Adopting a Rescue Animal for the Holidays

In this week’s 757 Living segment, Jackie and Kashmir pivot from politics to something much closer to home — adopting a dog and why the holidays are one of the most meaningful times to open your heart (and your home) to an animal in need.

There are thousands of dogs across Hampton Roads sitting in shelters right now — waiting, hoping, and deserving of a family. If you’ve ever thought about adopting, this conversation might be the sign you needed.

🐾 The Journey to Finding Frankie

As the holiday season approached, Jackie found herself scrolling through page after page of adoptable dogs — so many faces, so many pitbulls, so many waiting souls who had no one. And then she found Frankie.

A two-year-old puppy with the sweetest eyes… and a few challenges.

He had heartworm, something many potential adopters shy away from. It was intimidating. It was unexpected. It was a commitment.

But when you realize that saying “no” means that dog might have no one… your heart shifts.

Frankie came home — and yes, the adjustment took time. New surroundings, new boundaries, new routines. But with patience, grace, and a whole lot of love, he settled right in.

Even Josie, Kashmir’s dog, wakes him up every morning — they’ve become inseparable.

❤️ Adopting Isn’t Instant — It’s a Journey

Jackie and Kashmir remind listeners:

Shelter dogs need time.
They need gentle introductions.
They need patience as they learn a new environment, people, and routines.

Some have trauma. Some have medical needs. Some are simply scared.
But when they finally trust you?

It’s magic.

And for families who aren’t ready for full-time adoption…

🏡 Fostering Saves Lives Too

One of Kashmir’s friends fostered a deaf puppy — gave him the special care he needed until the perfect family came along.
A grandmother who adopted him because her granddaughter was deaf too.

Stories like that don’t happen unless someone chooses to foster.

Even a few days or weeks of fostering can:

  • free up space in overcrowded shelters
    • help a dog decompress
    • give them a real shot at adoption

And if fostering isn’t possible…

🤝 You Can Still Make a Difference

Volunteering at local shelters — walking dogs, socializing them, providing blankets, or donating supplies — is just as impactful.
Every small act makes a massive difference in an animal’s life.

 

🐕 Local Shelters & Rescue Centers You Can Support ❤️

Hampton Roads has incredible shelters working tirelessly to care for animals who desperately need homes. Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer — you are helping save a life.

📍 Chesapeake Humane Society – https://chesapeakehumane.org
📍 Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center – https://norfolk.gov/6397/Norfolk-Animal-Care-Center
📍 Animal Aid Society – https://animalaidsociety.org
📍 Peninsula SPCA – https://peninsulaspca.org
📍 Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center – https://vbacac.com
📍 Reba’s Animal Rescue – https://rebasrescue.org
📍 Portsmouth Humane Society – https://portsmouthhumanesociety.org
📍 Virginia Beach SPCA Shelter – https://vbspca.com
📍 Ruff Road Pet Rescue – https://ruffroadpetrescue.com
📍 GO RESCUE Pet Adoption Center – https://gorescuedogs.com

These teams work nonstop — especially during the holidays — and they need community support more than ever.

🎄 Thinking About Adopting This Holiday Season?

It might be the best gift you ever give — and the best companion you’ll ever receive.

Dogs don’t care about your tree, your decorations, your stress, or your schedule.
They just want love… and someone to belong to.

And for so many shelter dogs, your home could be their miracle.