r/velvethippos

The cat was being mean so Dougie came under my desk to ask for comfort.

🏡 AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION, FOSTER, OR RESCUE
🚗 OUT OF STATE OR CANADIAN ADOPTION IS POSSIBLE - cost is typically around $600 USD (give or take). The fee includes transport, boarding, full medical, spay/neuter, and a health certificate.
We are a volunteer network dedicated to helping at-risk dogs. We are not affiliated with BARC. We connect at-risk animals at the BARC shelter with the adopters, fosters, and rescue organizations needed to save their lives. We can help coordinate out-of-state adoption through approved 501c3 rescues. Please message the OP for information and a link to an application form. BARC Houston cannot facilitate out-of-state adoption or foster.

🆘Affectionate 2 year old Staffie Mix boy on the euthanasia list Tuesday, 7/7. There will be no extensions per BARC. 🆘

⏰Caramel #A2081271 must have a hold no later than 1PM or he will lose his life.🥺

💙🐶 Caramel #A2081271
6/16/26 Stray, 6/23/26 Foster Return | Staffordshire Mix | Male (Neutered) | 2 Years Old | 61.0 lbs | HW Negative

💙 Volunteer Notes:
4/20/26: While being walked, Caramel responded happily to baby talk, became increasingly excited for affection, and leaned into pets. He was described as very friendly.
6/20/26: Volunteers described Caramel as adoptable, affectionate, and easy to leash. He walked calmly beside them with a wiggly body, frequently sought pets, and displayed a soft facial expression.
6/24/26: Caramel vocalized during feeding and cleaning. He walked on a forward leash while jumping around but remained manageable.
6/25/26: Caramel was excited during morning feeding, greeting staff with a wiggly body, fast wagging tail, and soft open mouth. He walked forward on leash while occasionally vocalizing.
6/26/26: During feeding and cleaning, Caramel greeted staff with a wiggly body, high wagging tail, open mouth, and loose tongue. He walked on a loose zigzag leash while sniffing and accepted pets.
6/27/26: Caramel spent most of the day resting quietly in his kennel with a neutral body. He had dilated pupils and a semi-tucked tail but remained calm.
6/28/26: Caramel was resting quietly in his kennel with relaxed body language. He walked well on leash to the runs and accepted handling easily.
6/29/26: Caramel greeted volunteers with a relaxed body, soft eyes, and a wagging tail. He walked well on leash and enjoyed exploring the outdoor runs.
7/2/26: Caramel greeted the volunteer with a loose body and wagging tail. He was easy to leash, walked nicely to the potty yard, and returned calmly to his kennel where he relaxed on his cot.
7/5/26: Caramel showed some kennel stress, jumping against the kennel door and barking during cleaning. Once outside, he calmed down and enjoyed time in the runs. When another dog passed nearby, he became excited and barked at the divider.

🚑 Medical Notes:
• 2-year-old neutered male weighing 61 pounds
• Heartworm negative
• Currently being treated for an upper respiratory infection (green nasal discharge and ocular discharge) with Doxycycline for 10 days
• Previously treated for a right front leg injury after reportedly being struck by a vehicle. Radiographs did not show any fractures, though he experienced temporary lameness. He received pain medication and has since recovered well.
• No current mobility concerns documented

💙 Caramel is a friendly, social young dog who loves attention and consistently seeks affection from the people caring for him. Volunteers describe him as easy to leash, affectionate, and happy to walk alongside them, often greeting them with a wiggly body and wagging tail. While the shelter environment has caused some excitement and vocalization, Caramel repeatedly settles once outside and enjoys spending time with people. He urgently needs a foster or adopter where he can leave the stress of the shelter behind and thrive.

💌 ALL HOLDS MUST BE IN WRITING - PLEASE DO NOT CALL. If local and interested in fostering or adoption, email all below:
barcfoster@houstontx.gov
barcadoptions@houstontx.gov
BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov
Please use the animal's seven digit ID number when contacting the shelter.

📍 BARC Animal Shelter
3200 Carr St, Houston, TX 77026
www.houstontx.gov

My girl is at her first daycare/boarding. I'm only 10 min away but I still feel like I'm leaving my kid at kindergarten for the first time.

My pit mix is around 11-12 years old and starting to show signs of slowing down in her hips. She's more and more hesitant jumping onto the bed or into the car and I see her slip occasionally on hard floors. Any suggestions to share for supporting her hip health? Supplements? Exercises? This is a new stage for us!

Photos sharing all her glorious sploot variations.

It breaks my heart to write this, but due to family circumstances, my dad has decided that we can no longer keep our dogs. Rex and Remi have been a huge part of my life, and I love them more than words can say. My only hope is that they can find a safe, loving home where they will be cared for and cherished.I really don’t want them put down we are located in Michigan.

Remi is a 3-year-old female with the sweetest, funniest personality. She loves to cuddle and is happiest relaxing with her people. She isn’t a fan of being outside—after she goes to the bathroom, she’ll run right back inside as fast as she can! She’s adorably awkward and will often look at you before quickly looking away. She has a sassy attitude but also enjoys having her own space from time to time. If you ask her, “Do you have to go potty?” she’ll run to the door if she does, but if she doesn’t, she’ll give you the funniest side-eye.
Remi knows sit, lay down, paw, roll over, up, and spin. She can be reactive around new people because she’s nervous, but she’s really more of a scaredy-cat than anything and would rather run away than confront someone. She does best with patient people who will give her time to warm up.

