PETA Seeks Adopter for Puggle Rescued From a Tether and ‘Backyard Dog’ Life
Update (October 6, 2026): It’s been a little more than a week since PETA fieldworkers returned to Norfolk, Virginia, with several former “outdoor dogs”—ones whose owners acquiesced to pleas to find them loving homes inside. The rescues followed a weeklong spay/neuter and fieldwork effort in and around Galax, Virginia. And while many of the pack have already been adopted or, like Sunny, given a leg up by one of PETA’s trusted partner shelters, one or two dogs—including Boopsie—are still searching for their special someones.
When PETA first encountered Boopsie—whose owners called her “Oopsie”—she was ridiculously tethered outside …
… and because she is small and the world is big and scary, she pretended to be scary herself. But her attempts at alarm-barking only made fieldworkers push even harder for her freedom. So thanks to the power of their persuasion, Boopsie—as her PETA veterinary technician foster guardian lovingly renamed her—was quick to prove she’s actually just ridiculously companionable.
Boopsie’s foster guardian reports that the perky pup enjoys walks, gets on well with cats, has been quick to master potty training, and doesn’t mind the company of fellow low-key, small-to-medium dogs. She has met large, exuberant dogs and made it clear she’s a boundaries girlie when it comes to these not-so-gentle giants. What this puggle seems to want most of all is to snuggle: with her human(s) or her toys, up on the couch … you name it!
Boopsie is roughly 1.5 years old, 15 lbs., spayed, and fully vaccinated. If you’re in the vicinity of PETA’s Norfolk shelter and think you’re a perfect match for this perfect puggle, PETA’s adoption coordinator wants to hear from you! A meet-and-greet with potential resident dogs can be arranged for approved applicants. Snuggle on up to [email protected] to learn more about our adoption process:
Published September 28, 2026: Friday marked the end of a successful weeklong relief effort in and around Galax, Virginia, which—thanks to the combined efforts of PETA and the Twin County Humane Society—saw more than 250 dogs and cats spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. But the overpopulation crisis wasn’t all that PETA sought to fix—thanks to fieldworkers who canvassed the area as well as tips and pleas from the local humane society and animal control officers, dozens of “backyard dogs” also received upgraded doghouses, flea and tick medication, their first-ever toy, new collars, lightweight tie-outs to replace heavy chains, nail trims, matted fur removals, lots of affection, and more. But a lucky 10 dogs visited by fieldworkers last week—whose owners agreed to PETA’s pleas to find them homes inside, where they’ll be safe and loved—are now cozy indoors (many of them for the first time ever) in our hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.
PETA is urgently seeking adopters for the following 10 wonderful dogs!
From a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees named Ursa who really only wants to follow up a mellow walk outdoors with an even mellower snuggle on the couch …
… to her 12-week-old pup, Sunny, who fieldworkers didn’t realize was so starkly white prior to giving him his first-ever bath …
… to a 2-year-old Chihuahua (or baby deer? jury’s still out) who was tethered outside with no shelter, terrified and horribly neglected, and now—thanks to a little assist from a caring animal control officer—has made her propensity for cuddles and her new favorite lamb toy well known …
… to two friendly and active mixed-breed dogs—10-month-old Baylor (a Catahoula/Great Dane mix) and 18-month-old Lexi (a shepherd mix)—who each spent the beginning of their lives tied up outside with little to no shelter and are thrilled to have discovered that harnessed walks, fetch, and snuggling were always meant to be part of the package …
… to a 3-month-old speckled mystery mutt who was relinquished to PETA after being “gifted” to an ailing man who had no money to feed or care for him and kept him outside despite his young age …
… to a pair of small-to-medium gals (Rachelle and Bee) who were serendipitously found abandoned at a gas station by fieldworkers and—bafflingly, given their absolute perfection—never claimed or looked for …
… to a 3-year-old Australian shepherd/collie mix whose former owner allowed PETA to spay her and now—after we assisted with dog-housing and veterinary care needs—wishes for Missy to find an indoor home, finally turning over care of this sweet, formerly chained dog to us …
… there is someone for everyone among this crew of deserving dogs.
If you are on or near the East Coast and keen to open your home and heart to one or more of these adoptable individuals, PETA wants to hear from you!
Please e-mail [email protected] to inquire about adding a permanent member to your family—or even fostering or fostering to adopt. PETA fieldworkers will transport these dogs to their new homes, and every dog adopted will arrive spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and fully vaccinated. PETA requires a home visit for prospective adopters as well as a $150 adoption fee.
Get in touch with PETA’s adoption coordinator to learn more:
