Project Pooch

11/02/2024

Give!Guide launched today! And it’s a BIG Give Day. Give $10 or more today and be entered to win Billie Eilish tickets for her show at the Moda Center on December 8. Link: tinyurl.com/poochgg24

10/25/2024

We love getting updates from our adopters on their POOCH pups! Rosie and Simba are all prepared for the change in season with their snazzy new winter gear. They enjoyed a nice walk this morning and an after walk snuggle with mom. This duo are getting to bring joy to so many people as they like to visit folks in assisted living with their mom. It’s so helpful for the youth to see the dogs they trained and cared for living amazing lives in the outside world. Not only did it make them happy for the dogs, but it gives them hope for their own futures.

10/24/2024

Guess who went to their forever home this week? Lily & Olive! These two sweet girls initially went to Clackamas County Dog Services when their owner died, before coming to POOCH in late May. When Olive first arrived, her whole chest and belly were bare. The theory was that she had food allergies, and with a switch in food, she slowly regrew the hair on her belly. The youth enjoyed working with Lily & Olive, and spent time working on leash handling, basic cues, and some reactivity to certain triggers. Olive loved having playdates with Klondike and Vivianne, while her sister Lily preferred to watch the action from afar. Their new family is already smitten with them and they are getting lots of love and snuggles. Happy trails, Lily & Olive!

10/18/2024

Lily and Olive are getting into the Halloween spirit! These two sweet girls have been with us since early June. It’s hard to believe they haven’t found their forever family yet!

10/16/2024

Rosie & Simba have found their forever home! Rosie & Simba joined us at POOCH in May, and their journey to their forever home took longer than expected. Bonded pairs are always a more challenging adoption as most folks aren't looking to add two dogs to their home at once. And with a large age difference (7 years), and Simba's advanced age (14 years), it was hard to find the right person to take them on. We are fortunate that Maria saw their post and almost immediately fell in love with our dynamic duo. Rosie & Simba are settling in well to their new home. They are adored by their new mom and getting all the love and care they deserve! Happy trails sweet kiddos—we loved having you with us!

10/10/2024

It’s career fair day at MacLaren! This is a great opportunity for the youth to learn about different career paths. We are all setup to share info about our program and the variety of different animal-related careers. Oregon Youth Authority

10/07/2024

Did someone say we are on NPR? Why yes, Lily, they did! We are thrilled that the wonderful story that OPB did on Project POOCH got picked up by NPR and is going national! That means more folks will learn about the important, life-changing work we do at POOCH.

Recently, one of our youth had this to say about his time at Project POOCH, “Through my time here I’ve shed blood, sweat, and tears, literally, and I wouldn’t take any of it back. Project POOCH has provided the most beautiful times in my life and taught me so much. I’d do it again. The team here at POOCH is the best team I’ve been able to be a part of and experience. It’s completely changed my perspective on how to treat dogs and animals in general. It’s been an amazing opportunity to grown, learn, and hang with dogs and cats. And be a change not just for people, like me, but animals, too.”

Thanks to all of you for making life-changing opportunities possible. If you would like to support our work, you can donate today at pooch.org/donate

09/21/2024

Stop by Wallace Park in NW Portland today before 7pm to say hello! There’s food carts, a band, and a dog parade at 5pm. You can also pick up some Project POOCH merch!

09/13/2024

Did you catch Project POOCH on OPB yesterday? In case you missed it, you can listen to and read the story online. We are thrilled that OPB visited our kennel to talk to the youth, meet the dogs, and get a feel for the impact of the program in the lives of the youth and the dogs.

From one of our youth “He’s come a really long way,” Chris said. “And it’s amazing. Knowing that you … take a part in a really big change for him, or for any animal, makes you feel nice.”

Oregon Youth Authority

The youth development program, housed at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, teaches its participants specific skills and broader life lessons, all while finding homes for dogs in need.

09/11/2024

ADOPTED!!! It took Bo only a few weeks to find his forever home. We are so thankful that this sweet boy has found his new mom. Bo's backstory is that he was originally at POOCH back in 2012 and was adopted and much loved for 12 years. His original momma got sick and wasn't able to care for him anymore. Her wish was that we would take him back and find his new home. And of course, we obliged. We think he looks like he settling in well to his now home. What do you think?

09/06/2024

Show your Project POOCH pride with one of our POOCH t-shirts, hoodies, or hats! We've heard from many of you that you wanted to get your hands on our new green POOCH merch, so now you can! We also have a very limited number of "Proud POOCH parent" shirts. Place your order today!

Store apparel | All apparel Project POOCH Green Short-Sleeve T-Shirt $30.00 Add To Cart Project POOCH Green Hoody $55.00 Add Item to Cart Project POOCH Ball Cap $30.00 Add To Cart Project POOCH Long-Sleeve Shirt $35.00 Add To Cart Grey, short-sleeve - Proud Project POCH Parent (Copy) Sale Price:$15....

08/29/2024

Come out to THIS SATURDAY from 11-1 to meet this charming guy! Klondike is such to steal your heart!

08/24/2024

C’mon out and see us at Stickmen Brewing Company, Tualatin Beer Hall! We are here until 4pm washing pups, offering a great raffle, and selling pooch merch! It all supports a great cause!!

08/23/2024

Tomorrow is the day—Dog Wash Extravaganza! We've got 5 GREAT reasons for you to attend tomorow.

