Dog Squad

15/07/2025

We’ve been a little quiet lately, and we want to take a moment to explain why.

Our sweet girl Missie, our 16-year-old personal dog, is currently hospitalized at . She’s not a foster. She’s not an adoptable. She’s ours. And right now, she needs us more than ever.

Over the past month, Missie has been struggling to breathe. She’s had episodes of sneezing blood—something that initially looked like a terrible sinus infection. We tried antibiotics. We did follow-up x-rays. Her lungs were clear, which gave us hope that it wasn’t something more serious. But despite everything, her breathing continued to worsen.

In the past several nights, Randy sat by her side giving her nebulizer treatments, hoping to offer her even a little relief. The current concern is a mass obstructing her nasal cavity, but we don’t have a definitive answer. All we know is she’s fighting. And we are, too.

We know we’ve been behind on messages, slow to respond to emails and texts, and just out of sync. And for that, we’re so sorry. The truth is, we’re exhausted. Dog Squad is run by real people with full-time jobs (plus part-time work), and a house full of dogs who depend on us—not just physically, but emotionally, too. Missie is family. She’s been with us through so many seasons of life. And watching her go through this now is gut-wrenching.

Please be patient with us. We are trying to keep up, but our hearts are heavy and our hands are full. We never want to let anyone down, but right now, we are just trying to hold it together.

If you’re the praying type, please keep her in yours. If you believe in good energy, please send some our way. Because no matter how many dogs we rescue, nothing prepares us for the slow, painful reality of watching one of our own grow old and sick. No matter how much love we pour into them, we can’t stop time. Aging is inevitable. Illnesses are sometimes invisible until they’re not. And when you’ve loved someone for sixteen years, nothing prepares you for watching them struggle to breathe.

Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being part of this community. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for sending Missie your love.

15/07/2025

Squad foster Yeti is feeling so much better since those rough first nights after his TPLO surgery. Tonight, we began red light therapy as part of his recovery journey—and we’re already seeing signs of relief.

So, what is red light therapy and why are we using it?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that promotes healing at the cellular level. It activates the mitochondria—aka the powerhouse of the cell—helping the body produce more ATP (cellular energy), which in turn boosts repair, reduces inflammation, and improves overall function.

For dogs like Yeti recovering from surgery, the benefits are extensive:
🧬 Speeds up tissue repair and wound healing
🩹 Improves cosmetic healing and reduces scarring
🔥 Reduces inflammation in joints and muscles
💡 Provides natural pain relief by blocking pain signals
💉 Increases circulation and supports collagen production

For Yeti, it means we’re doing everything we can to help him heal quickly, comfortably, and completely. We’re so proud of how far this gentle giant has come in just 5 days.

We’re so grateful to be able to provide this level of care to our dogs, thanks to your support. Stay tuned for more updates on Yeti’s healing journey—he’s got a long road ahead, but we’re with him every step of the way. ❤️‍🩹

13/07/2025

Talk about a GLOW-UP!!! ✨

Squad foster Jada is nearly unrecognizable from the frail, heartworm-positive pup we rescued back in February. She’s nearly doubled her weight, and her body and spirit have both been on a powerful healing journey.

Now almost fully recovered from heartworm treatment, Jada just has one more milestone to go—her spay surgery—and then she’ll officially be ready to find a forever home to call her own. ❤️

Jada is a total love bug. She’s house trained, knows her basic commands, and adores her foster siblings. When her foster mom recently experienced the sudden loss of one of her dogs to bloat, Jada was right there offering the gentlest affection—as if she knew her foster human needed comfort, too. 🥹

This girl has been through so much and come out the other side with the most loving heart. If you’re looking for a companion who’s loyal, gentle, and full of resilience, Jada might just be your perfect match.

🏡 Ready to adopt Jada? Start the process today at: www.dogsquadsc.org/adopt

12/07/2025

Rescued 🙂

Urgent!! MD, Baltimore “happy meal” blind senior sweetheart

SCARED SENIOR LOOKING FOR A SOFT SPOT TO LAND **NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION** (Baltimore, MD):

Happy Meal- 8 y/o, spayed female, 23lbs

Senior girlie, Happy Meal, is having a rough time adjusting to the shelter life, and we don't blame her. Not only is she confused and wondering where her family is, but she's also physically uncomfortable.
Happy Meal was brought to our shelter through our partnering Animal Control after people in an apartment complex reported that she was loose in the second floor hallway; seemingly, no one knew where she lived or who she belonged to.

Upon examination, our vets noted that Happy Meal is very overweight, all of her back nails were overgrown and several embedded into her paw paws causing painful wounds, and she appears non-visual. Her nails were clipped and the wounds on her paws were soaked in a diluted antibacterial solution. She was also started on oral antibiotics and pain meds.

