Adopt

My name is Kashka (fka Catcher)!

Posted over 2 months ago | Updated over 2 weeks ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Meet the Pet

3

Take the Pet Home

Adoption fee: $275

This helps Independent Animal Rescue, Inc with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Plott Hound/American Staffordshire Terrier
Color
Brown/Chocolate/Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
1 year 5 months old, Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
55 lbs (current)
Sex
Female
Pet ID
35585

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Kashka is a young, joyful, people-loving girl who combines playfulness, intelligence, and deep affection. She has a big personality and a big heart — the kind of dog who greets you with a wagging tail, leans into your legs for love, and happily curls up beside you after a day of engagement and enrichment.

Kashka has recently been diagnosed with hip dysplasia on both hips. Her condition does not stop her from playing and enjoying life, but she will be undergoing surgery for a FHO followed by PT, the costs of which will be covered by IAR. With rest and daily PT exercises following surgery, she can resume her normal activity level. She is still available to be adopted now, and IAR will work with her new home throughout his surgery and recovery.

💖 What Kashka Loves
Balanced activity, movement, and connection.
Kashka is a high-energy dog, but due to her hip dysplasia, her exercise currently needs to be thoughtful, structured, and controlled until her medical treatment plan is complete. She thrives with:
• multiple short, low-impact walks
• gentle play sessions (rolling a ball, light fetch, interactive toys)
• swimming, which she absolutely loves and is one of the best and most important exercises for her going forward
• sniffing, exploring, and engaging her environment at her own pace
Her favorite way to start the day is melting into her human for hugs and belly rubs — affection is her love language, and she happily asks for it throughout the day.
Mental challenges.
Kashka is highly intelligent and truly shines with mental enrichment. Puzzle toys, scent games, and searching for treats hidden in toys help meet her needs while keeping physical impact low.
Cardboard “projects.”
Supervised box-shredding remains one of her favorite hobbies, approached with enthusiasm and focus.
People + dogs.
Kashka is extroverted and social. She greets everyone with a wagging tail and leans in for affection. She does best with calm, well-matched dogs, particularly those her size or larger.
Outings.
She’s a polite, well-mannered companion at cafés, breweries, and other dog-friendly spaces.

⭐ What She’s Great At
✔ Fully crate trained and relaxes comfortably in her crate
✔ Potty trained with no accidents
✔ Walks nicely on leash using a no-pull harness
✔ Extremely affectionate and people-oriented
✔ Smart, curious, and eager to engage
✔ Knows “sit”, "down", "come" and “stop”
✔ Can entertain herself with toys or a cozy bed — a wonderful work-from-home companion
✔ Enjoys gentle catching games, floating toys, and water play

🩺 Medical Note
Kashka has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and is currently awaiting a veterinary treatment plan. While she is naturally energetic and athletic, her activity is being carefully managed to protect her joints until treatment is complete.
Her care focuses on:
• low-impact, joint-friendly exercise (especially swimming)
• appropriate rest and recovery
• mental stimulation
• following veterinary guidance, which may include medical management, physical therapy, or surgical options
With proper care and structure, Kashka remains a happy, playful, and affectionate young dog who loves life and people.

🏡 What Kashka Needs
Kashka will thrive with a family who:
• understands that she is high energy, but needs controlled exercise for now
• enjoys enrichment, training, and companionship over high-impact activity
• can follow a veterinary care plan and adjust routines as needed
• values affection and connection as much as play
A fenced yard or access to safe swimming opportunities is a big plus, but not required with thoughtful management.
If you’re looking for a dog who will bond deeply, brighten your days, enjoy gentle adventures (especially in the water!), and happily snuggle up at the end of the day, Kashka could be your perfect match.
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
35585
Contact
Address
PO Box 14232, Durham, NC 27709

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

Submit an application by going to: https://animalrescue.net/adoption-form/

2.

Meet the Pet

Our adoption coordinators will reach out to you to connect you with our foster homes.

3.

Take the Pet Home

After meeting with the foster home, they will coordinate with your on how best to deliver the pet to you once all steps have taken place.

Additional adoption info

Adoption Requirements

  • You must be prepared to make a lifetime commitment to the animal.

  • You may not be an undergraduate student.

  • You must be a US citizen or green card holder.


Adoption Process

  • Fill out an adoption interest application HERE.

  • Our goal is finding lifelong, loving homes for our animals, so we try to find the best match between animal and adopter. We can help advise you on which animals to meet based on your situation.

  • You can meet some of our animals at our weekend adoption events, or we can arrange for a meeting in the foster home. If it’s a good match, the foster parent will come to visit your home in person. This is to make sure your home is safe and secure for a new companion animal.

  • Note: IAR makes every effort to please our adopters, but our first concern must be for the animal’s welfare. We reserve the right to deny any application.


Read about adoption fees at https://animalrescue.net/adoption-fees.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Our cats and dogs are out and about greeting folks at adoption events in the Durham-Chapel Hill area most weekends. View a list of upcoming events here: https://animalrescue.net/calendar

More about this rescue

IAR started with one woman's big dreams, a bigger heart, and a very distinctive purple pickup truck that helped her rescue countless of unwanted, abused, and homeless Triangle pets. Originally founded in 1994, IAR earned an official 501(c)(3) status in 1995. We are governed by a Board of Directors, managed by elected officers, and introduced IAR’s first paid position, General Manager, in June 2021. This role will assist with elevating our collective compassion to new heights and strengthening IAR’s impact as a whole.

Our mission is to rescue and provide safe and responsible care for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals. We shall strive to help all animals in need through our service programs. We will serve our communities through promotion of spay/neuter for all companion animals, and the education of children and adults in humane care, respect and responsibility for animals on this earth.

Other pets at this rescue