These 20 Amazing Dogs Are Looking for Amazing Owners

“A dog is for life, not just for Christmas,” as the well-known saying goes.

Approximately 6.3 million dogs, cats and other animals are taken to shelters every year. Of these animals, approximately 4.1 million are adopted, according to estimates from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the majority of people who have acquired a pet during the pandemic have no plans to rehome their new pet in the future.

ASPCA’s president and CEO Matt Bershadker is urging Americans willing to take on the commitment, to adopt and foster animals.

“More than 23 million American households acquired a pet during the pandemic, reflecting the incredible love and support pets provide, especially during times of stress and insecurity.

“Whether adopting or fostering—or urging family and friends to do the same—people across the country stepped up to save lives, and we are grateful that so many people opened their hearts and homes to pets in need.”

Brandi Munden, vice president of communications and PR at the American Kennel Club, suggests asking some simple questions when considering dog ownership:

• Why is this dog in a shelter?
• What was the condition of the dog when he was brought to the shelter?
• Has this dog been adopted out before?
• What veterinary care has the dog received since arriving at the shelter and can you provide copies of those veterinary records?
• Is this dog housebroken?
• Does this dog get along well with children or other pets (specifically other dogs) and how does he act around strangers?
• Does this dog have suitable good manners that I could take away his food bowl while eating or remove his toy while playing?
• Can this dog walk calmly on a leash in public or does he need further training?
• Does this dog require any special medical care, ongoing treatment or dietary restrictions?
• Will the shelter take this dog back if it doesn’t work out with my family?

Read on to find some adorable dogs looking for a new home this Christmas.

1. Mona – Atlanta

A “very good girl,” according to the Best Friends Animal Society. Mona is a 3-year-old mixed breed who is full of love.

The charity adds: “She is very affectionate, and loves pets and belly rubs. After a day of play and her favorite game of chasing balls, she will curl up and sleep by your feet.

“Mona would do best in a home with adults only and being the only pet (so she can get all the belly rubs for herself!). She has been spayed, microchipped, dewormed, and is up-to-date on vaccines.

If you are interested in meeting Mona, you can submit an appointment request here.

2. Copper — Washington

Copper was rescued from a plastic bag on the roadside in the Middle East.

“The tips of his ears were cut off, but his will for life was strong,” Laura Simpson, founder of animal rescue center Harmony Fund, said.

This 10-month-old has a “love of ponds and puddles” and seeks “a gentle family to win his trust,” adds Simpson.

Interested in meeting Copper? Submit an appointment contact at [email protected]

3. ChiChi Luv & Lacey Luv — Atlanta

This pair are “total couch potatoes,” Jackie Spett, of Atlanta’s Angels Among Us pet rescue, lovingly describes them to Newsweek.

ChiChi is a chihuahua/terrier mix, while Lacey is an Affenpinscher mix. Both are aged 8.

This “bonded pair” should be adopted together, added Spett, who said their previous owner was ill and could no longer care for them.

If you are interested in meeting ChiChi and Lacey, submit an appointment request here.

4. Edgar — New York City

Ten-year-old Edgar has “a sweet personality,” state experts at the ASPCA.

“He zooms around the house when he gets excited and loves to cuddle with his person,” the organization said.

“Edgar would be perfect for a person who spends a lot of time at home and lives in a low-traffic area like the suburbs.”

If you are interested in meeting Edgar, you can submit an appointment request here.

5. Cinnamon and Roger — Texas

This lovable pair are “homeless in Houston,” the Harmony Fund notes.

The charity said: “A volunteer brings them food because the rescue centers are all full. Roger is about two years old and very affectionate. Cinnamon is about four years old and very fond of treats. They roam and sleep together.”

Interested in meeting Cinnamon and Roger? Request an appointment at [email protected]

6. Squirrely – Atlanta

Squirrely got her name on account of her barely moves and looks like, well, a squirrel’s.

This “sweet girl”, who also answers to Zoey, would be the perfect, relaxed companion for any laid back family, according to the Best Friends Animal Society.

