Helping Hounds Dog Rescue

If Iris could get a tattoo, we think she'd choose a heart that says "Mom." 💔

Not because she's trendy. Not because she's trying to fit in at Working Class Tattoo's Tats for Tails event.
Because after all this time, she still doesn't have a mom. 🥺.
Iris has watched dogs come and go. She's celebrated their adoption days, said goodbye to kennel neighbors, and waited patiently as family after family chose someone else. Somehow, our sweet girl has become Helping Hounds' longest resident.

And that's hard to understand when you know her.
She's the dog who melts into your side for cuddles. The dog who greets her favorite people with the biggest smile. The dog who recently spent a night away from the shelter and proved she's an absolute dream in a home. Easygoing, affectionate, respectful, and content just being near her people.

Everyone here loves Iris. Our staff. Our volunteers. Everyone who has had the chance to know her.
But love from a rescue isn't the same as having a mom. Or a dad. Or a family of her own.

So while you're checking out flash tattoos, vintage finds, great food, and all the fun at Tats for Tails on June 28, make sure you stop and ask about Iris. Maybe, by then she'll finally have found her mom. ❤️🐾

📍 Tats for Tails at Working Class Tattoo
📅 June 28 | 12 PM–6 PM
🐾 Meet adoptable dogs
🎨 Flash tattoos, vintage vendors, food, and more!

From hiking buddy to hamburger enthusiast to professional shade lounger... Eli can do it all. 🍔☀️🐾

Eli recently headed out on a Crate Escape with our awesome volunteers, and it's safe to say he understood the assignment.

✔️ Strolled around Onondaga Lake Park like a seasoned explorer
✔️ Enjoyed some VIP time at the dog park
✔️ Rode perfectly in the car
✔️ Relaxed in the shade between activities
✔️ Secured a hamburger lunch through sheer good-boy behavior
Honestly, it was a pretty packed schedule.

What makes Eli even more special is how far he's come. He was rescued after being left outside without shelter during freezing temperatures, but despite that rough start, he's remained a sweet, friendly dog who loves spending time with people.

He's active enough to be your hiking or walking partner, chill enough to hang out in the shade afterward, gets along with other dogs, rides great in the car, and is crate trained.

Eli has all the makings of an amazing companion. He just needs someone willing to give him the chance he deserves. ❤️

We certainly have had a busy weekend! We often have dogs that make us wonder - why are you still here waiting? Rex is one of them. He made many dog friends at HH, went on many outings and was a very good boy. He had a couple visits with family that did not work out for him. Well, today we learned what he was waiting for! One of our young volunteers fell in love with him when she started volunteering in February, and talked him up at home. She begged her parents for months to adopt him. The family came to visit and saw the same great dog she saw. Today she was surprised when her family told her that her new best friend Rex was hers! Tears of joy filled our lobby when she found out. Rex was waiting to become her forever friend!

Rex is off to a great new life. There are 3 kids in the home to keep him busy and he will go for walks, visit the park go to lacrosse games. 🐶🐾❤️