and a good number of them have been at both locations too long in our opinion.

As we know that dogs do the best when they are in home environments, it has always been our goal to use the Center & Farm as a "first stop temporary" location for our rescued dogs. A safe place for them to chill, be present at adoption events...and then move on to adoptive or foster homes.

And so we are going to "reprioritize" the dogs who have been in these locations for longer than 2 weeks for foster homes. It's most fair to them that they get all the best resources our wonderful fosters have - and not be passed over by dogs coming directly from shelters.

We have created our weekly HT Priority Pack, which consists of our top 6 dogs who really really need foster homes right away. PLEASE consider one of them and please SHARE widely in all ways that you can via email/social media/friends/family/colleagues. Every dog from the Center & Farm opens up a slot for us to rescue another.

We could not do what we do without all of you wonderful people so please help us provide the very best we can to these dogs. While we know they are in great hands at both the Center & Farm, nothing replaces a home and a family - and some of these cuties have been waiting way too long and it makes us (and them) sad.

The HT Priority Pack

Please consider these PRIORITY dogs for foster. They are the most pressing dogs in need of a foster home as they have been at our Adoption Center or the Trails Home Farm the longest. While we strive to provide top-notch care to our dogs at these locations, nothing is better for a dog than a home environment.

Our ability to move these dogs to foster homes directly impacts our ability to rescue others – it’s all entirely related. We must first take care of those dogs already with us before rescuing more. So a dog moving to foster opens up a spot (or two) for a dog facing euthanasia at an overcrowded shelter.

Thus, you fostering saves two lives – the dog you foster and the one who will take his/her place.

PLEASE consider one of these dogs today.

Every Monday we will share with you our top 6 dogs needing foster homes.

Sadly, time is ticking for every dog in a shelter right now. Together, we can save lives.

1. ROSIE
44 lbs./5 years, 11 months old/Female
Good with Kids? Rosie would prefer a home without children
Good with Dogs? Rosie would prefer to be the only dog in her home so she can bask in all your love and attention
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Rosie came from one of our rural shelter partners. She has demonstrated that she has some special needs when it comes to handling and not having a bunch of doggy buddies. She is still a sweet munchkin who needs a home to call her own!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203407567

2. CLAIRE
40 lbs./2 years, 4 months old/Female
Good with Kids? She has done well with kids she has met at the Trails Home Farm.
Good with Dogs? Claire enjoys playing with other dogs. She is a vocal player and likes to wrestle and chase with her dog friends.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how she is with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Claire is just a pint-sized bundle of joy! We love her soulful eyes, her goofy ears, and her even bigger personality. Claire loves getting all the affection and enjoys just being with you. She’ll follow you around like a shadow everywhere! Claire is a favorite with volunteers and has had many adventures! She enjoys car rides, toys, long walks, and running in the fields with her doggy friends. She does well on a leash, but may pull when she gets excited.
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203407661

3. ROSA
47 lbs./1 years, 10 months old/Female
Good with Kids? We are not sure how they do with kids.
Good with Dogs? We are not sure how they do with other dogs yet; we will get more information shortly.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Rosa came from one of our rural shelter partners where she was surrendered with another dog. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210318513

4. HERMIONE
30 lbs./6 months old/Female
Good with Kids? We are not sure how they do with kids.
Good with Dogs? Hermione has tried to initiate play with dogs in group and accepted their corrections and ignored them appropriately.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Hermione came from one of our rural shelter partners. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210319314

5. DOMINO
43 lbs./3 years, 6 months old/Male
Good with Kids? We are not sure how they do with kids.
Good with Dogs? Domino sniffed a few dogs in the playgroup but didn't really play.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Domino came from one of our rural shelter partners where he was found as a stray. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210319312

6.SOPHIE
23 lbs./ 2years old/Female
Good with Kids? We don't know how Sophie is with children, though she can be nervous around loud noises and fast movements.
Good with Dogs? Sophie cautiously explores other dogs in her playgroup but has not engaged in much play.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Sophie came from one of our rural shelter partners. She is a good friend with a pup named Lila who Sophie looks to for support. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210284192