The charity writes: “She absolutely loves her toys, she will bring them everywhere with her and even sleep with them; her toys act as her comfort blanket. She also has a funny tail that barely moves and looks like a squirrel. She always has a pep in her step, especially during walks. She enjoys the little things such as pets and being on the couch.

“When she gets really excited, she lifts her paws to get your attention but never jumps. She absolutely loves riding in the car with the windows down so she can pop her head out. Squirrely walks nicely on a harness & leash, is fully potty trained, and has excellent house manners.

“Squirrely knows what “sit” and “no” mean and is great with crate time. Squirrely is a very sweet and loving dog. She is very shy and cautious of people, dogs, and anything that makes loud noise so may not be best in a home with small children. She can also be scared of going through doors/entering new places.

Squirrely has been spayed, microchipped, and is up to date on vaccines. Her adoption fees have been covered and is free to a loving home.

Interested in meeting Squirrely? Fill out a meet and greet request here.

7. Ella — New York City

Ella is thought to be nine years old and is described by ASPCA as “a wonderful dog who is well-behaved and very sweet.”

The charity adds: “While Ella is mostly a low-energy, mellow gal, she also loves going for walks and is incredibly well-mannered on leash.

If you are interested in meeting Ella, you can submit an appointment request here.

8. Ody – New York City

Ody is a 5-year-old male dog weighing just under 50 lbs, described by the Best Friends Animal Society as “incredibly energetic.”

The charity adds: “He loves playing, walks, and the outdoors. He’s also incredibly loving – Ody is a great cuddler. He is good with kids and good with some dogs. He has been taught ‘sit’ ‘drop it’, and ‘roll over’. 
”

His foster notes: “Ody is so very loving. Loves cuddles. Very playful. Always ready to play. Listens so very well and loves being outdoors. Ody knows so much! I was so shocked how much he knows and listens too.

“Ody knows to sit. Stay. Come. Give paw. roll over. And go to bed we are working more on the basics but he’s doing very well with commands.”

If you are interested in meeting him, you can submit an appointment request here.

9. Hammond — Asheville, North Carolina

Hammond was found living with 90 other Beagles.

“He spent some time at the ASPCA BRC and is now looking for a loving adopter,” the animal charity notes.

“Hammond is mostly blind but that doesn’t stop him from being a playful, happy guy.”

If you are interested in meeting Hammond, submit an appointment request here.

10. Princess — New York City

The ASPCA describes Princess as “extremely calm, friendly, gentle and easy-going.”

The charity adds: “She loves to sleep and is a total couch potato. Give her a tough toy to chew on and she is content to chew on it until she falls asleep.

If you are interested in meeting her royal highness, submit a request here.

11. Hoovers — Atlanta

This adorable Beagle mix was abandoned at a shelter aged 14 years old, Angels Among Us pet rescue states.

Said to “prefer small, quiet dogs, like herself,” she is diabetic, a condition which is controlled with twice daily Insulin injections.

If you are interested in meeting Hoovers, you can submit an appointment request HERE

12. Molly – Salt Lake City

“A sweet, 11-year-old senior Cocker Spaniel who is a certified cuddlebug,” is how the Best Friends Animal Society describes Molly.

The charity adds: “She loves humans and was in a foster home with dogs and cats and did well with them. She loves cuddling so much that she needs some help with water/potty breaks.

“She is a great walking companion and is kennel trained (but would love to sleep on your bed, too). She can’t wait to find her forever family.”

Interested in meeting Molly? Submit your request at [email protected]

13. Kong — Asheville, North Carolina

The ASPCA describes Kong as “a sweet boy” who loves playing with other dogs.

The charity adds: “He was one of several dogs found living outside of a coal mine. Kong would love to go to an adopter that likes to walk and hike.”

If you are interested in meeting Kong, you can submit an appointment request here.

14. Russtee — Atlanta

Angels Among Us pet rescue believes this dog up for adoption is a 3-year-old, male Golden Retriever mix.

The charity suggests Rustee “needs to be in a family with only adults and no other dogs”, adding: “He is great on a leash, kennel trained [and] housebroken.”

If you are interested in meeting Russtee, you can submit an appointment request here.

15. Smiley — Asheville, North Carolina

Smiley was living in overcrowded conditions with 40 other dogs when he was rescued.

ASPC added: “He is a gentle boy in search of a quiet home with patient people who can help him figure out the world around him.”

If you are interested in meeting Smiley, you can submit an appointment request here.

16. Goldie – Northwest Arkansas

Best Friends Animal Society describes Goldie as “the sweetest Weimaraner mix who cannot wait to brighten up your life with excitement and love.”

The charity added: “Goldie does great with adults and is comfortable around other dogs after a proper introduction that’s not in a confined space or on-leash.

“She seems fascinated by her foster mom’s cat after a gradual introduction and has had positive interactions with her since, but she may come off a bit strong with a cat who’s not used to a playful dog.

“Goldie would be a fabulous trail-exploring partner, running buddy, or bike aficionado’s best friend. She loves to see new things and has the energy to do so, her foster says that she is just the biggest ball of fun!

“She knows “sit”, is working on “give paw” for and will play fetch with durable toys until she’s spent. She’s crate trained and is content sleeping in a crate, but she prefers snuggling in bed with her foster momma!

“Goldie tested positive for heartworms and is starting treatment in a foster home. We’d be happy to discuss in detail her treatment plan, which is covered by the adoption fee.”

If you are interested in meeting Goldie, you can submit an appointment request here.

17. Joanne Darling — Atlanta

This 1-year-old female black Labrador, weighing 65 lbs is described as “friendly with lots of energy.”

Angels Among Us suggests prospective owners will require “a home with a fenced yard.”

If you are interested in meeting Joanne Darling, submit an appointment request here.

18. Hamilton – Utah

The Best Friends Animal Society describes Hamilton’s name as fitting him “perfectly”, because “he is just that, a ‘ham'”.

The charity adds: He’s a two-year-old Labrador mix who is the total package, smart, friendly, good looking and up for anything!

“He gets along great with other dogs, and does his best to get them to play and wrestle. Hamilton is also good at taking a break when play gets tiring and closes his eyes for a snooze.

“He is up for any adventure or couch time (preferably both). He would be a wonderful addition to any dog and human life. “

If you are interested in meeting Hamilton, you can submit an appointment request here.

19. Navee – Utah

An 11-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix “who sits quietly at her run door gazing at you as she hopes to be the next one to go for a walk.”

Best Friends Animal Society adds: “Her sweet face and soft eyes invite you in to be her friend. What we know so far about this older gal is that she enjoys her walks and car rides and when you enter her run she likes to remain close to you.

“At times so much so that she “hugs” your leg to keep you from leaving. She enjoys lounging outside in the sun and laying on soft beds.

“Navee is a beautiful little older gal who will bring someone snuggles and a smile for all seasons. Might you be her sunshine to light up her life?”

If you are interested in meeting Navee, submit an appointment request here.

20. Hambone – Los Angeles

“Handsome” Hambone has “so much love to give, especially in the form of big kisses!,” says the Best Friends Animal Society.

The charity added: “He adores being with people, but will also sleep like an angel in his bed at night. He is fully potty trained and is brilliant at ‘sit’, ‘paw’, ‘wait’ and ‘leave it’.

Hambone is a gentlemen and respectful of your home and house rules. He even enjoys a bath in the back yard! 
 
Hambone is also a fitness maven who loves to leap, jump, and run. If you like to be active in your backyard, Hambone is right there with you.

“He’s flexible though and will be a couch potato if that’s what you need. Hambone loves people and enjoys snuggling and belly rubs. He’s great with older kids, but is still working on his manners with other dogs and would prefer to be your one and only pet.”

If you are interested in meeting Hambone, submit an appointment request here.