Kringle, an adorable, happy, tail-wagging rescue dog, has the prestigious designation of being the 1,000th dog adopted from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) in 2024. The goal was to reach 1,000 adoptions by the end of the year, and as of one week ago there were still 31 more rescue dogs that needed to get adopted to achieve that total.
The volunteers knew Kringle wouldn’t be around ODHS for long, as he has a charming personality, gives plenty of kisses and craves belly rubs. Only at ODHS for a few weeks, Kringle won the hearts of everyone he met, especially his new family.
Bobbye Wardlow, of Stafford, heard about ODHS’s “couch surfer” program, where families could welcome a rescue dog into their homes temporarily. A popular foster program because rescue dogs have a chance to get out of the facility for a brief time, as well as being a great way for people to get to know a dog’s personality before adopting, it was just the thing to tempt Wardlow to bring Kringle home.
“We went to ODHS and met Kringle, who was so quiet and sweet, said Wardlow. “I wanted to take him home and give him some calm out of the rescue. “Once we got him home, he stayed super sweet and reserved.”
The following morning, Wardlow decided she wanted to adopt Kringle. She renamed him Tandy and said he’s gentle and a Velcro dog now. By adopting him, Wardlow unknowingly made him the 1,000th dog to be adopted from ODHS in 2024. To add to the celebrations, ODHS exceeded the goal by having 1,005 dogs adopted before the year’s end.
“ODHS is so thankful to the community, which has supported the rescue and helped in the goal of finding the perfect homes for these 1,000-plus dogs,” said Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder. “The best gift during the holiday season and throughout the year is to ensure that all of our rescues are matched with loving homes. The community has welcomed these rescues—from puppies to adults to seniors—with open arms.”
While ODHS reached the milestone, it continues to take in dogs from high-kill shelters, mistreatment and neglect situations and surrenders because owners can no long care for them. The nonprofit organization doesn’t turn dogs away if they come with challenges beyond needing a home--some are blind, deaf, three-legged and elderly. Caring adopters have given them a second chance at a good life. Currently, more than 140 dogs are still waiting to be adopted to get their chance at truly wonderful lives.