Worthy Dog Rescue

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Vienna, VA
Worthy Dog Rescue

WDR is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping outdoor dogs in distress Established in 2017

12/18/2025

ADOPTION SUCCESS! 🐾❤️

Bo was an outdoor dog who came into our care after his elderly owner, who suffered from dementia, passed away. As his owner’s health declined, so did Bo’s care. For more than three years, he went without routine veterinary care and arrived unneutered, heartworm positive, and suffering from painful, chronic ear infections.

Having lived outdoors, Bo never knew the comforts of a home or the love of a family. Thanks to a series of dedicated fosters, Bo learned to trust, gained confidence, and made the transition to indoor life. Though anxious at first, his gentle, affectionate nature quickly shone through, and he soon discovered the joys of soft beds, kitchen treats, and squeaky toys (his favorite!).

Dogs like Bo often need a little extra TLC, so we were looking for a proactive care-giving family with the ability to handle a 95-lb dog, a flexible schedule, and ideally a dog buddy. When Jessica and Chris applied, we were thrilled. She’s a nurse, he’s in the Army, they love BIG dogs, and wanted a laid-back, affectionate companion who would fit in with their senior dog and 4-year-old son. Bo had already proven himself to be a gentle giant who’s great with kids.

Bo has been home for almost two weeks and Jessica shared this update:

*“Bo is such a love bug. He came in and jumped right up on the couch and threw me a paw, exactly what we were hoping for. We love that he’s such a Velcro dog, always following us around and quick to hop into our laps for attention. He’s a little nervous but curious about the floors and stairs, loves stealing socks and toys, and is very food-motivated. He’s done great with Aidan, who keeps calling him his big brown dragon (he’s really into dinosaurs/dragons right now).. Bo has tried to eat the Christmas garland and loves all kitchen related activiities. We’ll take such good care of him!”

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We’re so happy to share that Bo will be spending his very first Christmas at home, surrounded by the love of his family. ❤️🎄

12/17/2025

Prior adopters Laci and Zach were recent winners of our Portraits for Pups raffle and chose artist, Jon Clingenpeel (j@jonathanryanart), to create a portrait of their beloved Dexter, who passed away earlier this year. .💔

While we were heartbroken to hear of Dexter’s passing, we were also deeply moved by the life Laci and Zach gave him.

Dexter was one of our true mission dogs. He had spent his entire life chained outdoors, isolated and neglected. When our team first met him, he was shivering from the cold, chewing on a stick, likely out of boredom and hunger. His body told the story of years of neglect: advanced heartworm disease, severely atrophied leg muscles from being confined to a small space, extreme malnourishment, parasites, painful ear infections, and inflamed skin. It was clear he didn’t feel well, yet he soaked up every ounce of kindness and attention we offered.

We took Dexter into our care that day and spent the next 4.5 months focusing on his rehabilitation, getting him healthy, comfortable, and accustomed to life at home.

Dogs like Dexter are not easy to place. He was a senior, and his body reflected the hard life he had endured. It takes special adopters, like Laci and Zach, who see beyond the scars and want to give a dog like Dex the life they always deserved.

They treated Dexter like a prince, and he truly flourished in their home. When Dexter first came into rescue, he didn’t even have the strength to jump onto the couch. Months later, he was running and playing at doggy daycare. He had more toys than he knew what to do with, enjoyed a real-food diet, and even began water therapy to help rebuild his leg strength. He had two adoring parents and a bestie named Cher, a fellow rescue Pittie who taught him how to be a dog.

Dexter’s story is exactly why we do this work, and why families like Laci and Zach mean so much to us.

We are so thankful to Jon for generously donating his time and talent to honor Dexter. The portrait is beautiful, and we truly love it.

12/15/2025

Meet Jack 🐾

Jack’s world changed suddenly when his mom passed away after surgery. Thankfully, he’s now safe in foster care and ready for a new beginning.

Jack is a 63-lb cuddle bug who loves being close to his people—on the couch, in bed, or under the covers. He’s great with kids, cat-friendly, and gets along well with other dogs. He has a moderate energy level, enjoys playtime, and would love a canine buddy.

