Petfinder Export

Mews is a petite young black cat with pretty golden eyes. She has a small white patch on her chest, a white belly and a spattering of white hairs along her back.

Mews is a very sweet, gentle and loving kitty who gets along with all of her foster friends. She quietly comes to greet you when you call her name and hold out your hand, knowing that she will get lots of pets and cuddles. She almost melts into you hand while you are petting her. Mews is very considerate of her feline pals and will always stay in the background and wait her turn for treats and pets rather than push in front of everyone else. Mews likes spending her days on the screened porch perched on her favorite cat tree. She will be a sweet and loving addition to a quiet and stable home and would love a sweet feline companion. Mews is very cautious and shy with new people and she will do best with a sweet & friendly feline companion or an adopter who is home a good part of the day.

Mews was found outside with her sister and another colony friend.

Read more about Miss Mews on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-18-256/.

Charlie is a chunky, handsome black and white tuxedo cat. He has soft fluffy fur and big green eyes with a white stripe running down his nose.

Charming Charlie is an absolute sweetheart who loves pets and belly rubs. Charlie is quite the charmer and easily finds his way into your heart! He is very social boy who loves to explore his surroundings, play with all kinds of toys and spend naps in front of a window while birdwatching. He is a confident and loving cat who is always first to meet you at the door and ask for lattention. He carefully watches everything you do and helps with the litter box cleanup. He currently lives with othe cats but doesn't interact with them. Charlie is a darling boy who needs a quiet home with someone who is most of the day who can give him lots of attention.

Read more about Charlie on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-19-389r/.

Penelope is a gorgeous tuxedo cat with a round face and big green eyes. Her fur is very silky and soft.

Penelope is an absolute sweetheart. very quiet and sweet. She watches from the sidelines and enjoys playing by herself. She loves getting pets, making biscuits in soft blankets and birdwatching from the window seat.. She is cautious with new places and people initially but warms up once she gets to know you. Penelope will be a great cat in a calm adult household.

Read more about Penelope on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-19-390r/.

At 12+ pounds, Miesha is a big and pretty girl!. Her medium-length gray (blue) fur is beautiful, thick, and plush. She has the tiniest locket of white on her chest. With those green, almond-shaped eyes, she is stunning. Her ear-tip doesn't detract from her looks.

When her foster mom first met her, Miesha was in mom mode and ran the other outdoor cats away. She needed lots of calories and was focused on getting all of the food! After filling up her belly, Miesha would then interact with her caregiver, letting her give rubs and picking her up.

Even though the kittens are older and weaned, Miesha is still a good mom to them. She is attentive and watches over them as they play and explore. She still grooms them sometimes and enjoys their company. Although she is living with other adult cats, she prefers being with her kittens or being alone. She seems to like her own space.

Miesha is a friendly kitty. Although she enjoys attention from her foster mom when she's around, she is not too needy cat. When you give Miesha scratches on her head and shoulders, she is content to stay put, lying on her side. She just purrs and soaks up the love. However, she can get overstimulated when petted on her sides and belly. Miesha will give signs to let you know when it's time to stop. Update: Miesha had some irritated spots on her skin. When her foster mom was rubbing too close to those areas, Miesha didn't like it. Since then, the areas have been shaved and medicated, and her fur is growing back.

Her ideal adopter will be an experienced guardian who understands her signals or who won't mind when she grabs your hand for some love bites and rabbit kicks. Because of this and her size, Miesha would be best suited for a family without small children.

Update: Miesha does like other cats! Her foster mom has spent more time with Miesha and has seen her interact with the other kitties. Miesha has adjusted well living with them.

Miesha showed up in the summer to eat at her future foster mom's outdoor cat colony. Seizing the opportunity to contain this beauty, her soon-to-be foster mom quickly got her into the clinic so that she could be spayed and vaccinated. At the clinic, the vet discovered Miesha was lactating, and she was released so that she could return to care for her kittens. Miesha continued to come back to eat, and she proved to be a friendly cat after all. Finally, a couple of months later, Miesha brought her 2 kittens with her. Foster mom had been expecting the kittens and was eventually able to catch them and bring the little family inside.

Read more about Miesha on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-19-418/.

Jordy is a slender boy with soft, plush black fur, 3 white whiskers, a white dot on his chest and black paw beans.

Jordy loves playtime, romping and cuddling with his sister Patsy and foster mom and is usually the first one to greet us. Jordy loves attention and he can be quite vocal when trying to get your attention. He is a small but mighty boy who knows what he wants which is lots of loves, playtime and cuddles from his humans and his sister. Jordy is a high spirited boy and is very attached to his sister Patsy and needs to be adopted with her.

Found with mom and five siblings at an apartment complex in Durham.

Read more about Jordyn on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-326/.

Patsy is an adorable black & and tan "chocolate" Tortie with distinctive tan eye liner around her eyes and half of her ears.