1. Get your pup squeaky clean
2. Enter to win AWESOME Raffle Prizes
3. Get your hands on some sweet POOCH merchandise
4. Enjoy tasty food and beverages
5. Support Project POOCH!

Details: Saturday, August 24 from NOON–4 p.m. at Stickmen Brewing Co., Tualatin. (19475 SW 118th Ave #1, Tualatin, OR 97062).

Click through the images to see all our great raffle prizes!

We look forward to seeing you there.

08/17/2024

Let's talk about the importance of tags and good Samaritans. This morning, I received a phone call from an individual who had found this sweet pup wandering near US 26 and US 47. The pup had his POOCH tag (an old one, but it still had a viable number on it). The good Samaritan read his microchip number to me from his Home Again tag, and I found his owner's phone number to get everyone reconnected. Come to find out, the owner is out of town, so his dog is being cared for by a family member.

It's not uncommon for a dog in a new environment to take themselves on an unplanned adventure. In those types of situations, dog tags can save the day! Make sure to keep your dog's tags up to date as well as your dog's microchip information current.

A huge thank you to the individuals who took time out of their day to rescue this pup from traffic and ensure his safe return home!

08/15/2024

Is your pup in need of a good scrub? How about a good brushing? Are you in need of some tasty food and drinks? What about some fantastic raffle prizes? Well, you MUST come to our Annual Dog Wash next Saturday, August 24, at Stickmen Brewing Company, Tualatin Beer Hall!

An example of just a couple of the raffle prizes that will be up for grabs—a $500 gift certificate for handyman services at DC Junk Removal, a $100 gift card for food/drink at Stickmen, a $100 gift card for Washman Car Wash & Auto Spa—and much more!

No dog is required to attend! You can come out, enjoy the day, and get some snuggles from one of the dog attendees! Simba (pictured) may even put in an appearance, and he LOVES snuggles!)

Get more details: https://www.pooch.org/events/2024dogwash

08/07/2024

Meet Bo. This sweet 12-year-old black lab was adopted from POOCH 11 years ago (2013). He came to POOCH as a stray from Multnomah County Animal Services. He spent a few months at POOCH and then was adopted into what we hoped was his forever home. He had 11 wonderful years with his mom. He was deeply loved. Unfortunately, his mom got sick and can’t care for him anymore. And that’s where we come in. We welcomed him back this morning with open arms and will give him all the love, care, and snuggles we can until we find the home where he can live out his golden years.

We are just getting to know Bo, but it’s been reported that he loves to chill on the couch with his mom. He likes to carry around his stuffed bunny. He enjoys people and walks.

If you think Bo might be a good fit for you, or you know someone who wants to bring a senior pup into their life, please fill out an application for Bo today! pooch.org/adoption-application

08/07/2024

Meet Bo. This sweet 12-year-old black lab was adopted from POOCH 11 years ago (2013). He came to POOCH as a stray from Multnomah County Animal Services. He spent a few months at POOCH and then was adopted into what we hoped was his forever home. He had 11 wonderful years with his mom. He was deeply loved. Unfortunately, his mom got sick and can't care for him anymore. And that's where we come in. We welcomed him back this morning with open arms and will give him all the love, care, and snuggles we can until we find the home where he can live out his golden years.

We are just getting to know Bo, but it's been reported that he loves to chill on the couch with his mom. He likes to carry around his stuffed bunny. He enjoys people and walks.

If you think Bo might be a good fit for you, or you know someone who wants to bring a senior pup into their life, please fill out an application for Bo today! pooch.org/adoption-application

See Bo's original flyer in the comments.

08/05/2024

07/28/2024

It's almost time for our Annual Dog Wash Extravaganza! This event is on August 24 from NOON–4 p.m. at Stickmen Brewing Company, Tualatin Beer Hall! It's a great time to get your pup all spruced up, enjoy some tasty food, and support Project POOCH! Check out all the details on our event page—you can even submit an RSVP, and we will send you an email reminder on August 20 so you don't forget! https://www.pooch.org/events/2024dogwash

07/28/2024

Simba is wishing you a happy Saturday!

07/26/2024

Meet Vivienne! Or Vivi as we like to call her. Vivi is a 1-year-old heeler who is in search of someone who likes to adventure but also likes a good snuggle session. She loves to play with toys and REALLY enjoys water! Vivi can be wary of meeting new people and pups, so a meet and greet with any resident dogs is required. We think that Vivi might really blossom in a home with a confident dog to help show her the ropes. Learn more about Vivi at

Hi, I’m VIVIENNE! I’m a 1-year old heeler who is in search of someone who likes to adventure, but also likes a good snuggle session. I love to play with toys and I REALLY enjoy water! I can be wary meeting new people and pups, so a meet and greet with any resident dogs is required. More about VI...

07/19/2024

Meet Olive & Lily! A bonded pair of "sisters" who are on the search for their furever family. Lily is a sweet little girl. She is timid and can take time to warm up to new people. She loves nothing more than to relax and watch the world go by. Lily enjoys taking her walks and is more mellow about exploring than her sister, Olive. Although Lily is pretty laid back, we have seen her let loose her zoomies with her sister. Our Olive is a shy girl. She takes her time to adjust to new things. Through her time at POOCH she has shown her strong possibility as a great partner to someone who is patient and loving. She plays with her sister everyday and has shown good social skills in play with other dogs.

Get to know more about these two at pooch.org/olivelily