a brown puppy tries to catch treats

Ask Crystal: Turning Crazy for Treats into Productive Training

Dear Crystal,  My pup is very food motivated. As soon as we start training, she gets so excited for treats that she randomly starts performing commands that I didn't ask for (sits, lays down, runs to her bed and waits, lays in her crate).…
a very small long haired dog cuddles with a stuffed toy
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Rocky’s Happy Tail

Happy Tail Tuesday, friends!   This week we have an wonderful update on Rocky! Rocky came to Blue Ridge Humane along with Precious (now known as Gerty and our Happy Tail two weeks ago!) and Sterling. All three dogs needed…
a small light brown puppy lays in a crate with the door open

Ask Crystal: Investigating Destructive Crate Behavior

Dear Crystal,    What to do if my dog keeps pooping in her kennel? She is chewing the floor underneath her kennel and destroys the house at any chance she gets. She has big behavior issues and we have altered her kennel so she has a…
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Photo Contest Winners Announced

The 2022 “You Can’t But Love But You Can Adopt It” Photo Contest delivered a wonderful selection of photos and stories celebrating a rescue pets second chance at love and a home. Our panel of judges were tasked with choosing their favorites…
a collage of 4 photos of a tabby cat playing
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Meet Starburst – Adopted!

Today's Featured Pet is Starburst - Adopted! Starburst is colorful and so sweet just like her name! She is very a talented young lady, who excels in treat hunting, snuggling,…
A black dog with white markings on his chest
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Meet Alfedo – Adopted!

Today's Featured Pet is Alfredo - Adopted! Meet Alfredo! Alfredo is a friendly, loving and super chill companion. He enjoys playing with toys and the foster's dog but he isn't a…
A small brown puppy sitting

Ask Crystal: Puppy Potty Training Troubleshooting

Hi Crystal, We rescued a 7-month-old puppy from a friend who couldn’t keep him and we’re having trouble crate training. The puppy loves the crate, goes in and out and doesn’t make too much noise in the crate. We bring him straight…
Cover for 2022 winter newsletter featuring a light tan large dog

2021 Numbers and Looking Forward to 2022

Hot Off the Press! Find out about the impact we made in 2021, animals helped, and our 2021 numbers!
A white cat with green eyes and grey spot on his left ear
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Meet Patches!

Today's Featured Pet is Patches! This is Patches! He is an incredible cat. He landed with us after several years in a home when his person had to be placed into an assisted living…
a high-colored dog sits on its rear paws to "high five" a woman crouched down in front of it

Ask Crystal: Protective Dog Keeps Owner to Self

Dear Crystal,  I have a miniature poodle that I have trained from 10 weeks. Circumstances meant that he spent a LOT of time with me in the first two years and he's very attached now. Mostly, this is good. Negatively, it means he can…