Patsy is a sweet, lovable and extremely playful kitten. She loves attention and will always give you a sweet open mouthed mew to get your full attention and will then proceed to tell you about her day. Patsy loves exploring, playing and wrestling or bird watching in the cat tower by the window when she's not curled up for cuddles with her foster mom. Patsy & Jordy are a high spirited and bonded pair and need to be adopted together.

Found with Mom & 5 siblings at an apt complex in Durham.

Read more about Patsy on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-329/.

Soft grey/black tabby, slender bodied and lithe. She has a longer coat, medium haired- tail like a feather duster, and crazy ear and toe hair!

Sam is a playful and sweet kitten. She LOVES toting around her favorite little stuffed lion toy (in one pic) and rough housing with her sister Sadie and foster sister Sweet Tea. She and Sweet Tea have an adorable friendship- she follows Sweet Tea around like her shadow, and they groom each other and suckle on each other... I would love for them to be adopted together. Sam is just learning to be comfortable with people indoors, and she still startles with loud noises, does not like being picked up, and sometimes still hisses when caught off guard for dramatic effect. She loves sleeping next to me on the sofa, and is starting to snuggle in my lap for naps, so I am confident she will get more and more comfortable with time. She loves pets and chin scratches and purrs so loudly, licks my fingers like grooming them. Must be adopted with Sweet Tea.

Trapped as a little kitten with her sister Sadie.m

Read more about Sam on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-362/.

Sadie is a beautiful short haired gray/black tabby. Her fur is very plush.

Sadie is a sweet and playful girl with a loud purr like a motor. She carries toy balls and feather wands all over the house, including up the stairs and onto my bed. She loves napping in the sun in the window next to my desk, getting chin rubs and back scratches, and chasing her sister Sam and foster sister Sweet Tea all over the house. She is still learning to be comfortable with people—she loves getting loved on, sleeping on/against my leg on the sofa, and is starting to cuddle in my lap, but still startles with loud noises and does not like being picked up or held. With time, she will undoubtedly get more and more comfortable- she has already come so far and is a very sweet girl. She must be adopted with her sister Sam or foster sister Sweet Tea.

Rescued from an outdoor setting as a little kitten with her sister Sam

Read more about Sadie on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-363/.

Handsome, always impeccably dressed and muscular. More pictures here!

Emil is the perfect companion. Sweet and attentive and a cuddle buddy. Loves to snatch small household items and take them to safety. Keeps his foster mom company while working from home (both) and pops in frequently to collect treats, pets and hugs. Loves to sleep on his high up cat bed as much as next to you on your bed. Gets along well with all cats in his foster home and can wait his turn. Has come a long way from being on his own and enjoys every minute of indoor life and human companionship. If you are looking for a lively companion who also likes to snuggle, you have found him! Emil is great with other cats and needs a feline companion.

Found at 3 months old as a stray living under the hood of a Sebring convertible

Read more about Emil on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-392/.

Taylor is a soft, short haired, black & tan tortoiseshell lady with green eyes.

Taylor is an exremely sweet and gentle young cat who has raised her kittens and is now happily living indoors with her new cat friends. She is still quite shy but gentle pets, soft words and patience encourage her to come quietly to you as well as enticing her with wet food. She loves the cats in her foster home and is eager for their company. You will often see her rubbing up and head bunting with her cat friends or hanging out with them on the screened porch.. She has a distinctive double mew when she wants to get your attention. Taylor doesn't really like being picked up, but when you do, she wraps her front paws around your shoulders, sniffing and rubbing her face against yours. Taylor needs a a quiet home with another laid back cat/s for companionship.

Taylor was rescued with her kittens from an apt complex in Durham in July of 2020.

Read more about Taylor on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-438/.

Lovely brown tabby with a white “pendant” on her chest.

Sweet Tea (aka Sweetie) is true to her name and so sweet! She is relatively calm for a kitten and easygoing. She loves to come and butt in for scratches when I’m petting her foster siblings. She doesn’t mind being held or carried around like a baby, but isn’t too clingy. She gets along great with new foster kittens. Though she is relatively easygoing for a kitten, she is plenty playful and loves running laps! Sweet Tea if very attached to her foster sister Sam as she and Sam are a lovely pair (Sam shadows Sweet Tea and follows her around, it’s quite an adorable little love affair). Sweet Tea should be adopted with Sam.

Trapped at a Bojangles- was underweight and sick, now thriving and loving people and the indoor life! (And she does still have a taste for fried chicken and biscuits, but I don’t let her eat them- she gets high quality kitten food now!)

Read more about Sweet Tea on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-441/.

Petite calico with green eyes

Pepper is still a kitten, and enjoying kitten life now that her maternal duties are behind her. She loves people, cheek and chin scratches, and naps in the sun. She is extremely playful (to the point where her older feline foster siblings need a break from her sometimes). She will need lots of playtime and toys, since she is still very much a kitten. She would do best in a home with a younger, active, confident cat that is looking for a devoted playmate.

Her current foster home does not have dogs, but she might be open to that. We do not believe that she would be good in a home with small children, as she is still being socialized and learning how to play.