SWEET!!! PETITE BOSTON TERRIER MIXES NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!Mama Rosie and her consort were found by a kindly couple...
01/20/2025

SWEET!!! PETITE BOSTON TERRIER MIXES NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Mama Rosie and her consort were found by a kindly couple in December, shortly before Christmas with Rosie in a very delicate state of pregnancy. The couple realized she was ready to birth and offered the two dogs a safe haven for Rosie to deliver her pups while also reaching out to New River Animal Rescue, WV as they knew they weren't equipped to help Rosie nurse and raise her puppies. When we heard about Mama Rosie and her six-pack of adorable babes, we secured a wonderful foster. Now the pups are 5 weeks old and ready to meet the world!

Update!!! The puppy's daddy, Roscoe, will be joining the Homeward Trails family THIS WEEK and will be available to meet at the adoption center in Fairfax Station! He will not have a website bio until after he actually arrives on Wednesday.

Mama Rosie and her pups are now accepting applications! Once an application has been screened (generally a phone call with an adoption counselor), you can set up an appointment to meet these incredibly cute darlings! Puppies will be ready to join their adoptive families and fill their new homes with love in time for Valentine's Day (February 10)! Click on each picture for a link to their website bios and more information on how to apply to adopt.

WELCOME HOME, GIGI AND PUPS!!!Gigi was dropped off VERY pregnant to a very high kill shelter almost two weeks ago. Twin ...
01/19/2025

WELCOME HOME, GIGI AND PUPS!!!

Gigi was dropped off VERY pregnant to a very high kill shelter almost two weeks ago. Twin County Humane Society pulled her for us and got her to a safer place where she delivered 13 puppies, only 10 of which survived birth. Then she lost another couple of puppies and we rushed to get her into a local foster home yesterday. This sweet girl was overjoyed to be in a HOME with her family of now 8 babies (2 males; 6 females) and we can't thank her foster enough for speeding up the process!

Shelters are NO place for a mama to have to whelp her pups. Just being separated from her babies for the first leg of the journey to our area stressed her out, but now she's safe in a loving family and happily tending her brood. Gigi is reported to be an Aussie Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix and weighs in at 55 lbs.

Thank you to all who sponsored her care and helped to get her into a wonderful foster home! We look forward to watching this beautiful sweetheart and her young'uns blossom!

First Lifesaving Opportunity of the Year!Our Trails UP team is on the ground in Danville, Virginia. We are trapping cats...
01/19/2025

First Lifesaving Opportunity of the Year!
Our Trails UP team is on the ground in Danville, Virginia. We are trapping cats and helping caregivers of 65 cats by getting them lifesaving spay/neuter/vaccines/microchips that will make this winter tremendously easier for them. No kittens being born. No moms struggling to keep their families warm and safe.

Give here or below to help our efforts: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Danville-Jan2025

Meet Nicky who recently showed up to his caregiver's house with a large wound on his leg. They reached out to our Trails UP team and not only will he be neutered, but he'll get much needed (and probably lifesaving) treatment for the wound. Treatment he would not have otherwise received.

We will also be getting dogs and cats out of the shelter and bringing them back with us to place in foster homes.

We desperately need funding for vaccines, medications, spay/neuter, transport and supplies to help the animals in a community where the local humane society kills 83% of the animals it takes in. Our efforts in this community are needed more than ever.

https://www.mightycause.com/story/Danville-Jan2025

Become one of the Pup Pints at The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring! Every $2 donation will add a Homeward Trails paw print to...
01/17/2025

Become one of the Pup Pints at The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring! Every $2 donation will add a Homeward Trails paw print to the special Pup Pints board. Stop in at The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring, 2676 Avenir Pl unit F, Vienna this January and February to be one of the first Pup Pints of the year. All proceeds benefit Homeward Trails. Thank you The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring for your generous support!

We want to thank our friends at AFSCME Local 2910 for including us in their holiday party last month. Along with the fes...
01/16/2025

We want to thank our friends at AFSCME Local 2910 for including us in their holiday party last month. Along with the festivities and holiday cheer they collected donations for HT. The wordle of the day was stray - so we know it was meant to be! Thank you AFSCME Local 2910 for your support in raising funds and awareness for the animals of Homeward Trails.