Rex is my sweet 9-year-old old man, and I’ve had him since I was in fifth grade. He’s calm, gentle, and loves to sleep. He’s always hungry and never turns down a treat. His favorite things are head scratches, belly rubs, attention, and curling up in someone’s lap. He knows sit, lay down, and paw. I tried teaching him more tricks, but he’s stubborn and decided those were enough!
Rex does resource guard food, even if it isn’t his, so he should be fed separately from other pets. He also has several warts/growths that have been checked by a veterinarian and are not cancerous. He can be reactive around strangers, but unlike Remi, he usually keeps to himself on walk’s unless someone gets too close to him.

Both Rex and Remi are amazing dogs with loving, unique personalities. They deserve a family that will be patient, understanding, and love them as much as I do. This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, and I’m hoping someone can give them the forever home they deserve.

Any advice and tips are helpful to

🏡 AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION, FOSTER, OR RESCUE
🚗 OUT OF STATE OR CANADIAN ADOPTION IS POSSIBLE - cost is typically around $600 USD (give or take). The fee includes transport, boarding, full medical, spay/neuter, and a health certificate.
We are a volunteer network dedicated to helping at-risk dogs. We are not affiliated with BARC. We connect at-risk animals at the BARC shelter with the adopters, fosters, and rescue organizations needed to save their lives. We can help coordinate out-of-state adoption through approved 501c3 rescues. Please message the OP for information and a link to an application form. BARC Houston cannot facilitate out-of-state adoption or foster.

🆘 Sweet, happy 5 month old Staffie Mix pup w/ easily treatable carpal laxity on the euthanasia list Tuesday, 7/7. There will be no extensions per BARC. 🆘

⏰Eli #A2080798 must have a hold no later than 1PM or he will lose his life.🥺

💙🐶 Eli #A2080798
6/14/26 Stray | Staffordshire Mix | Male (Intact) | 5 Months Old | 14.8 lbs

💙 Volunteer Notes:
6/21/26: Eli was moved to a new kennel. Initially shy, he quickly warmed up to volunteers with gentle baby talk and pets. Throughout the day he remained relaxed, with soft eyes and ears up, spending most of his time resting comfortably on his cot.
6/22/26: Eli was lying comfortably on his cot with relaxed body language, ears up, and soft eyes. He calmly allowed himself to be carried while his kennel was cleaned. Though he briefly whimpered, he quickly settled back down.
6/24/26: Volunteers noted that Eli enjoys interacting with people and will whine a little when they walk away. He happily greets visitors with a wiggly body and wagging tail and loves playing with his toys.
6/26/26: Eli was resting on his bed when approached but became excited with a wiggly body. He enjoyed playing with plush toys and was content relaxing in his bed throughout the day.
6/29/26: Eli greeted volunteers with a loose body, wagging tail, and soft, relaxed expression. He remained calm and quiet in his kennel.
7/2/26: Eli was described as very sweet, affectionate, and calm for a puppy. He sat up at the front of his kennel with his tail thumping happily whenever volunteers made eye contact with him.

🚑 Medical Notes:
• 5-month-old intact male weighing 14.8 pounds
• Parvovirus negative
• Currently being treated for an upper respiratory infection (coughing) with Doxycycline for 10 days
• Diagnosed with bilateral carpal hyperextension (overextended front wrists), which veterinary staff notes should improve with good nutrition

💙 Eli is an incredibly sweet, affectionate puppy who loves people and enjoys playing with his toys. Despite being very young and dealing with a treatable upper respiratory infection and developmental carpal hyperextension, he has remained gentle, calm, and eager for attention. Volunteers consistently describe him as happy, loving, and easy to handle. Eli deserves the opportunity to continue growing up in a safe home where he can receive the care and love every puppy needs.

💌 ALL HOLDS MUST BE IN WRITING - PLEASE DO NOT CALL. If local and interested in fostering or adoption, email all below:
barcfoster@houstontx.gov
barcadoptions@houstontx.gov
BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov
Please use the animal's seven digit ID number when contacting the shelter.

📍 BARC Animal Shelter
3200 Carr St, Houston, TX 77026
www.houstontx.gov

Hey everyone! Me again showcasing another awesome dog to this badass community. My last feature RIGGZ was adopted by an incredible family found on here! Now, its Zoes turn to shine!!!

Meet Zoe 🤍
Zoe is a lovable, affectionate girl who lives for her people. Whether she's curled up on the couch or soaking up belly rubs, her favorite place is right by your side.
She's a young, energetic dog who's making great progress with her leash skills and basic training. With consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, Zoe will continue to thrive.
Zoe loves other dogs and would do best with a playful canine companion or a tolerant dog who enjoys an active playmate.
Zoe at a glance:
❤️ Saved from the euthanasia list
🐶 Dog-friendly
👧 Best with children over 5
🐱 Not cat tested
📍 Currently fostered in Connecticut and available to adopters throughout the Northeast
🏡 Available through Miracle Lane Farm & Sanctuary
If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate best friend who's ready for her second chance, Zoe is waiting to meet you.
DM me for more details or to learn how to apply!

This is one of my dogs, and this window is definitely his favorite place.

He can sit here for ages just watching people, birds, and everything happening outside.

Sometimes I think he's the neighborhood security guard.

Does your dog have a favorite spot like this?

I have a sleep disorder. She's so cute but I'm so over.being woken up. And I don't have the heart to kick her out of my bed 😅😅

I love that her whole cheeks poofs out on some.kf her noises lol

He’s only been with me since Friday, and he’s already the sweetest boy

*volume up*

She's so happy.

My pups are doing a lot laying around in the shade. These high temperatures after mid morning makes it too hot to play outside, looks like a long hot summer ahead. Y'all stay safe and keep those puppies cool and hydrated.

Well, okay, maybe it was only 20 minutes and he was in the front yard but try to tell that to Tommy.