Pepper was dumped behind a restaurant with her 5 kittens when she was just a kitten herself! Luckily a good samaritan noticed the family and picked them up. Her kittens have been adopted, and now Pepper is looking for her own forever home where she can be loved and spoiled like the kitten she still is.

Read more about Pepper on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-445/.

Bee is a classic tuxedo with long, luxurious white whiskers!

Bee is a delightful little cat. She is very cautious at first, so she'll need an adopter who gives her the space and time to feel comfortable in a new place with new people. But once she opens up to you, she wants to play and explore! She would do best in a relatively quiet home, but she gets lonely if she doesn't have a playmate, so her ideal situation would be to have a kitty playmate (between 6 months and 3 years) or to live with people who are home a lot and can play with her frequently.

She absolutely loves hiding under brown paper or tissue paper to chase the ribbon and the feather toys! She even plays fetch if she's in the right mood. When she's in a snuggling mood, she purrs all the time and wants pets -- she especially likes scritches at the base of her tail! She's experimenting with being a lap cat, and I'm able to pick her up for very brief moments. She likes to be around you, even if she's just napping or making up her own games.

Bee was rescued off the streets of Chapel Hill in fall of 2020. She likes both cats and dogs, since she stayed in a household with some other cats and a dog upon her intake to the IAR program before arriving at her current foster home. Since she was rescued as a slightly older kitten, she's very cautious around new people, but if you're patient, she'll reward you with her trust and affection!

Read more about Bee on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-482/.

Parsnip is a grey beauty with a small white locket on her chest and a patch of white on her belly.

Parsnip is a burst of energy and cuteness overload in your day. She’ll keep you entertained by chasing down every treat and toy you toss her way. Watch as she thoroughly entertains herself by curling around furniture legs and chasing her tail endlessly (she’ll get it one day, she’s sure of that!). This beautiful girl can be shy at first, but once she’s ready she is a whirlwind of fun that will melt next to you and purr up a storm when the head scratches begin. Her favorite activities include chasing the wand toys, always keeping one ear open to listen for the treat container, and subduing her fuzzy toys then trilling with satisfaction as she proudly walks across the house with them.

Parsnip and her brother Carrot are bonded, and are hoping to find a forever home together.

Parsnip and her siblings were found in the community with their mom.

Read more about Parsnip on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-489/.

Soft coated pretty green eyed kitten

Freya is a gentle kitten who rolls on her side and enjoys being petted.She does well with everyone. Keeps herself busy when there is no one to entertain her.
She lives with two dogs and doesn't play with them but is not afraid of them either. She has had little interaction with young children and is a little timid at first so would be happier in a quiet home.

found running down the center of a busy road as a small kitten.

Read more about Freya on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-558/.

Carrot is an all-black floofy goofball of love.

Carrot is a sweet bundle of happy purrs and cheerful trills, ready to fill his forever home with play and adventure. While he is shy at first, once he warms up this adorable boy will purr up a storm as he flops over to get belly rubs then curls up for a nap nearby. He’ll spend hours entertaining himself (at his sister Parsnip’s expense, or the other way around), interspersed with spells of bird-watching through the window and bouts of staring adoringly at his humans until he gets treats out of them. In due time, he’ll be ready to wrap you in love and devotion.

His favorite activities are chasing after and wrestling his sister Parsnip (and her tail), watching his humans as they cook, melting into a puddle of purrs when getting brushed, and finding new ways to get as many treats out of you as he can. His cuteness hasn’t failed him yet in that regard.

Carrot and his sister Parsnip are bonded, and are hoping to find a forever home together.

Carrot and his siblings were found in the community with their mom.

Read more about Carrot on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-596/.

Tang is an orange tabby with white highlights.

Tang is friendly and happy to be touched on head and neck, not on the belly and legs yet. He's not a lap cat or liking being picked up though and he gets pretty active while being relaxed. He may be a bit shy in the beginning and dart into the corner upon noises. He is a sensitive boy and will be nervous to noises With that said, Tang will be happiest t in a quiet homes with a patient and loving human. He is a very lovely boy who you will fall in love with if you give him the chance he deserves. Tang has a little of his ear tipped as we thought he would go back to his colony but he quickly showed us that he could like life indoors.

Tang was part of a large community of stray cats. He came to us at 8 months so he is getting used to living life indoors.

Read more about Tang on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-599/.

Tux is a tuxedo with all white toes.

Tux likes to watch the chaos unfold before joining in. She's a little bit shy, but comes out of her shell once she sees her siblings having so much fun. She loves pets, but right now prefers to take them on the ground, thank you very much! She loves to play with mice and dancer toys, and usually cuddles up next to Stripes for some rest.

Tux must be adopted with one of her siblings. She gets along best with Stripes (they're both a little shy) but would do well with any of them.

She's curious about the resident dog and cats, but hasn't gotten too close, as she prefers to keep playing with her toys.

Tux was found with her brothers and sister next to a trash can in her foster parent's neighborhood. They were pulled inside one cold night and immediately took to indoor life using the litter box and demanding food every waking moment.

