The Washington Capitals’ five-day break between games has been filled with good pups, who themselves have been filling the Stanley Cup. The dog calendar has raised oodles of money for the Homeward Trails animal rescue in the past, but there’s always the matter of the pups themselves, many of whom still need homes.
Here now let us tell you about some world-champion doggos, and how you could make one of them a part of your family.
If you’re not ready for a dog right now, please instead consider donating to the area non-profit rescue organization that manages these dogs, Homeward Trails. Also, we’d greatly appreciate if you could help spread the word by sharing this story with friends and family.
Alexander Hamilton with Braden Holtby
Like his namesake, Alexander Hamilton is good with children. (The Hamiltons had eight kids and adopted a ninth; I don’t know if that’s in the musical or not.) A young border collie, Hamilton is currently with a foster home where is described as “spunky, smart, friendly, and curious.” All that energy means he’d be best in a home that already has a dog, though preferably not a dog named Aaron Burr, as that would inevitably get awkward.
Learn more about adopting Hamilton
Bellatrix Lestrange with Tom Wilson
Don’t let her name fool you; Bellatrix is a sweetheart. Currently in a foster situation, this four-year-old great dane was rescued from a “horrible abuse case” (oh dear). Unlike the eldest daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black, Bellatrix the dog is a good girl who is just a little cautious around new people and big houses. If you make yours her forever home, there’s a 95 percent chance you’ll just call her “Bella” except when you want her off the couch, then you use her full name and you’ll sound sassy like Molly Weasley.
Learn more about adopting Bellatrix
Potter with Devante Smith-Pelly
Potter is an Aussie cattle dog / blue heeler mix, which means he’s thoughtful and athletic – and that makes it all the more shameful that he spent much of his first year of life chained up in a back yard. It’s time for Potty (that’s my nickname for him; you’re not allowed to call him that …yet) to have some big adventures to match his big heart. When you’re taking him for a brisk hike at Maryland Heights, you can tell folks that you rescued Potter from an unhappy home where he slept under the stairs like Harry, but now he’s living happily ever after.
Learn more about adopting Potter
Fire with Michal Kempny
Lest you get it twisted, the good folks at Homeward Trails want you to know that the senior chi mix called Fire is actually quite the mellow little lady. She probably doesn’t even want to set the world ablaze until all is naught but dust and ash, as long as she gets her belly rubs. Nonetheless, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that you consider bringing her into your life. Fire’s an easygoing lass who likes car rides and hikes in the woods, which she probably hasn’t even once thought about burning it all down just to watch the people scream and cry. P.S. Fire is a bit shy (like all firestarters, I’m told) around new folks, but she gets along great with her other cohabiting dog, so this snuggly person would be a good addition to your family, who will definitely all survive her unholy wrath.
Learn more about adopting Fire
Flaca with Madison Bowey
From the Spanish word for skinny, Flaca ironically clocks in at a solid 83 pounds. This senior retriever mix was rescued from Puerto Rico and has chosen to settle in the DMV area in hopes that she will keep you company as you watch the Caps defend their Cup title from the comfort of your couch. Flaca’s foster describes her as easygoing and indefatigably amiable, with a surprising amount of play in her for a lady who is twelve years young. If you’ve got a quiet home and any measurable amount of love in your heart, Flaca could be right for you.
Learn more about adopting Flaca
Reba with Travis Boyd
Reba was rescued out of North Carolina just in time to avoid the disaster there, sort of like Dougie Hamilton but in reverse. Reba is intelligent, and Reba is curious, and it occurs to me that there aren’t nearly enough people and animals named Reba in this world. Just the sound of the word – Reba – feels right, like it has the vibrational frequency of some important universal constant. Reba has a brilliant life ahead of her filled with exploration and friendship, and a forever home that could offer her some training would be a huge success, much like Dougie Hamilton in North Carolina.
Learn more about adopting Reba
Lulu with Christian Djoos
Friends, have you ever met a bluetick hound? Blueticks are like that friend you have who deep down you know is too good-looking and smart and kind to be friends with a miserable schmuck like you. Lulu is exactly like that friend, except she’s a dog, and she’ll never stop returning your texts and go on a girls weekend to Punta Cana without even inviting you. Lulu is a virtuoso on a leash, and she enjoys a good walk because it gives her an opportunity to hone her craft. Beyond that, she’s an easygoing dame who will get along with everybody, brighten up your day, and look real good in family photos.
Learn more about adopting Lulu
Taz with Nathan Walker
Who’s the chocolate and white hound mix
That’s a sweet boy to all the humans? (Taz!)
You’re damn right
Who is the 10-month-old pupper who would risk his neck for his brother, dogs? (Taz!)
Can ya dig it?
Who’s the doggo that won’t cop out when there’s danger all about? (Taz!)
Right on
You see this dog Taz is a crate-trained pupper (Shut your mouth)
But I’m talkin’ about Taz (Then we can dig it)
He’s a Pennsylvania dog but you can adopt him and bring him to the Caps-viewing area (Taz!)
There are a handful (um, literally, as they’re very small) of other pups who may become available for adoption soon. We’ll keep an eye out. In the meantime, at the bottom of this semi-silly article, I want to offer a very serious testimonial. I adopted my first rescue bulldog a little over ten years ago, and it was easily the best decision I’ve ever made. Caring for Emmy (and later for Georgia) was a lot of work, but it taught me about what kind of person I wanted to be. I’ve been without Georgia for almost a year now, but reading about these special dogs and imagining their lives in their new homes and writing about them in hopes to bring them there has been pure joy for me. Thank you for reading.
Photos: Cara Bahniuk and Elizabeth Kong. Additional reporting by Cara Bahniuk.