During the time of intake, Happy Meal was conflicted about handling. She entered the exam room with a wagging tail and initially allowed pets, but did growl and bear teeth for restraint. She was moved into a quiet staff office in hopes of being able to decompress, and while she is still nervous and uncomfortable with heavy handling and petting in some areas, she does also seem to enjoy gentle back pets and butt scratches.

Due to her behavior at this time, Happy Meal is not available for adoption through BARCS and must be placed with an approved partnering rescue. She is currently on stray hold and will be available for rescue pick-up on 7/14.

Please email [email protected] if your organization can help!

Thank you,

The BARCS Rescue Team

2490 Giles Road
Baltimore, MD 21225

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/196UiH5CJe/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/07/2025

You asked… we answered! 🐾🎉

A few weeks ago, we took a poll asking YOU to vote on your favorite Dog Squad T-shirt design — and we’re so excited to finally launch our newest fundraiser featuring the winning design!

🎉 Our latest shirt is now available for purchase through Bonfire — which means no waiting on me and Randy to package and ship these ourselves this time. 😂 They’ll ship directly to your door!

Each shirt is $32.99, and 100% of the proceeds go directly toward helping the foster dogs in our care. Your support helps us provide daily necessities like food, supplies, and essential veterinary care for dogs who deserve a second chance.

🛒 Grab yours today by clicking the link below!

Let’s wear our Squad pride loud and proud — and help save lives while we do it. 💛

https://www.bonfire.com/yeti8217s-surgery-fundraiser/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=campaign_page&utm_campaign=yeti8217s-surgery-fundraiser&utm_content=default

12/07/2025

Cost should never be a barrier to better nutrition. 🥩

Yeti is a perfect example of how you can build a highly nutritious bowl without spending a fortune. He’s currently eating a 50/50 mix of Open Farm dry and Albright's Raw Dog Food Turkey PMR. But we don’t stop there.

Recovery from major orthopedic surgery means his body is working overtime to heal—and nutrition plays a huge role in that healing process. The good news? You can make a big impact with small, affordable additions to your dog’s bowl.

🌿 Green Juju “Just Greens” – We added a serving of this veggie mix tonight. It contains nettles, which are a natural antihistamine. Nettles act like nature’s Benadryl and can help reduce inflammation and itching. That’s especially important for post-op pups who might start obsessively licking or scratching as the incision heals.

🐟 MPC Whole Fresh Sardines – These aren’t just tasty—they’re powerful. Sardines are rich in EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce systemic inflammation and support joint health, tissue healing, and cognitive function. They’re also an excellent source of high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10, and B vitamins—all of which help with bone repair, energy production, and muscle recovery.

🥚 Quail Eggs – At $6 for 18 at our local grocery store, quail eggs are an affordable nutrient boost. They’re smaller and gentler on the digestive system than chicken eggs, making them ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Quail eggs are rich in protein, iron, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties and can support skin health, immune function, and healing—all important during a post-surgical recovery period.

🍓 Strawberries – Strawberries contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin C helps support the immune system, which is crucial after surgery, and antioxidants fight cellular damage and support recovery. *Spoiler alert: this was the only thing left behind in Yeti’s bowl. 😂

🦴 Beef Trachea Chew – This is Yeti’s favorite part of his meal! Beef trachea is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that support joint health, cartilage repair, and mobility.

All of this may sound like a fancy meal, but most of it came from simple additions we had on hand or picked up affordably at the store. You don’t have to overhaul your dog’s entire diet to make meaningful improvements.

Small steps = big impact.

Shoutout to TheK9Shop_SC for keeping us educated on ways to support our pets’ health through nutrition!

11/07/2025

💅🏼

11/07/2025

💔 Courtesy Post for Moose 💔

This one is personal.

Jason, who we share mutual friends with, just received the devastating news that his cancer has returned. He’s preparing to begin another aggressive round of chemotherapy and, heartbreakingly, is no longer able to care for his beloved dog, Moose.

Moose is truly the sweetest soul. He’s smart, loving, playful, and incredibly loyal. He’s been professionally trained by K9 Good Manners and knows his commands well. Moose is high-energy and would thrive in a home with an active person or family—he especially loves hiking and playing fetch with his ball.

Moose is also a big fan of social time and enjoys playdates at the local dog bar, . He’s both dog and cat friendly, kid friendly, fully vaccinated, and comes with a full year of Nexgard Plus. Jason will also provide Moose’s crate and $500 to help with his transition into a new, loving home.

This is heartbreaking for Jason. Moose is his best friend—but he knows that the most loving thing he can do right now is find Moose the active, joyful life he deserves while Jason focuses on healing.

If you or someone you know can offer Moose the home he needs, please reach out to Jason directly:
📞 Call or text: 608-571-9661

Please share—let’s help give Moose and Jason the support they need. 🐾💛

10/07/2025

Squad foster Carl is all of us waiting for Friday to get here. He’s officially our spirit animal. 😂

Speaking of Friday—tomorrow is a big day for Carl! He’s heading to to be neutered. Once he’s recovered, Carl will be fully vetted and officially ready to find his forever home.