INTRODUCING THE 'LITTERARY' PUPS! NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!Looking for a cuddle partner while you snuggle in with a go...
01/15/2025

INTRODUCING THE 'LITTERARY' PUPS! NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Looking for a cuddle partner while you snuggle in with a good book? Have a look at this precious litter and their poetically perfect mama, Poetry!

Poetry is a dream dog. Calm, friendly, playful, and soulful, she has raised up a beautiful litter of pups with the most fastidious care. Her pups look like they might be Anatolian Shepherd or Great Pyrenees mixes; we don't know Poetry's mix, but she has the soulful eyes of a livestock guardian dog and the easy scruffy coat of a terrier!

The 'Litterary' pups are all very well socialized to young children, whom they adore. They are happy, playful, adorable babes, likely to be in the 60lb range as adults. They are now 5 weeks of age and will be ready to join their adoptive homes in early February! Click on their pictures for a link to their website bios which include information on how to apply to adopt them!

Thrilled to see the first month of the year full of so many adoptions. Join us in celebrating the latest adoptions!DOGS:...
01/13/2025

Thrilled to see the first month of the year full of so many adoptions. Join us in celebrating the latest adoptions!

DOGS: Becky, Bruce, Camilo, Cinnamon Toast, Cleveland, Cupid, Daisy Mae, Dancer, Dasher, Dazzle, Donner, Helena, Hoover, Lucky Charm, Luka, Pixie, Pooh Bear, Prancer, Queen, Reid, Sadie, Slate, Styker

CATS: Bear, Bon Jovi, Casey, Chico, Cosmo, Darcy, Deirdre, Gary, Gato, Layla, Mona, Mrs. Beady, Nibbles, Parker, Phoebe, Queen Bee, Spice, Sugar Nugget, Tina Fey, Velvet, Wanda

Thank you so much to our wonderful adopters and volunteers. We hope you enjoy the new additions to your families! 😍

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT DOGS NEEDING FOSTERS. PLEASE READHappy Monday everyone.Wanted to share a very important message ...
01/13/2025

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT DOGS NEEDING FOSTERS. PLEASE READ

Happy Monday everyone.

Wanted to share a very important message and need we have that will be landing in your inbox every MONDAY going forward.

As most of you know we have our Adoption Center in Fairfax Station and the Trails Home Farm in Delaplane. At both locations we have a number of dogs - and a good number of them have been at both locations too long in our opinion.

As we know that dogs do the best when they are in home environments, it has always been our goal to use the Center & Farm as a "first stop temporary" location for our rescued dogs. A safe place for them to chill, be present at adoption events...and then move on to adoptive or foster homes.

And so we are going to "reprioritize" the dogs who have been in these locations for longer than 2 weeks for foster homes. It's most fair to them that they get all the best resources our wonderful fosters have - and not be passed over by dogs coming directly from shelters.

We have created our weekly HT Priority Pack, which consists of our top 6 dogs who really really need foster homes right away. PLEASE consider one of them and please SHARE widely in all ways that you can via email/social media/friends/family/colleagues. Every dog from the Center & Farm opens up a slot for us to rescue another.

We could not do what we do without all of you wonderful people so please help us provide the very best we can to these dogs. While we know they are in great hands at both the Center & Farm, nothing replaces a home and a family - and some of these cuties have been waiting way too long and it makes us (and them) sad.

The HT Priority Pack

Please consider these PRIORITY dogs for foster. They are the most pressing dogs in need of a foster home as they have been at our Adoption Center or the Trails Home Farm the longest. While we strive to provide top-notch care to our dogs at these locations, nothing is better for a dog than a home environment.

Our ability to move these dogs to foster homes directly impacts our ability to rescue others – it’s all entirely related. We must first take care of those dogs already with us before rescuing more. So a dog moving to foster opens up a spot (or two) for a dog facing euthanasia at an overcrowded shelter.

Thus, you fostering saves two lives – the dog you foster and the one who will take his/her place.

PLEASE consider one of these dogs today.

Every Monday we will share with you our top 6 dogs needing foster homes.

Sadly, time is ticking for every dog in a shelter right now. Together, we can save lives.

