Every now and then an animal needs a little extra help finding the right home. This week, our Adoption Spotlight is on Ruffles and Russet, two ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center graduates who are now looking for loving families in the Asheville, North Carolina, area. You can read all about our girl Ruffles below to see if you could be the right fit!

Affectionately known as “fruitbat,” eight-year-old Ruffles came to the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) from a life of abuse. In her previous home, she was struck by her owner, leaving her with permanent damage to her jaw. Given her traumatic past, Ruffles was severely fearful and untrusting of human interactions when she first came to us.

But with help from the loving staff at the BRC, Ruffles began to learn that unfamiliar people, places and things aren’t as scary as she once thought, and she’s working hard and doing better every day! Ruffles graduated from the BRC in March 2019 and is now living in a foster home through Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, North Carolina.

Ruffles has learned to relax more around her human counterparts and even take treats from your hand. Fortunately, her jaw injury doesn’t slow her down one bit or affect her ability to eat.  But she’s a sensitive gal who still needs plenty of time and patience to warm up to new people and places. She appreciates the company of other dog friends, who make her feel like her most confident self. In her foster home, Ruffles initiates play with her canine housemates and even tries to get her feline housemates to join in on the fun, too! 

Ruffles loves car rides, getting tasty treats and finding a cozy spot to relax. Ruffles is a smart girl, and she loves learning new things, especially when there's a tasty treat involved! Ruffles loves getting her favorite treats, and food motivation is a great way to get her to continue to develop new skills and gain more confidence. 

The most important part of Ruffles’ new family is that they’re able to make her feel safe and secure in her new life. She’s come a long way, and support from someone loving, compassionate and patient will help her continue to blossom into the dog we know she’s meant to be. 

If you are in the Asheville area and are interested in meeting Ruffles, please contact Laura at [email protected].