Read more about Tux on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-617/.

Stripes is a cutie! Named for his distinctive tabby stripes, he's a bundle of energy and loves to play with dancer toys.

Stripes loves to pounce, and is beginning to enjoy cuddling. He cuddle puddles with his brother and sisters all the time, and doesn't mind being held at all. He loves to jump around and chase Splotch, Tux, and Boots, and oftentimes ends up king of the cat tree.

Stripes isn't scared of his foster parents' resident dog, and is curious about the giant cat residents too!

Stripes must be adopted with one of his siblings. He gets along best with Tux (they're both a little shy) but would do well with any of them.

Stripes was found with his brother and two sisters next to a trash can in his foster parent's neighborhood. They were pulled inside one cold night and immediately took to indoor life using the litter box and demanding food every waking moment.

Stripes must be adopted with one of his siblings. He gets along best with Tux (they're both a little shy) but would do well with any of them.

Read more about Stripes on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-620/.

Jerry is a short-haired, completely orange gentleman with gorgeous bright eyes.

Jerry is a big guy with an even bigger heart! Estimated to be around 2 years old, Jerry still has some young playful energy and loves to play with his ball on a track toy and chase after feather wands. After playtime, Jerry is looking for a comfy human to cuddle with. He is a lap cat and will keep you warm all winter long. He is great about being picked up, nail trims and even goes into his carrier when asked. He has been the perfect gentleman at his foster home and has done well with the resident cat and dog, but he would also do well as a single cat with a human who has lots of love to give and is home often.

Jerry was a regular visitor to a retirement community and is looking for his forever home.

Read more about Jerry on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-20-633/.

Soft and fluffy Tortoiseshell lady. A petite little one.

Looking for a calm and caring companion? I'll be your girl. I am a beautiful, calm girl with a sweet personality and easy going temperment. I spent some scary time outside by myself so it takes me a minute to trust humans, but once I know you are good, I'm all yours. I love to be pet and do my best to calm you and bring your blood pressure down. I'm looking for a quieter home to call our sanctuary where we can meditate and maybe I'll join you for some yoga. I like my foster cat sibling but I would do well as an only cat also. I also am open to meeting kind dogs. Older, mature children are my favorite. Meet me today.

Angel was found as a lonely stray in the community. No owners were found.

Read more about Angel on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-21-003/.

sleek black and white kitten with pretty black and white face markings

Pie is a happy and playful kitten. Enjoys being stroked and playing with toys. Quite an adventurer but very well mannered (so far!).
He must go to a home with another kitten from IAR unless there is a playful young cat already in the home.

stray

Read more about Pie on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/cats/c-21-011/.

Mellie is a very attractive small hound mix with a white, brown and black coat. Watch her video of Mellie's gay abandon while playing with her doggie friend.

Mellie can be very anxious at times. In her foster home she enjoys being with us, sleeping on the couch and spending time in the yard. But she is shy of visitors and is sometimes too timid to come back indoors if she feels new people have been in the house. We haven't managed to get her to walk on the leash and would not adopt her to anyone who wants a dog who must. She will require a home with a very secure fenced yard - at least 6 feet, wooden privacy preferred, which touches the ground. She is frightened if she is not in the yard or the house so trips to the park or walks are not for her. She needs to go to someone who will love her as she is even though we do of course hope that she will continue her very gradual confidence building.

Mellie likes the cats and tries to play with them but resigns herself to the fact they may only want to curl up with her - lazy old things that they are!

Mellie was found as a stray with her puppies in someone's backyard. She had been seen running around the neighborhood and was thought to be abandoned.

Read more about Mellie on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-15-152/.

Usagi is an adorable stocky little mix—mostly white, with large brown patches and some small, dark polka dots. She is short and muscular with adorable chunky paws. Her big bunny ears usually stand straight up, but sometimes her right ear flops over. Usagi has stunningly gorgeous blue and gold eyes, and a mottled pink and brown nose.

With her foster family, Usagi is an extremely affectionate little hunk of love. A master of snuggles, she will happily either lie on top of her humans, sprawl out next to them, curl up in the curve of their legs, or smoosh in-between them; big spoon, little spoon—she loves it all. One of her most favorite activities is belly rubs. She will flop onto her back, with paws dangling, and extort all the belly rubs she can. She loves her toys and all food.

Usagi loves to chase a ball, and can run faster and jump higher/farther than most, which would make her great for any type of agility games and training. She occasionally gets the most adorable zoomies and will race in circles, grab a toy, and buck like a little bronco. She is sooooo endearing and provides endless entertainment.

Usagi is very smart and eager to please. She has learned Sit, Down, Stay, Up, Roll over, Spin, Lay on your side, Go to your mat, Wait/Hold (for food or when doors open), Leave it, Come, Kennel up (Go to crate), and a few others! Here’s one of the tricks she now knows: she can lie down, with treats lined up on her legs and muzzle, and then, when given the “Okay” cue, she will gobble them up! Usagi generally walks beautifully on a leash. She is a quick study and would likely be happy to learn any trick requested.

These are just some examples of Usagi’s amazing qualities and lovable personality. She is, however, very fearful of new things including dogs and people. She has made progress, but in her forever home Usagi will need a patient pet parent/family who will continue to work with her slowly while she builds confidence.

Usagi currently lives with a dog and a cat, but as she has not met most other animals well, she will need to be the only animal in her new home. Her very rambunctious playstyle and bullish affection would also likely overwhelm small children. Usagi is getting braver but still needs very slow introductions to new humans. So, she would not do well in a house with lots of visitors or with people who travel a lot.

Usagi completely melts her foster humans with her sweet, affectionate gaze, the press of one of her meaty little paws, or the smooshing of her blocky head against their cheeks. She will bring boundless love, affection, and laughs to her forever home, and needs loving, caring people to help her feel safe.

For more pictures and videos of Usagi (some with the resident and former dogs in her foster home), check out the Instagram handle @dexeducation.

Usagi came from a local shelter.

Read more about Usagi on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-18-031/.

Ketch is black, white, and tan with floppy ears, and white under her chin and down the front of her neck. Although she has no tail, she wags her little stump.

A smart, strong-willed dog, Ketch needs a job to do. Obedience, agility or nosework training would be best. Alternatively, she can be someone’s running partner (she is very athletic). She does require plenty of exercise, both physical (walks, running, agility) and mental (obedience and trick training, impulse control training). Ketch is highly motivated by food and loves to play with toys, which makes training easier. She can, however, be very stubborn at times, so training her requires some effort. We are currently working on basic obedience training with her (Ketch is a jumper and a very strong puller) and impulse control. We are looking for an experienced dog owner who enjoys dog training and is not intimidated by a challenge.

Ketch loves people, but her high energy level makes her unsuitable for families with young children. Ketch has been introduced to other dogs, but she is, unfortunately, not good with them. She will only be adopted to experienced dog owners that currently do not have any other dogs (and do not plan to add new dogs to their family in the future). She cannot be trusted with cats or other small animals, either. Ketch is currently undergoing behavior modification training, which will hopefully make her reactivity to other dogs less prominent. However, we will still only adopt her to single-dog homes.

Ketch is fully crate- and house-trained. She still has a tendency to chew on inappropriate objects, but providing enough exercise and appropriate chewing items is enough to alleviate this problem. Ketch is healthy, full of energy, and waiting for a patient human who is willing to invest time and energy in her training to help her reach her full potential.

Ketch was found as a stray and spent several months at a local shelter. While at the shelter, the volunteers spent time working with her, teaching her some basic skills, socializing her in playgroups, and even teaching her to navigate a couple of agility obstacles.

Read more about Ketch on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-18-050/.

Hugo Lionheart is the most handsome young boy, solid and athletic. His coat is red, and he has a subtle black face mask, with a white star on his chest. His left ear always flops to the right, which adds more character to his already endearing and expressive face!

Hugo Lionheart loves love!

He has such a fantastic personality: very friendly and affectionate, curious, playful, and extremely intelligent. Hugo is wonderfully eager to please, especially after a good play session and with some good treats.

This boy is friendly to everyone he meets, dogs and kids included, although has not been around cats.

Hugo needs walks and exercise like any big boy, but does love to settle in with a good chew toy wherever you are. A sturdy fenced yard would be a plus, but he is used to getting most of his exercise on a leash and does a lot of his playtime with toys in the house. He's a 'play hard, rest hard' kind of boy; by no means an endurance athlete. He will sploot flat on his belly wherever his is when he needs a break 🙂

Regular walks and play will be key to his success as a good house companion. He does well with routine and structure and needs a home that will provide regular quiet time in his kennel, where he is calm and content. Leash manners are mostly good, and he is highly motivated by treats.

Hugo is a very strong chewer and needs toys designed for his kind of play . He loves his food and toys, but is gentle and willing to give them up to his person without complaint. However, his ultra expressive eyebrows will certainly convince you to give his toys right back!

He doesn't seem to understand why his size might be an obstacle to being a lapdog, and enjoys a good full body hug. As Hugo could easily knock someone over, we only allow laps and hugs on invite :).

Hugo prefers to be with his people, but does very well in his crate without anxiety for 4-5 hours at a time. He rarely barks, but sometimes kind of talks to get your attention.

Hugo Lionheart came from a local shelter.

Read more about Hugo Lionheart on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-051/.

Tate has a beautiful reddish coat with touches of white and a sleek, compact build.

Tate is a very sweet, affectionate boy. He loves to be with people all the time and sneak in a lick to your face when he can! He also adores other dogs and needs a home with another canine companion to play with, to help reinforce his confidence, and to take cues about what is right. Tate also needs a fenced yard (he loves running around!).

He is very smart and learns very quickly. He takes enormous pleasure in his toys, Kongs, and chews. Crate- and house-trained, Tate sleeps through the night and never touches household belongings.

Initially sky and skittish, Tate needed some time to learn to trust—but his love for contact and cuddles with people helped him overcome his fears!

