It was during a cold spell in Texas in late January 2023 when we heard about Rye and Russell and their family of 9 puppies.

They had been rescued by some magnificently kind humans who were seeking refuge on their behalf, desperately working against the clock to secure shelter and an opportunity for them to live to see another day.

The Doglando Foundation turned out to be a safe haven for them, and the life savers in Texas managed to arrange for their safe and secure transport from Roma, Texas to Orlando, Florida.

After a trip that lasted more than 20 hours, Rye, Russel and family arrived in Orlando and were welcomed by Doglando Foundation Volunteers and Doglando team members.

Despite the rough beginning that this family faced, starting from Day 1, we’ve witnessed their soft approach to humans and acceptance of our engagement with each one of them.

We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to watch firsthand the interactions between mom, dad and puppies...

Russel (the dad) takes on the responsibility of playing with the pups, gently correcting them as they learn how to play and engage with one another.

Mom (Rye) steps in as needed, often watching over her family and engaging her pups in play.

Rye (the mom)

As each volunteer shift ends throughout the day, mom and dad wait for their pups to settle in the den for their naps. Then, mom retires to her bed with dad going last, fitting in with Mom for some rest. The opportunity to observe their family dynamic is a great privilege for us humans.

We’ve been fortunate to have the Doglando professionals available to work with this entire family on a daily basis. The dogs spend their time engaging in enrichment activities on the Doglando campus, as they prepare for their forever homes.

Their training and playtime includes practicing recall and name recognition, playing hide & seek, walking, massage, baths, swimming, and romping around the campus.

Volunteer shifts end with a yogurt treat, and dogs in our laps for massage.  Each of the members of our canine family have made great strides in their training and continue to be open and accepting of our many volunteers and Doglando employees who inhabit their world on a daily basis.

Please take a moment to look through the profiles and photos that we’ve compiled for these pups. If you’re interested in adopting a pup, please click to submit an adoption application.