He’s house-trained, crate-trained, rides great in the car, and is a confident, social boy. Jack is strong and working on leash skills, so he’ll do best with a capable handler who can give him daily walks and structure.

If you’re looking for a loyal, affectionate companion who wants to be by your side, Jack might be your guy. ❤️ Apply today!

adopt.worthydog.org

Breed: American Pitt bull Terrier Mix
Age: 3 years
Weight: 63 lbs
Other: Good with kids, cats, and dogs
Location: Ft. Mill, SC - Coming to DC metro in Jan 2026

12/14/2025

ADOPTION SUCCESS!!! 🐾❤️

This sweet little Yorkie, Hugo, was rescued from animal control after being surrendered in rough shape as a “stray.” He was severely matted and had to be fully shaved down. It was clear he came from a neglectful home where he didn’t get the socialization or love he needed, but those days are long behind him now.

Hugo spent months in foster care, learning to trust humans and build confidence. He was nippy at first and cautious with the other dogs in his foster home. Thanks to the dedication of his foster parents in both South Carolina and Northern Virginia, he made tremendous progress and started to trust again.

Even with that progress, we anticipated some challenges when he moved to a new home, and we wanted seasoned adopters willing to work with him. Many adopters were deterred by the potential nipping or marking issues, but not Jo and her family.

Jo and her family had grown up with dogs but hadn’t had one in adulthood. She sent us a thoughtful message, and after a follow-up video call to discuss Hugo’s quirks and tips for success, they were all in. They really wanted him and we really like their energy for him. We are happy to share that he’s doing well and living his best life with them.

Hugo has been with Jo and her family for almost three weeks now, and here’s what she shared:

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“We just wanted to share how much we’re enjoying Hugo. He’s eating well, going potty regularly, and really trying to take good care of our home. He did great at the vet and has already had his first bath (brushing is still a work in progress 😉).

He is incredibly loving and absolutely loves car rides. He’s also hilarious; he loves car rides and knows exactly when we’re getting ready to go somewhere and tries everything he can to come along. He’s played with all his toys, walks great with us, and does his very best pooping at the dog park.

Hugo has proven himself so much that we’re starting to give him free rein of the house. He’s great with our guests and has clearly bonded with us. We love him very much, and it’s clear he loves us too. Charisa and I are his favorites. He’s been a little nippy with Brad, but took correction very well.

Thank you for believing in us and for giving Hugo the chance to be part of our family. 🐾❤️”

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Hugo’s journey from a stray, fearful dog to a loved family member is exactly why we do what we do.

Congratulations and thank you, Jo and family, for working with this sweet boy and giving him the forever home he deserves!

12/11/2025

PUPDATE! 🐾❤️

Carter arrived last weekend and has settled in quickly to his local foster home. He’s loving life as an only dog and quickly bonded with his foster parents, Neha & Salil.

Carter is a confident, cuddly, affectionate boy and a total people-lover. He wants to be right by your side and happily snuggles in bed at night. He’s friendly with everyone he meets! He’s been around a 6-year-old and did great, just a little jumpy with excitement, so we think he’s best with kids 7+.

Carter is crated when left alone. He’s not a huge crate fan, but he does better crated than loose when he’s in a new environment. A flexible schedule would be a huge plus as he transitions into a new home.

If you’re looking for a best friend who follows you everywhere - to the couch, dinner table, bed, or even the bathroom, Carter is your guy.

He enjoys his daily walks (pulls a bit but overall good!), rides nicely in the car, loves toys, and will happily entertain himself. He’s eager to please and already knows “sit” and is working on “come.”

Neha shares: “He’s a total sweetheart with all people, rarely barks, and is an expert snuggler. He also sleeps with his legs up in the air.” 😅

Apply today - adopt.worthydog.org

Breed: Miniature Poodle
Age: 3–4 years
Weight: ~17 lbs
Coat: Fluffy, requires regular grooming
Location: Bethesda, MD

12/10/2025

📣TRANSPORT HELP NEEDED📣

Hey Everyone,

We are still looking for folks traveling from the Charlotte, NC metro area to Northern VA this weekend or the following week.

