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puppies and were likely abandoned. With patience and kindness, their finders earned their trust and brought them to safety in their backyard. After six months living mostly outdoors, they reached out to our rescue for help finding loving homes for Steve and his sister, Henrietta. The siblings are now in separate foster homes, learning all about life indoors, and both are truly flourishing.
Steve has been in his foster home for almost 2 months now. He was fearful at first, but has made amazing progress. He’s gaining confidence every day, has good house manners, has mastered the doggy door, and walks nicely on leash in neighborhoods and on trails. He loves outings to the dog park and does well with other dogs. He’s a naturally gentle, sweet boy who meets new dogs with ease and would benefit from a social, playful pup buddy in his new home.
Steve’s foster mom shares that while he may not immediately fall all over you when you meet him, once he builds trust, he chooses to be close and is always excited to see you when you come home. He’s calm in the home, loves to play chase outside, and truly lights up when he has another dog to play with.
FOSTER MOM UPDATE (3/14/26):
Steve is full of wiggles and is so excited to see me when I come home, though he’s still shy around others except my mom. Sometimes he follows you like a typical dog; other times he will shy away. With patience and love, he’s learning to trust fully.
He absolutely LOVES the dog park, it’s the highlight of his day! Friendly with every dog and completely non-aggressive, he even enjoys splashing in the pool there and would likely be a great water dog. He’s fantastic in the car, hops in and out easily, and is now comfortable going into stores. Walks excite him; he knows how to sit for his harness and treats, and he’s improved on recall, but still has work to do there.
Steve has moderate energy for a young pup: playful and active during walks and doggie playtime, yet calm and well-mannered at home. He’s fully housetrained and doesn’t mind strangers coming in the house, or our grandkids visiting. He’ll let them pet him, but he will not go out of his way to engage them. He’s probably best in a calm home and would definitely do best with a doggy companion and playmate.
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Because he learns by watching other dogs, Steve would do best in a home with a confident, social canine companion. He’s gentle, submissive, and has a medium energy level. making him a wonderful family dog in the right home.
Steve needs a patient adopter who is willing to give him time to build trust. He is blossoming more each day and will be a loyal, loving companion.
We plan to bring Steve to the DC metro area in April. Open to foster-to-adopt for the right family fit. Priority will be given to families with another dog in the home.
BREED ESTIMATE: Retriever/Terrier mix
GENDER: Female
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 55 lbs
APPROXIMATE AGE: ~1 year old
COAT TYPE: Scruffy, wiry, medium coat - lower shed
ADOPTION FEE: $425
OTHER INFO: UTD on shots/neutered/microchipped
LOCATION: Ft. Mill, SC - Coming to the DC metro
FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to adopt.worthydog and complete the application.
You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to foster.worthydog and fill out an application.
Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.