Each month, I host a Foster Photo Day as a free resource to help local fosters and rescues have access to professional imagery to help their pups be seen (and hopefully) adopted.

The goal is to give harder to adopt pups, such as the ones listed below, an edge in standing out among the millions of animals available for adoption.

These dogs are usually, but not always:

Older (usually 5 years of age or older)
Might have medical needs
Potentially have some kind of behavioral issues, like reactivity or needing to be the only pet
Are a restricted breed, like bully breeds
Are black in color (Black dogs are much less likely to get adopted in the shelter in a very common phenomenon called Black Dog Syndrome)
Or have just been overlooked for one reason or another
Have been in foster for a significant period of time; typically months, if not, years

Since the inception of this program back in October of 2021, we’ve photographed well over 200+ pups in foster across the Triangle through multiple rescues.

If you’d like to learn more about Foster Photo Day or register your own foster, you can do so here.

If you want to learn more about our Mission to help reduce animal overpopulation and homelessness in our state, read more about that here.

You can also support our Rescue Photography with a monetary contribution or pick up something for the pups off of our Rescue Photography Wishlist!

Without further ado, here are the adorable pups I had the pleasure to meet and photograph as part of our August Foster Photo Day! Feel free to share their profile or this post with anyone you know that might be looking to adopt.

TORCH - WAKEGOV PETS

Torch came to us during the Olympics and has brought his A game to every event! He could easily win the gold medal for most affectionate, cutest jowls, high jump, or shadow. He wants to be wherever you are and always a part of the action. Torch would rather you keep the medals and give him a toy instead. He is probably the most toy motivated dog we have ever met. He loves bones, ropes, balls, squeakers, stuffed animals, kongs, you name it! Life is better with a toy in your mouth!

He is potty and crate trained, and well mannered in the house. He is skinny, but a great eater, and very treat motivated. He loves dogs, and would certainly prefer to go to a home with another dog to play with.

He would love an energetic person or family to play with and soak up all the attention. He is however, slow to warm up and has stranger danger. He is not reactive on leash passing new people, but takes a minute to let new people pet him. Once he knows you, he will not want to get out of your lap, but he will need a family who understands this and is willing to be patient. He has been the easiest foster we have ever had to acclimate to our home, so we know he will settle in quickly with his new person or family, as well. He is such a love and will be the most loyal companion. If you think you have the right home for our little Olympian, reach out to his foster mom at hickeym08@gmail.com.

MEET TORCH

AGNES - CHARLEY’S K9 RESCUE

Agnes has been patiently waiting for her furever family to find her. She came to rescue with three little potatoes in tow. She raised those babies and then made herself all nice and healthy so she could be adoption ready.

Agnes is a vibrant girl chasing butterflies in her free time. She is house and crate trained. Agnes is very food/treat motivated and has learned some basic obedience commands.

Who's looking for the perfect little lady? She can be bouncy so kids should be 8+. She currently weighs around 50 lbs and she's estimated about 3 years old.

MEET AGNES

GUNNER - LENDING PAWS A HAND

Oh hey you! Watch me run! I know, I'm fast right?! Oh watch this! I can jump, jump, jump like a frog! Oooohhhh a squeaky toy, OMG! I love squeaky toys! Wait....is that a squirrel! Lets go chase the squirrel.....aaahhh come on!

What?! Do you know how to train me? That would be great! I know basic commands like sit and paw, and walk well on a leash, but I have not figured out how to translate everything yet and would love a family that is patient with me while I learn.

My foster mom says I have energy, so I need an energetic family! I do great with kids, but may be a little too much for a child under 5 unless you take me running or play fetch with me everyday so I'm exhausted! Man, that would be a real treat! I have been dog tested, but since I'm so playful, I would most likely do best in a home with another playful dog my size. I love chewing on bones, and once my energy is all out, I usually just rest and hang out. I'm the master of snoring on the couch!

To meet or adopt me, please fill out an application at lpah.org/adoption.

MEET GUNNER

BEAN - LENDING PAWS A HAND

Hello there, I'm Bean! I'm still a young pup, full of energy and love. I've got a soft spot for dog beds, they're my favorite place to snooze after a long day of fun. Speaking of fun, I'm quite the adventurer. I love hiking, exploring new trails, and sniffing out all the interesting scents. But don't worry, I can also be a couch potato. There's nothing better than curling up next to you while you watch TV or read a book. I'm a gentle soul and loyal to a fault! I can be a bit vocal when playing and also if I hear a stranger at the door, so an apartment might not be the best fit for me. I promise to be your faithful companion, always by your side. Adopt me, and you'll gain a best friend who will bring endless joy and companionship to your life.

If you are interested in a medium size, younger pup, I'm your guy!

MEET BEAN

JOSIE - HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE

Introducing Josie!

She is about 4 years old and 20 pounds of pure love. She enjoys lap sitting, snuggles, trotting around the neighborhood, snoozing on her bed, snuggles, and whipping her toys back and forth. Did we mention snuggles?

Josie is fully potty trained and is the perfect companion for someone who is looking for a medium-energy buddy. She loves a good play session and is also content to chill in her bed (or yours, if you'll share). Josie is approximately 25% house elf, 25% meerkat, 25% jumping bean, and 100% good girl.

This sweet girl doesn't like crowds and is a little cautious of new people at first, but warms up when you show her love and respect. Once she trusts you, Josie becomes a velcro dog.

Josie is working on crate training and settling down when her humans are away. Her family will need to have a little patience to help her become the calm, confident pup we know she can be.

Josie would be happy as an only pup and could be a good sibling to the right balanced canine companion. She is a big fan of older children. If you're looking for an adorable canine shadow, Josie is your girl!

If you are interested in Josie, click Apply for Adoption! If you're on
Adopt-a-Pet or PetFinder please visit https://www.hopeanimals.org/ to apply!

MEET JOSIE