Gaston

Meet Gaston!<br/><br/>***Foster Family Update!***<br/><br/>Foster Update: Sweet Gaston <br/><br/>Gaston has been with us for about a month now, and it's been incredibly heartwarming to watch him make steady, meaningful progress. When he first arrived, the world felt very big and overwhelming - but with time, patience, and love, he's already begun to show us just how special he is.<br/><br/>At home, Gaston is a total sweetheart. He loves being near his people and often chooses to nap right next to me whenever he can. When things get a little busy or loud, he's learned to advocate for himself by heading to his crate, which has become his safe and comforting space - especially when guests are over.<br/><br/>Gaston is still building confidence outside the home, but he's taking brave little steps forward. He did wonderfully during a visit to my in-laws' house, and while walks are still something he approaches cautiously, he's learning that staying close by your side can feel safe and reassuring. When he feels unsure, he may pull a bit on the leash, but more often than not, he's content walking quietly alongside you.<br/><br/>Social situations and new environments can still be a lot for Gaston. We've been gently introducing more outings, and while he may shake when feeling overwhelmed, he's showing us that with continued positive experiences and a calm, supportive handler, he can keep growing. Around strangers he's shy and reserved, but once he feels safe, his affectionate side shines - he's truly a cuddle bug at heart.<br/><br/>He's also becoming more comfortable around children, though sudden movements and unexpected noises can still startle him. Gaston would thrive in a home that understands shy pups and is willing to move at his pace, offering reassurance, consistency, and gentle guidance as he continues to blossom.<br/><br/>With the right family - one that values patience, compassion, and quiet moments - Gaston has all the potential to grow into a deeply loving and loyal companion. Watching his confidence build has been incredibly rewarding, and we can't wait to see how much more he'll flourish in a forever home that's perfectly matched to him.<br/><br/>This adorable former street pup is one of Mama Golondrina's puppies - part of a very special big group of dogs and cats who recently came into our rescue program here in Oregon from our amazing rescue partners in San Felipe, Baja California Sur, Mexico.<br/><br/>Mama Golondrina and her pups are now safely in Bend, Oregon, where they're getting the love, care, and attention they need as they settle in and prepare for their forever homes. These sweet, cuddly, and curious puppies are already melting hearts with their adorable faces and gentle spirits.<br/><br/>Like many of our rescue dogs from Mexico, this pup's early story likely involved uncertainty - whether born as a stray or rescued from the streets, it's one of the lucky ones who now has the chance to live a safe, happy life with a loving family.<br/><br/>It's important that this pup's future home understands that rescue pups need patience and time to decompress and adjust to new routines, experiences, and environments. As with most young dogs, training, continued socialization, clear boundaries, structure, and plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation (yes, even puppy brain games!) will be essential to help them thrive.<br/><br/>Stay tuned for new photos and updates as we continue to learn more about this pup's personality - but one thing's for sure: this sweet pup is ready to begin his/her new adventure and will bring endless love and joy to a very lucky home.<br/><br/>This incredible rescue pup is ready to start its next chapter - one filled with comfort, adventure, and a family to call their own. Could that be with you?<br/><br/>If you've been thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family, don't wait! Submit your adoption application today for a chance to meet this amazing pup, start a flexible 3-7 day in-home adoption trial, and maybe even welcome this sweet boy/girl into your life for good.<br/><br/>Could this pup be your next loyal companion? Apply right away to be their lucky new hero!<br/><br/>steps to adopting<br/><br/>(OUR ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE IN SEPARATE TEMPORARY FOSTER HOMES BETWEEN BEND/CENTRAL OREGON AND THE GREATER PORTLAND AREA. THEREFORE, MEET AND GREETS ARE NOT DONE AT OUR FACILITY. TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ADOPTION APPLICATION ONLINE AND OUR ADOPTION PROGRAM MANAGER WILL REACH OUT TO YOU WITH FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MEET YOUR NEW PUP!)<br/><br/>The first step to adopting a dog from SDH is to complete the adoption application. First click on the "OUR DOGS tab up above, and then click on the orange colored "Fill out an Adoption Application here" button to start the process). Once submitted, please expect 3-5 business days or sooner for processing and to hear back from us. Once you are pre-approved, your adoption application will remain on file with us for 1 year and it can go towards multiple adoptions within that 1 year time frame before it expires.<br/><br/>To finalize an adoption you must sign the adoption contract and pay the full adoption fee. The adoption fee helps cover our costs. On average, per dog, it costs SDH between $500-$700 for vetting/medical/sterilization, transport and other rescue related expenses. All dogs are rescued and do not transport to SDH until they are healthy and ready to be adopted. All dogs are examined by a veterinarian before they fly, which includes sterilization whenever possible, given standard vaccines and rabies (if age appropriate). Most dogs are sterilized before they come into our program, however if this is not the case we will spay/neuter them once they arrive at our cost.<br/><br/>Upon their arrival, all dogs are seen for a wellness exam by SDH's medical team. Once the adoption is finalized, any further medical care or treatment will not be covered by SDH, unless discussed prior with our medical team. All known issues are disclosed to the best of our ability prior to finalizing the adoption.

Meet Gaston!

***Foster Family Update!***

Foster Update: Sweet Gaston

Gaston has been with us for about a month now, and it's been incredibly heartwarming to watch him make steady, meaningful progress. When he first arrived, the world felt very big and overwhelming - but with time, patience, and love, he's already begun to show us just how special he is.

At home, Gaston is a total sweetheart. He loves being near his people and often chooses to nap right next to me whenever he can. When things get a little busy or loud, he's learned to advocate for himself by heading to his crate, which has become his safe and comforting space - especially when guests are over.

Gaston is still building confidence outside the home, but he's taking brave little steps forward. He did wonderfully during a visit to my in-laws' house, and while walks are still something he approaches cautiously, he's learning that staying close by your side can feel safe and reassuring. When he feels unsure, he may pull

Meet Gaston!

***Foster Family Update!***

Foster Update: Sweet Gaston

Gaston has been with us for about a month now, and it's been incredibly heartwarming to watch him make steady, meaningful progress. When he first arrived, the world felt very big and overwhelming - but with time, patience, and love, he's already begun to show us just how special he is.

At home, Gaston is a total sweetheart. He loves being near his people and often chooses to nap right next to me whenever he can. When things get a little busy or loud, he's learned to advocate for himself by heading to his crate, which has become his safe and comforting space - especially when guests are over.

Gaston is still building confidence outside the home, but he's taking brave little steps forward. He did wonderfully during a visit to my in-laws' house, and while walks are still something he approaches cautiously, he's learning that staying close by your side can feel safe and reassuring. When he feels unsure, he may pull a bit on the leash, but more often than not, he's content walking quietly alongside you.

Social situations and new environments can still be a lot for Gaston. We've been gently introducing more outings, and while he may shake when feeling overwhelmed, he's showing us that with continued positive experiences and a calm, supportive handler, he can keep growing. Around strangers he's shy and