This adorable little guy, Sully, missed his transport and has an excited family waiting for him. He’s only 11 lbs, so he won’t take up much space!

PLEASE SHARE, and if you can help us get him home, please send us a message.

Thank you!

12/09/2025

THANK YOU!❤️🙌

We want to take a minute to thank you for your incredible support of both our fundraiser and last weekend’s Photos with Santa event.

Thanks to your generosity, we unlocked the full $5K match for Giving Tuesday and exceeded our goal, raising $11,295! Today is the final day of the fundraiser - if you feel inspired - and we’ll be drawing the winner of the paw-print necklace tomorrow!

Our Photos with Santa event also had its best turnout yet. We raised over $2,000 and loved seeing familiar faces and meeting so many wonderful new people. It was a great day, and as expected, Caitlin did an amazing job with the photos.

A special thank you to our amazing Santa, Jackson, who not only looks the part but has a gift for making both kids and dogs feel comfortable.

If you came out for pictures, they’re ready for download. You can use the QR code on the card you received at the event, or reach out to us directly, and we’ll send you the link.

Thank you all so much for your support. Including a few of our favorites for you to enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

12/07/2025

It's showtime! Join us today 11am to 3pm at the Solace Outpost in in Falls Church for our 3rd Annual Photos with Santa event!

It's going to be sunny and 40's which is good for Dec!

Bring your pups, kids, bestie, partner…Everyone is welcome! Come get adorable holiday photos with Santa!

Make a donation to support the rescue, and in return, you’ll receive professional holiday photos of your pack while helping us save more dogs in need. Win-win.

FREE, EASY PUBLIC PARKING NEXT TO SOLACE OUTPOST!

Solace Brewing Company

12/06/2025

📣TRANSPORT HELP NEEDED📣

Is anyone traveling from the Charlotte, NC metro area to Northern VA next weekend or the following week?

This adorable little guy, Sully, missed his transport today and has an excited family waiting for him. He’s only 11 lbs, so he won’t take up much space!

PLEASE SHARE, and if you can help us get him home, please send us a message.

Thank you!

12/05/2025

Calling all Terrier Lovers! 🐕❤️

Meet Stewart (Stewie!), a scruffy little stray who’s now safe and showing everyone just how bright, funny, and affectionate he is. He’s 1–2 years old, about 17 lbs, and looks like a wire-coat Jack Russell Terrier mix. His scruffy coat and signature poodle-hawk tuft make him impossible not to love.

Stewie is being fostered with two moms and five dogs, and has integrated well with his new pack. He loves playing with other pups and would be best paired with a young, playful dog in his new home. He can be shy at first, but warms up quickly and becomes a sweet, goofy little velcro dog who follows his people everywhere.

He’s crate trained, almost fully potty trained (needs consistency!), and sleeps quietly in his crate at night. He’s even started to run in on his own at bedtime, knowing he will get a delicious treat. Good boy, Stewie!

Stewie has solid leash skills and walks by your side. He may get a little nervous with passing people or heavy traffic, but he never panics and is already gaining confidence, and does better walking with a dog friend.

Stewie is equal parts silly, snuggly, and smart. After playing or zoomies, he’s happy to curl up on the couch or entertain himself with a toy.

This adorable little guy arrives tomorrow and will be fostered in Herndon, VA. He’s ready for a family who will enjoy his spark and appreciate his snuggly personality.

Apply today! adopt.worthydog.org

Breed: Wire Hair Terrier (maybe some Poodle in the mix)
Age: 1 - 2 years old
Weight: 17lbs
Other: Active, fun, best with dogs who like to play
Location: Herndon, VA

Address

Vienna, VA

Website

https://worthydog.org/

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Every dog is a worthy dog.

Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping dogs in distress, especially those living on chains, in pens, or in neglectful and abusive situations. Our mission is to provide a better life for these dogs through rescue and rehabilitation, outreach and education in the communities we serve, and addressing the root causes of animal overpopulation. We take a comprehensive approach to improving animal welfare because every dog we can keep in its home, make healthy, or prevent from having puppies is another dog saved.