Southern Hospetality, LLC.

08/27/2025

He ain't wrong! 🤣

08/24/2025

I met this sweetie last weekend at an adoption event and she was a total Rockstar! Somebody is going to get an awesome friend with this girl!

08/19/2025

Truer words have never been spoken! It seems that especially in the last few years as the adoption market has become saturated - the average adopter has increased their expectations and decreased what they are willing to invest. And the result is that the percentage of returns (among adoption numbers that are already overall lower than they have been in 20 years) is higher than ever. If you are considering adoption - please read this post by my friends at Green Dogs Unleashed and then read it again.

There is an entirely unreasonable expectation floating around that somewhere in some shelter or rescue is a dog who will walk into your home fully trained, perfectly behaved, emotionally balanced, and instantly bonded to your family without you lifting a finger.

That is just not how it works.

Those flawless “hallmark” dogs you see on TV, the service dogs, therapy dogs, and competition champions, are not born that way. They are the result of thousands of hours of patient, consistent training, socialization, and trust building. They did not walk out of a shelter turn key… they became who they are because someone put in the work.

And here is the truth.
When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue you are often meeting them in the most stressful moment of their life. They may be scared, confused, grieving, overstimulated, or shut down. That is not their whole story, it is just the chapter you are seeing in that moment.

They need decompression time… time to settle, to learn your home and your family, to trust you. They need structure, boundaries, and training. They need you to meet them where they are, not where you wish they already were.

Here at Green Dogs Unleashed we are here to support your ongoing training journey, but you have to be willing to commit to the boots on the ground work. We have classes, enrichment, and structure in place to help you succeed, but you need to be willing to put in the work… for any animal, rescued or not.

The perfect dog is not found.
The perfect dog is made through your time, your patience, your consistency, and your willingness to work for it.

If you are not prepared to invest in that process, then you are not ready for what it truly means to adopt.

Adopting a dog is not about finding the finished product. It is about committing to the journey and building something incredible together.



*pictured is Pawsh Spice. A 1 year old lab who will need every bit of patience, grace, and support you have to give, but will reward you with the most amazing zoomies and is available for adoption*

08/16/2025

Hey friends! It's my birthday so you have to do what I say! Head on down to Bottles in Waynesboro and meet some amazing dogs available for adoption. Your new best friend is waiting for you! Do it. Do it now!!

Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

08/12/2025

Mood: the (human) kids are back in school but the dog kids are still on vacay!

08/07/2025

Excuse us sir . . We are from collections. Do you have a moment to discuss your unpaid cheese tax??

08/06/2025

Somebody needs this little girl in their life!!

08/01/2025

Yeaaa don't do this! Once upon a time this was popular house training advice and I do sometimes get asked by training clients if it is effective. It is absolutely not effective. I do appreciate using some humor to explain why!

07/22/2025

My little "cat in a dog suit" buddy Otis is exactly where is supposed to be. He stayed with me for quite a while before finally finding the perfect person who understands, accepts and loves him just the way he is. May we all be so lucky! ❤️

07/18/2025

Practicing the art of zen and camouflage at Animal Wellness Center

This little crescent roll (aptly named "Butter") would like to remind everyone he is available to adopt or foster through Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

07/09/2025

Sadly this is the reality for shelters and rescues everywhere.

Pet surrender requests have surged to nearly 20 per day while adoption rates continue to plummet, according to Richmond Animal Care and Control Director Christie Chipps-Peters.

Read more at the link in the comments.