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Rome is 3 years old and came to the shelter as a stray at the end of March. Claudia's daughter, Josephine spotted Rome on our website and loved him. She wanted a dog that was low key and that had been here for some time. Rome was perfect for the family, checking off several - if not all - of the things she wanted in a dog. The family came to HSTB several times to see Rome; his alopecia didn’t matter as much as rescuing a dog that had spent way too much time in a shelter. Rome went home to live a great life and enjoy his new big back yard. The whole family love Rome’s easy going nature, even for a dog that weighs 81 lbs. Smiles, hugs, licks, and happy tails for all. We are so HAPPY for you Rome. PUP CUPS FOREVER!!!

Buddy is a one-year-old terrier mix who originally came to the shelter as a stray. Nicholas had been following Buddy on our website for a long time, but circumstances prevented him from coming in to adopt Buddy initially. When he noticed Buddy was off the website, he assumed he was adopted and happy in a home. Nicholas still checked our website regularly to see who was available, and one day saw Buddy back up for adoption. It was a sign! So, he came to the shelter with his dog, Bear, for a visit. Nicholas met with Buddy first and it went great, so he brought Bear out for the big “test”. Initially, Bear was a bit standoffish, but after a few minutes, they were playing and running together! When Buddy was playing with too much energy, Bear would tell him, and Buddy would listen and back off, and then play would continue. Buddy and Bear are going to be the best of friends, and we are so happy that Buddy went home!

Jackson went home! Christine and her son came in to find a new family member this Saturday and little did Jackson know, his 5 month stay was about to come to an end! Christine said that they have been waiting to find the perfect dog for their family, and when they saw Jackson they were thrilled. When Jackson was taken to the play yard and saw his new family, he was all smiles knowing that he was finally getting the family he deserved. We were all so happy to see Jackson walk out of the shelter with his new family!

Bruno went home this week! William came into the shelter specifically looking at our longer residents. He works remotely and is also the in home caregiver for both his 80 year old parents, so someone is always home. He has a cousin who regularly visits with their dogs, so William couldn’t wait for Bruno to meet his new cousin once settled in. As the picture shows, Bruno is more than ready to go home and doesn’t want to wait for his picture to get taken before jumping in the car!

Fauna went home this week!! Fauna had been adopted and returned a few times before, but when Joshua came to visit she ran and put her head on his shoulder, and he fell in love. She looks just like his other dog Nova, and they had a play date, which went very well before adopting. He loves that she is very active just like his other dog Nova, and likes that she's so sweet and cute. Yay for Fauna!

Pongo got adopted! Peyton came into the shelter looking for another big and active dog, as he’d had pit bull/lab mixes in past and loves the personality and energy they have. He was drawn to Pongo by his “smile” when they saw him in his kennel. He also loved how energetic Pongo was (plans to make him his running buddy), but also loves that he would relax and cuddle with them. Peyton has experience working in a humane society out of state where he worked with the ‘harder to handle’ dogs and can’t wait to get Pongo home!

Zeus has finally gone home! He was our longest resident, having come to the shelter in mid-October. We had been featuring him in some spot light formats for a couple weeks: on radio spots, as our FOX 13 Pet of the Week, etc., but nobody was coming in to take him to his forever family. Luckily, Abigail had been wanting a larger dog, and when she saw Zeus she fell in love. She came into the shelter with her boyfriend and they loved his goofy and sweet personality. We are so happy for Zeus!

The Valentin family instantly saw Xena in the shelter and fell in love. When they visited the first time, Wanda cried because she believed that they wouldn't be able to adopt her – Xena has a lot of energy at times. She told her husband about Xena and brought him along for a second visit. After one more visit and hearing input from staff and volunteers that have worked with Xena and realizing the training and other benefits they get with a Dolly’s Dream dog, they decided to take her home, and the rest is history!

Dawnann came in looking for a companion for her kids as they have had dogs in the past, but it had been a while. She was walking the kennels and saw Quill and just fell in love. She went on a visit with him and knew he would be perfect for her family. She came back later with her kids just to make sure everyone got along and it was a perfect fit... an energetic dog for her energetic kids! 🙂

When our adoption coordinator asked if she could get a picture, the Dawnann and her kids sat on bench and Quill ran over and sat looking right at camera, so proud he found his new family. So cute! We are so happy for Quill and his new family!

Papa was previously a Dolly’s Dream dog and was returned due to his owner moving and not being able to go with the family. Once a Dolly’s Dream dog, always a Dolly’s dog! Papa got placed back in the Dolly's Dream program to help him find a forever family.

Mr. Jern saw Papa on our website and came to meet him as soon as he could. Papa is a super wiggly boy when out with people, and his new dad simply LOVED that about him and could not wait to take him home! Congratulations on your new home, Papa!

Rosco gets a forever home! Rosco’s adopter came in after seeing him on our website and loved the smile he had on his portrait. When she got to meet him, she loved his goofy personality and how friendly he was. She didn't mind the heartworms ether. She wasn't able to adopt that day but she came back the following afternoon! It was a bit of a wait due to the end of day rush, but she didn't mind at all and was just happy to take him home. Rosco was a little nervous to get in the car, but once his new mom hopped behind the wheel, they were off on a new adventure together!

Papa got adopted! Andony came into the shelter looking for a companion after losing his 9 year old English bulldog. He was looking for another English Bulldog, but when he came across Papa, he loved his energy and spirit. Andony knows Papa is going to require a good bit of work, but with only him and Papa in the house, he is more than committed to give Papa what he needs to succeed. Congratulations to Andony and Papa!

Heather got Adopted! Heather's new family came to the shelter looking at bigger dogs.  They have a small dog at home that they love and adore, but since Heather's new mom works from home, she wanted a bigger dog for herself and to cuddle with.

They looked at 2 different dogs but loved Heather's calmer demeanor. They knew that with everything Heather had been through, it would take some extra time and love, but they were willing to put in the work.  The family and the adoption counselor took some extra time in the play yard to ensure it was the right fit, and eventually, Heather started to warm up to everyone and came and sat right at their feet to say "Let's go home!"

Khloe went home! Khloe's new family is no stranger to large dogs. They had lost their Rottweiler about a year ago and their grandson had been begging them for another dog. They came to Tampa for some good pizza at their favorite shop, stopped in the shelter and left with a new pup to love. Khloe will have almost an acre of fenced in back yard, and a VERY rambunctious 4 year old to keep her company!

Hogan has been adopted!  Jean came in looking for a pitty mix in particular; he had the breed growing up and likes their energy.  He also has a fairly young child at home who he feels would be better off with a big dog as a companion.

Hogan is a big sweetheart who ultimately just wants to chase his tennis balls as well as his tail, and after seeing Hogan in the yard, Jean knew this energy and demeanor was exactly what he was looking for.

These adopters saw Bingo on the website! She told her mom about Bingo and her mom told her that she needed to go and visit him before adopting. On the visit she explained how she has been looking for a dog to grow and work with. When Bingo came out he went straight up to her and kissed her face. They were running around and playing the whole time and at the end she sat down on the grass and Bingo went straight and flopped into her lap. They are a perfect fit!! Happy days ahead.

Hi, I'm Freya! I'm a 4-year-old down to earth girl and I am so happy that I found someone who is interested in a long term relationship, and who can be my best friend.

Freya went home to Rodolfo Martinez, they've been wanting a dog for the longest time. Now that the Martinez' have a house with a big back yard, they can give Freya a proper welcome home.