Tate came from a rural shelter.

Read more about Tate on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-068/.

Zion is a beautiful tan and dark brown brindle color with white on his chest and belly. One ear sticks straight up and the other flops down.

He may not be named for Zion Williamson, but he would definitely shatter the Duke canine vertical jump record! In addition to his impressive jumping ability (don’t worry, he has had no interest in jumping fences), Zion’s award-winning smile and incredible athleticism continue the analogy. Zion could certainly beat Carolina down the court—or at least accompany you on a nice jog, followed up by some play time. As an added bonus, Zion sometimes uses walks as an opportunity to get in some resistance training, although he has been using a no-pull harness to tamp down on his fitness urges. He also loves to stop and sniff. Everyone has to take it easy sometimes, after all! Zion’s amiable nature makes him a good companion for dogs who can match his energy level, although he definitely has a dominant personality. On leash, Zion has done extremely well with every dog he has met. He might not have a degree from Duke, but Zion is an A+ student. He can already sit, lay down, stay, leave it and give a nice high five. Because he is so smart, Zion will need a good coach to keep his progress going. After a hard day of press interviews, this social butterfly loves nothing better than to curl up on the couch and cuddle. He falls into a deep sleep with his head in your lap and wags his adorable, crooked tail to sweet dreams of playing with his favorite people. If you're relaxed, Zion will just hang out. If you want to go out and adventure, Zion is all in! Smart, lovable, and easy on the eyes...what can’t he do?

Like the former Duke favorite and future NBA great, Zion values one thing above all else: family. Zion doesn’t like to be left alone, and can become upset if his team isn’t around to have his back. Zion would do best in a house where someone in the family works from home or in a family with opposite work schedules. Zion has been responding well to anxiety medication and could also do well in a household where his people can arrange for some afternoon attention or come home for lunch. Because of his separation anxiety, Zion is still working on becoming comfortable spending time in a crate and cannot yet be left alone in a crate. His loud bark would definitely reach the press box in Cameron Indoor Stadium, and he often uses it from his perch at the front window to let you know that your Amazon package has arrived (thanks, Z!). For this reason, he would do best in a stand-alone home with a fenced yard. Zion also moonlights as a counter-surfer—cowabunga! Because of his fascination with all things small and furry (helloooo, squirrels!), we think that Zion would likely not be the best companion for feline friends, although he has not been cat tested. He’s still young and has a lot to learn, but with some patience and training, Zion will be a Hall-of-Famer for sure.

Zion was an unclaimed stray at a rural shelter.

Read more about Zion on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-119/.

Bleu Diamond has a short, beautiful ash-gray coat with white on her neck, chest, and tips of her feet. Her gray eyes are perfectly color-coordinated with her coat!

Bleu Diamond is a happy little girl who is learning all about the joys of being a valued family member and navigating a new world! A bit shy at first when meeting new people, she will quickly show off her wiggly butt and happy face after a sniff or two. Bleu Diamond is more reserved around men, so she needs a few more minutes to warm up. She needs to be an only dog with an active family. This is a Velcro girl, who is most relaxed when she is around her people.

Bleu Diamond is very curious and playful, and loves running after her toys and chewing on her bones and thick-braided ropes. She is looking for a home with a fenced-in backyard so she can zoom around and roll in the soft grass. Although she's energetic, when it's naptime, she is happy to curl up in her crate or on her blankets. Very eager to please and highly food-motivated, Bleu Diamond is making tremendous progress in her training. She is house-trained and crate-trained, knows Sit and Down, and is working on her leash training. There is so much to sniff and investigate and . . . um, including things on the kitchen counter!

Bleu Diamond will need her forever family to commit to building her confidence and transitioning into their world. She tells me she is looking forward to sharing some serious laptime as a pampered princess!

Bleu Diamond's owners had to move and could not take her with them.

Read more about Bleu Diamond on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-141/.

Suki is a gorgeous white dog with black spots and big, sweet brown eyes. Her coat is soft and silky.

Suki is a gentle, low-energy sweetheart who loves leisurely walks and relaxing. She is quite independent, no-nonsense, and spends the majority of her days resting and napping. Because of partial hearing loss, she has a loud Woof, so she would do best in a free-standing house rather than an apartment or a condo.

She is completely house-trained and can be left unsupervised and uncrated with no issues. Suki has been the only pet in her foster home, so her ability to live with other dogs, cats, or young children is unknown. However, on our daily walks around the neighborhood, she is great when meeting other dogs, has a couple of toddler-aged human friends who give her full-body hugs and treats while she wags her tail, and even has a neighborhood kitty friend who walks up to her and flops on his back while she sniffs and nuzzles him.

We have had a couple of doggy playdates, and Suki wears out pretty easily and has trouble settling with another dog around. She would do well as an only dog, but may be able to live with a calm canine companion. Suki occasionally barks to communicate with her people that she wants food or to go outside.

