11/20/2025
Looking for a permanent foster or foster to adopt home for Harlow ๐
Harlow was sprung from the impound yesterday because in her condition, it was only a matter of time before she got very sick. For now she is safe in a temporary foster home, but this girl needs people who can be hers for real.
Harlow survived nine days alone in an empty house.
Her family moved out and left her behind.
No food.
No water.
No way out.
By the time help arrived, Harlow was a ghost of a puppy. Her ribs were sharp under her skin, her fur was stained from lying in her own urine and f***s, and her toes are splayed from being confined for so long with nowhere to go. She was starving, dehydrated, and absolutely terrified.
And the moment someone reached for her, she wagged her tail. ๐ฅบ
Harlow is only about five to six months old and weighs around eighteen pounds, which is nearly half of what a healthy pup her age should weigh. She cannot just be given a big meal. She needs careful, slow refeeding so her organs are not overwhelmed. She also needs ongoing medical monitoring, multiple small meals each day, bloodwork, vaccines, and eventually a spay surgery once her little body is stable.
The hardest part is not just what this did to her body. This kind of neglect teaches animals that love is uncertain and people do not stay.
Somehow, Harlow still believes in people.
In her temp foster home, she follows her person from room to room, worried about being left again. She cries when someone walks away, tucks herself into laps every chance she gets, and curls up as close as possible just wanting to feel safe. She is gentle, affectionate, curious, and already learning that
โข food comes on a schedule
โข toys are safe and fun
โข affection does not disappear when she falls asleep
What Harlow needs now is a permanent foster, or a foster to adopt home, that can give her:
โข consistency and patience
โข multiple small meals and guidance from our vet team
โข reassurance when she is worried you might not come back
โข a soft place to land where she will never be left behind again
Ruff Start Rescue covers her vetting and works closely with fosters to support medical and behavioral needs. You provide the love, stability, and day to day care. We provide the rescue village behind you.
If you feel a tug reading Harlowโs story and think you could be her person, please reach out to apply to foster or foster to adopt through Ruff Start Rescue and mention Harlow on your application.
She has already fought so hard to survive. Now she just needs someone willing to show her that this time, she is home for good. ๐๐พ
๐ If youโd like to foster Harlow, please sign up here:
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/
Ruff Start provides all food, supplies, veterinary care, and unlimited support.