1. MARIO
50 lbs./5 years, 9 months old/Male
Good with Kids? Mario lived with young and older children in his previous home; Previous family said they thought he did better with kids than adults
Good with Dogs? Mario demonstrated some resource guarding tendencies with other dogs. He has been able to be in playgroups at the Adoption Center although he is still a bit fearful of other dogs.
Good with Cats? Mario was in a foster home with a cat and basically ignored the kitty.
Mario came back to Homeward Trails after being in a home for five years when his family lost their housing. He is still adjusting to his new circumstances and needs a patient hand to help him relax back into a normal routine.
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203382140

2. SNOOP DOG
55 lbs./4 years, 8 months old/Male
Good with Kids? Snoop Dog would do best in a home with children over 10.
Good with Dogs? Snoop Dog prefers to meet other dogs slowly on a walk before he's ready to engage in play. He likes to roughhouse when playing.
Good with Cats? We are not sure how Snoop would do with cats. If you let us know beforehand, we can try to find out.
Snoop is a large buddy who is looking for a forever home to call his own. Snoop needs a lot of time and attention in order to be his best self. He suffers from allergies and has a limited food diet. He is protective of his things and needs to be managed when it comes to sharing.
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203407533

3. ROXANNE
62 lbs./2 years old/Female
Good with Kids? Roxanne can be shy around new people, including children, though she has hung out and gotten to know pre-teens in foster care.
Good with Dogs? Roxanne loves most dogs she meets!
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Roxanne came from one of our rural shelter partners. She has a limp on her right front shoulder that we are currently investigating. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203372614

4. BETTY
40 lbs./5 years old/Female
Good with Kids? We are not sure how they do with kids.
Good with Dogs? Betty spent a night with another dog in a foster home, though she did want to control the toys and food.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Betty came from one of our rural shelter partners. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F210168186

5. KATY
55 lbs./2 years old/Female
Good with Kids? We're not sure how Katy is with children
Good with Dogs? From what we've seen so far, Katy prefers to coexist with other dogs rather than play with them
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information!
Katy was abandoned at one of our partner shelters for unknown reasons. We still have a lot to learn about them and will be happy to share more as soon as we have more information!
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F208846853

6. MAGNOLIA
40 lbs./6 years old/Female
Good with Kids? We would not recommend that Magnolia goes to live with children.
Good with Dogs? Magnolia can be particular about her canine friends, though she tends to do better with dogs who are smaller and match her playstyle. She needs her partners to know when she has had enough so she can play with confidence.
Good with Cats? We do not currently know how they are with cats. If that is needed, let us know and we'll work on getting that information! She showed interest in cats in windows and tried to 'pounce' them but we are unsure if that was play behavior or not.
In the garden of canine companionship, Magnolia is a blossoming beauty, getting along well with most dogs, although she prefers playmates who respect her boundaries and know when she's had enough. Just like a delicate flower, Magnolia thrives when she can play with confidence and grace.
Contact: [email protected]

https://www.homewardtrails.org/dog-adoption-2/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1731982735%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2F203372579

Address

11116 Fairfax Station Road
Fairfax Station, VA
22039

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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Our Mission: To find permanent adoptive homes in the Mid-Atlantic Region for homeless dogs and cats; to reduce the rate of euthanasia of adoptable animals; to support proactive spay/neuter practices; to promote positive and ongoing behavioral training; and to educate the public about how to care for their animals in a humane way.

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue (HT) is a DC area-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of homeless dogs and cats. Founded in 2001, HT works primarily with rural, under-resourced animal shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and as far away as Mississippi, where animals face euthanasia due to limited space and funds. We run the 10th largest shelter in the state of Virginia, for the number of animals we take in. We have rescued more than 28,000 animals since our inception.

Our animals come from the streets of Puerto Rico where they endure incredibly harsh circumstances, with scarce food and no water, and many suffer from injuries and illnesses that leave their chances of survival slim. The 2020 earthquakes have created even more need for our services. Our animals come from countries like Thailand, South Korea and China where the dog meat trade unleashes horrible abuse on dogs, and cats roam the streets. Our animals come to us from individuals who can no longer care for them.