Most details of her history are unknown, but it is clear that she has had multiple litters of puppies. In just a few short months, Suki has transformed from timid and depressed to happy and bright-eyed. This strong and gentle girl now wags her tail, gives kisses, and loves being petted.

Suki is an absolutely adorable dog, and will make a wonderful companion in her forever home. She just needs a loving, caring home where she can relax, continue to blossom, and lead a secure and happy life.

Suki was surrendered to a rural shelter.

Read more about Suki on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-170/.

Nolan is a handsome large dog, primarily medium brown with black on his back and tail, and splashes of white on his muzzle, chest, and paws.

Nolan is a terrific guy, looking to be in a loving household as the only pet in an adult family. He tends to be more naturally trusting of women, but can warm up to men once he knows them and their good intentions.

A smart fellow who is quick to learn, Nolan is happy to chill and relax with you in the house, and then head out with you on a brisk walk. Nolan has good leash manners and does well when meeting other dogs while out on his walks. He appreciates a good roll on the grass and would love a fenced-in yard.

Nolan is a gentleman inside, and is both house- and crate-trained. He enjoys his stuffed toys to chew on and wrestle with. He can quickly identify his own toys and leave your belongings alone. Did we mention that he’s very smart?

So that’s the package! If you are looking for a loyal, loving, intelligent companion, why not ask to meet Nolan? He is looking for the same!

Nolan came into a local shelter as a stray.

Read more about Nolan on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-178/.

Sadie Grove is black and white with short fur.

Sadie Grove is a sweet and affectionate pooch who warmed right up to us! She has the biggest smile and loves to greet you with wiggles and wags. Check out Sadie's video and you will likely fall in love like we have!

Sadie is crate- and house-trained; and she knows several commands including Sit, Lie down, Stay, Go crate, and Away. She loves belly rubs and will ask for them by flopping over onto her back. She will also put her paw up to ask for pets. But she understands if it's not time for pets and will give you space. Sadie enjoys playing fetch and brings the ball back (when she wants to) 🙂

She needs an owner who will stick to a training routine and who has a fenced-in yard. During walks, she gets very excited when she sees animals and sometimes people. Sadie's main exercise is in the backyard and she should only get walked early in the morning or late at night. Sadie is currently receiving professional training to work on her 'stranger danger' and leash reactivity, and her foster parents are seeing improvement every week.

Sadie is looking forward to a dedicated and loving furever home!

Sadie Grove was found in a field.

Read more about Sadie Grove on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-200/.

Mack Star is tan with white, black, and gray highlights, and long, floppy ears.

Mack Star is full of love for his people. Shy at first, he is quick to trust you
as long as you sit beside him and rub him on his head. He will sit with you so happily when he is being scratched behind his ears. In the morning, he does a full series of yoga stretches to start the day! He takes leash walks with his foster sister, but requests a fenced yard. Mack Star loves to run around his yard and throw his toys in the air. He is very fast!! He is crate-trained and house-trained. Mack Star gets along with other dogs once he feels comfortable. He has grown to greatly enjoy playing with the foster family dog. He will be a truly devoted companion. Mack has a heart as large as the universe, and would love to be the new shining star in your life!

Mack Star was found as a stray in a rural county.

Read more about Mack Star on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-219/.

Willie is a lanky pup with golden short, soft hair. He has splashes of white including on his face and toes, floppy ears, a long tail, and the kindest brown eyes.

Willie has earned a nickname of Gentleman Willie! His calm demeanor is so comforting. He is very low key and while he enjoys being around people, he doesn't like to be the center of attention. Willie is shy, but warms up when you sit beside him or crouch next to him and give him head pats. Chin scratches are his favorite!

Willie gets along great with his foster dog brother. He is starting to "play bow" to his foster parents, but hasn't started to initiate play with his foster dog brother yet. Willie enjoys running around the backyard and has recently started playing chase with his foster parents!

Willie's dog bed is his favorite part of the house. Most days you'll find him lounging in his dog bed, always with his paws crossed (see photos).

He is house-trained and crate-trained. Willie is comfortable roaming free in the house and doesn't need to be crated unless we are leaving for several hours. Overnight he sleeps soundly in his dog bed or near the nearest heat vent! He has begun to explore our house and has found a new favorite spot on the couch near a sunny window.

Morning times are when Willie is most full of energy! He runs around in circles and wags his tail vivaciously (check him out in the video from Christmas morning!).

Willie is learning to walk on a leash and has made such big improvements as we've worked with him! He is scared of loud noises, like large trucks driving by, so walking him on trails or less-busy streets would be great as he gains confidence. Following IAR’s shy dog protocol is key to his success: We recommend using a double-leash method when walking Willie: one leash on his collar and one leash on his harness or a slip lead. Having two leashes will ensure he remains in your care even if gets spooked during his walk. He gets more and more brave every day!

Willie isn't a high energy dog, so he would be happy with an apartment or a stand alone house. Because of his fear of loud noises, Willie would love a quiet environment to call home so he is able to relax more easily and come out of his shell.

If you're looking for low-key companion, Willie is your guy!