We’ll never know Carl’s actual age, but our vet’s best guess is 8–9 years old. What we do know is that Carl is one of the happiest souls we’ve ever met. He’s dog-friendly, cat-friendly, human-friendly. Honestly, Carl is just… Carl. Pure joy wrapped in a scruffy little 62 lb package.

It’s been a busy and expensive week at Dog Squad, and we could really use your help covering the cost of Carl’s neuter. Every dollar makes a difference, and all donations are tax-deductible.

💙 Venmo: DogSquadSC (under “charities”)
💙 PayPal: link in bio + story
💙 Credit/debit: www.dogsquadsc.org (“Donate Now” on the homepage)

And if you think Carl might be your missing puzzle piece, submit an adoption application at www.dogsquadsc.org/adopt. Let’s find this good boy the loving home he deserves. 🏡🐾

10/07/2025

This is such an important topic to understand. Littermate Syndrome is a very real and often misunderstood phenomenon that can lead to serious behavioral and developmental issues. It’s exactly why Dog Squad will NEVER adopt out sibling puppies—or even two UNRELATED puppies close in age—into the same home. Any rescue, shelter, or breeder allowing this is not acting in the best interest of the dogs and is being incredibly irresponsible.

Have you heard of LITTERMATE SYNDROME? If not, keep reading!

We see the comments often. People asking us to adopt out bonded siblings together. We understand the intention behind it. It feels right, even loving, to want dogs who grew up together to stay together forever.

But in reality, keeping sibling puppies together can do far more harm than good.

There is a behavioral phenomenon called littermate syndrome that can happen when two puppies, especially from the same litter or close in age, are raised together in the same home. Despite the heartwarming idea of lifelong companionship, littermate syndrome often leads to serious emotional and behavioral issues for both dogs.

So what is littermate syndrome?

Littermate syndrome refers to a pattern of developmental and behavioral problems that can occur when two puppies are raised in the same home. This can include:
🐾 Extreme attachment to each other and difficulty functioning when separated
🐾 Lack of individual development, which leads to poor socialization with humans and other dogs
🐾 Increased fearfulness and anxiety, especially in new situations
🐾 Difficulty in training, as the dogs focus more on each other than their handler
🐾 Aggression or conflict as they mature and develop different personalities

These issues can begin as early as 8 to 10 weeks of age or may not appear until adolescence. The effects can be long-lasting and very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.

What does this mean for adoption?

Veterinarians, trainers, and behaviorists strongly advise against adopting sibling puppies, or even two unrelated puppies close in age, at the same time. Many reputable rescues and shelters, including ours, follow this guidance and do not adopt littermates out together. This is not a rule based on convenience. It is based on real experience and our desire to set each dog up for long-term success.

Puppies are kept together in foster when young, but as they grow, allowing them both to flourish on their own is what is best for everyone! Our goal is not to separate loving siblings. It is to prevent them from becoming overly dependent on each other and missing out on healthy development.

But what about kittens?

This is an important distinction. Kittens are very different from puppies. In fact, kittens thrive when adopted in pairs. They learn social skills from each other, burn off energy through play, and are far less likely to develop behavioral problems when they have a feline companion. For kittens, being adopted together is often the healthier, more compassionate option.

What is best for the dogs?

The best path forward is for each puppy to be adopted into a loving, committed home where they can:
🐾 Form a strong bond with their human family
🐾 Build confidence and independence
🐾 Be properly socialized with a variety of people, animals, and environments
🐾 Receive individual attention and training

Dogs are incredibly adaptable. Within days or weeks of settling into their new homes, they form new bonds and begin to thrive. In many cases, puppies that were separated from their littermates go on to live happier, more emotionally balanced lives than those who stayed together.

We know it’s hard.

We love these animals deeply. We want what is best for them, not just what feels right in the moment. And in this case, what is best is helping each puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog on their own.

Thank you for trusting us to make decisions based on the dogs’ long-term well-being. That is always our priority.

09/07/2025

🎉 Gotcha Day Extravaganza 🎉
Join us this Sunday, July 13 from 2:30–5:30 PM at for a celebration like no other!

This paw-some party is for every rescue and foster pup whose birthday is a mystery—but whose Gotcha Day deserves to be celebrated BIG! 🐶💛 Whether you adopted your pup years ago or just joined the rescue community, this day is for YOU.

✨ Here’s what to expect:
– Treats for the doggos
– Food truck eats from (serving 2:30–6 PM)
– Awesome local pet vendors
– Adoptable Dog Squad foster pups ready to meet their future families
– Donations collected throughout the day to support Dog Squad 🐶

🛍️ Vendor lineup:


paws.boutique pawcakes



Come celebrate the dogs who’ve changed our lives—and help support the ones still waiting for their Gotcha Day. 🐾

📍 Traveler’s Taproom | Sunday, July 13 | 2:30–5:30 PM