On a freezing day along the trails of Mount Hood, a young couple followed the sound of faint cries — and discovered five newborn puppies huddled beneath a stand of pines, cold and alone.
The litter, weak and on the brink of death, was rushed to our shelter. The moment rescuers lifted them to safety; their tiny tails began to wag — a flicker of hope that would soon grow stronger thanks to skilled hands and determined hearts.
Shelter staff quickly mobilized, using their training and experience to stabilize the puppies, provide warmth, and begin emergency feeding. Volunteers & staff organized shifts for overnight care, and foster families opened their homes to continue the long recovery. The wider community rallied to gather funds to help the tiny survivors thrive.
Volunteers named them Forrest, Petal, Ruby, Mango, and Yoda, the five pups have made a remarkable recovery — a testament to the power of teamwork, expertise, and compassion that brought them from the forest floor to a future full of promise.
Indy (Petal)
Indy came into her foster mom’s life in the most unexpected way. Her mom had been volunteering as a dog walker at HRAAD for months, giving love and care to dogs in need, when these pups became available for foster.
From the moment Indy arrived, it was clear she was something special. She raced across the yard, fetch in tow, her speed and excitement contagious. She chewed happily on her toys and curling up in bed became a nightly adventure—though her big size made cozy snuggles a bit tricky.
Days turned into weeks, and her mom realized she couldn’t imagine Indy leaving. Those excited greetings at the door, the adorable head tilts when asked a question, the playful energy filling the house—Indy had already found her forever home, and her foster mom had become her family.
Oaks (Forrest)
Oaks isn’t just a big dog—he’s a big personality wrapped in fur. Life with him is never dull. From the moment he hops into the truck with his dad for a ride, you know adventure is just around the corner. Back at home, Oaks’ family said that he’s on a mission: every ball must be chased, every toy bin emptied, and every chicken and duck in the backyard closely supervised.
Oaks has taken his duties seriously. He’s the official investigator of anything new brought into the house and the expert vegetable tester in the kitchen. Smart as a whip, he’s mastered every puzzle feeder, though sometimes his cleverness gets him into a little mischief.
Even with his large size, Oaks is gentle, affectionate, and endlessly loyal. Life with him is filled with laughter, love, and just a little chaos—because a dog this big in heart and size is impossible to ignore.
Ruca (Ruby)
Ruca is a dog who wears many hats—though her favorite might just be “Chief Shredder” at the Gorge Rebuild It Center, Ruca’s mom says she takes her job seriously, shredding classified documents with unmatched speed and precision. There isn’t a piece of paper too small for her, and she takes pride in leaving nothing but confetti behind.
Her talents don’t stop at shredding. Ruca has an unbelievable nose, and she’s already showing promise in scent training—a skill her humans are excited to see her master. Between her playful antics, expert shredding, and endless devotion, Ruca proves every day that life is better with a smart, silly, loving dog by your side.
Loyal, loving, she adores snuggling with her dog brother Omar, who isn’t always sure what to make of her affection—but he puts up with it, because Ruca’s charm is impossible to resist.
Maddie (Mango)
Because of the severity of the pups’ health, a staff member stepped up as a foster. Maddie, lovable, tough, and full of personality, quickly turned what was meant to be a temporary home into a forever one. Her charm, bravery, and hilarious antics made her the ultimate foster fail. She thrives in lively play with other dogs and quiet moments curled up on the couch or in front of a fire. Her sharp bark announces visitors—friend or foe—and she bravely faces down the meanest rabbit or toughest turkey, all while respecting the feline members of the household.
With her fearless spirit, playful antics, and affectionate heart, Maddie brings adventure and love to every day—a dog who found her forever home right where she started, in the arms of her shelter-family foster mom.
Cletus (Yoda)
Cletus’s story began with a fight for survival. First named Yoda for his tiny body and oversized ears, he was the smallest and frailest of his litter—so fragile that every meal had to be carefully measured and gently fed to help him gain strength.
Fostered by the shelter’s former operations director, Laura Spinney, Cletus was in the best possible hands. With patience, skill, and endless affection, his foster helped him grow from a weak, shivering puppy into a lively and confident little dog. Today, Cletus carries his early nickname’s spirit—small but mighty, full of character, and a reminder of the power of compassion and expert care.