Willie came into IAR from a rural shelter.

Read more about Willie on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-221/.

Beverly has a beautiful and very soft black coat, with brown brindle on her legs, and small patches of white on her mouth and chest. And the perkiest ears!

Beverly (Bevie for short) always has a smile for you and is the ultimate cuddlebug! She wants to be by your side as much as possible—and there’s nothing she loves more than lying near, or on, her humans while they pet her and tell her how sweet she is! She makes an excellent study mate or WFH companion; and she has a playful side and absolutely loves squeaky toys.

She loves being outside, so a fenced yard would be a plus but not required. Bevie hasn’t been in a home with cats; but she does try to chase small animals outside, so a home with cats would not be the right fit. However, she loves meeting new humans and other dogs, and could thrive as an only pet or with another medium-energy dog.

Bevie is house-trained and crate-trained. She sleeps well in her crate throughout the night and has been getting used to hanging out in her crate during the day (the most I’ve left her is 3 hours, but she could likely go a bit more). She enjoys treats and responds so well to praise, so she is easy to train. Bevie is doing a great job learning to walk nicely on a leash. She knows Sit, Down, Stay, Crate (mostly), and we’re working on Leave It; she would love to learn more commands! Bevie would do well in a variety of homes.

Beverly was found as a stray and taken to a local shelter.

Read more about Beverly on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-224/.

Cooper Boy is a short-haired black dog with white spots on his chest and back paws.

Cooper Boy is the sweetest doggo! He is gentle, calm and loves to hang with his human and (dog) foster sister, Anna.

As he is shy and reserved at first, he needs some time to adjust to new people, environments, and situations. But then he warms up quickly. His favorite thing is lying on a comfortable couch for a rest or nap. Cooper gets along great with other dogs, and his foster sister has helped him adjust to his new environment. He also gets along well with cats!

He is looking for a home with a fenced-in yard, ideally with another friendly canine companion. Cooper is completely house-trained and can be trusted alone in the house uncrated and unsupervised. Cooper is sometimes startled by loud noises, but we have not heard him bark even once!

Cooper is cautious when approached with a leash or harness and does not enjoy the process of being fitted with the harness, but enjoys walks once they start. He has great leash manners and enjoys short walks around the neighborhood.

In only a few weeks of being in his foster home, he has blossomed and is very welcoming of being petted and cuddled. He is somewhat independent, but is happiest when he is around people. He will be your best friend and companion. He is the best dog!

Cooper Boy's family surrendered him to a local shelter for financial reasons.

Read more about Cooper Boy on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-227/.

Xena the Warrior Princess is orange and white with beautiful golden eyes. She is tall and slightly spindly and has bunny legs!

Xena the Warrior Princess has such a warm, inquisitive face and a great smile. She loves to play, even playing fetch by herself—she will throw her toys in the air and jump along after them! And she will roll around like Roly-Poly. She is a goofy dog and we find her to be pretty hilarious. Xena is also very curious, and so sweet and affectionate, and loves to be held like a little baby.

She needs a secure fenced-in yard and a home where she can get plenty of exercise. Xena loves people and is good with everyone she has met (no kids yet) as well as with other dogs. So we are looking for a family who has another doggy to be her friend.

We have been working on her manners, and she can now respond to her name, sit on command, and walk on a leash without pulling. She is a fast learner and quickly learned to sit at the baby gate and wait for us to walk through and give her a treat instead of jumping on us or the gate. In her downtime, Xena loves to chew on hard bones and chew toys. She is house-trained as long as we keep to a schedule (taking her out about every 5 hours). She is also crate-trained and does well in her crate when we leave the apartment (confirmed by our neighbors who have heard no barking or howling!).

She is still young and at times has puppy energy. So she will need initial guidance to ensure she is well mannered. Xena truly just wants love and comfort, and needs a guiding hand to learn how to properly give and receive that. Now that she has become more comfortable and is learning indoor manners, she has begun to flourish.

If you’re looking for a lifelong adventure buddy, Xena is your girl!

Xena the Warrior Princess came to us from a rural shelter.

Read more about Xena the Warrior Princess on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-20-241/.

Jake has a soft, low-shed coat with velvety ears. He has a blaze of white on his chest and a bit of white on his muzzle.

If Gentleman Jake were in high school, he would win the Most Well Rounded Award. Gentleman Jake is precisely that—a gentleman. He is quiet and respectful, and very affectionate but not needy. He will sit quietly with you or in a nearby room while you work or cook, but will happily go on a walk (he is great on a leash!).

Jake is also quiet in the car, completely housebroken, and sleeps through the night in his crate.

He gets along great with the resident dogs—happy to play or leave them alone, based on their vibe at the time. There are no children in his foster home, but Jake is reported to have been good with kids. He has a history of chasing cats.

Jake will make a terrific companion for someone who wants an easygoing, loving, well-adjusted, endearing dog.

Jake's owner could no longer care for him.

Read more about Gentleman Jake on the Independent Animal Rescue website at https://animalrescue.net/dogs/d-21-008/.