Less than four weeks ago, this sweet girl left our shelter with a new name and what we hoped would be her forever family. Honey became Sophie, and we thought her happy ending had begun.
Today, she’s back.
Her adopters reported that she was “aggressively biting.” What we have seen is something very different - a young puppy doing exactly what young puppies do.
Sophie is still just a baby. When she was only four weeks old, her world was turned upside down after her mother was tragically hit by a car. Because of that, she missed an important window of learning from mom and littermates - bite inhibition, social manners, and those subtle lessons puppies normally teach each other. That doesn’t make her bad. It makes her a puppy who needs guidance.
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They nip when they’re excited. They nip when they’re tired. They nip when they want to play. It is not aggression - it’s development. What Sophie needs is consistency, patience, and training.
That means: • Redirecting nipping to appropriate chew toys • Stopping play immediately if teeth touch skin • Praising calm behavior • Providing structure and routine • Plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise • Understanding that this phase is temporary
She will need house training. She will need supervision. She will need someone committed to teaching her what is expected instead of giving up when puppy behavior happens.
Sophie is affectionate, playful, and incredibly smart. She just needs someone who understands that raising a puppy is work — but it’s work that pays off in years of loyalty and love.
She didn’t fail. She just needs more time, training, and patience.
If you’re ready for the real, honest, sometimes messy, but always rewarding journey of raising a puppy - Sophie is waiting.
Let’s make sure the next chapter of her story is the right one.
Sophie’s Story – From Honey to Home Again
Less than four weeks ago, this sweet girl left our shelter with a new name and what we hoped would be her forever family. Honey became Sophie, and we thought her happy ending had begun.
Today, she’s back.
Her adopters reported that she was “aggressively biting.” What we have seen is something very different - a young puppy doing exactly what young puppies do.
Sophie is still just a baby. When she was only four weeks old, her world was turned upside down after her mother was tragically hit by a car. Because of that, she missed an important window of learning from mom and littermates - bite inhibition, social manners, and those subtle lessons puppies normally teach each other. That doesn’t make her bad. It makes her a puppy who needs guidance.
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They nip when they’re excited. They nip when they’re tired. They nip when they want to play. It is not aggression - it’s development. What Sophie needs is consistency, patience, and training.
That means: • Redirecting nipping to appropriate chew toys • Stopping play immediately if teeth touch skin • Praising calm behavior • Providing structure and routine • Plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise • Understanding that this phase is temporary
She will need house training. She will need supervision. She will need someone committed to teaching her what is expected instead of giving up when puppy behavior happens.
Sophie is affectionate, playful, and incredibly smart. She just needs someone who understands that raising a puppy is work — but it’s work that pays off in years of loyalty and love.
She didn’t fail. She just needs more time, training, and patience.
If you’re ready for the real, honest, sometimes messy, but always rewarding journey of raising a puppy - Sophie is waiting.
Let’s make sure the next chapter of her story is the right one.
If you rent your current home, a document signed by your landlord giving approval for you to keep a pet in your home. You may provide either a lease or a signed letter from your landlord. Please include the landlord's business address and phone number.
If you are coming from outside Adams County to adopt one of our pets, please plan to bring the name and phone number of the humane society that serves the area where you live.
All animals in your household must be current on vaccinations and be spayed or neutered. If you have a copy of your animals shot records please bring them along. If you already have a dog and are interested in adopting another canine companion, we require that the two dogs meet at the Animal Shelter, on neutral territory. If you have any questions or concerns about making this introduction, please call the Animal Shelter before you visit: 717-334-8876.
Please note: The Adams County SPCA reserves the right to do follow-up visits and to pre-adoption and post-adoption home checks by our Humane Officer. The Adams County SPCA reserves the right to deny any adoption application.
If you rent your current home, a document signed by your landlord giving approval for you to keep a pet in your home. You may provide either a lease or a signed letter from your landlord. Please include the landlord's business address and phone number.
If you are coming from outside Adams County to adopt one of our pets, please plan to bring the name and phone number of the humane society that serves the area where you live.
All animals in your household must be current on vaccinations and be spayed or neutered. If you have a copy of your animals shot records please bring them along. If you already have a dog and are interested in adopting another canine companion, we require that the two dogs meet at the Animal Shelter, on neutral territory. If you have any questions or concerns about making this introduction, please call the Animal Shelter before you visit: 717-334-8876.
Please note: The Adams County SPCA reserves the right to do follow-up visits and to pre-adoption and post-adoption home checks by our Humane Officer. The Adams County SPCA reserves the right to deny any adoption application.
The Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is an IRC 501 c-3 non-profit organization that will provide shelter and care for lost, abandoned and abused animals, investigate and prosecute cruelty offenders, help control animal overpopulation and educate the community about spay/neuter programs, animal wellness and safety.
The Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is an IRC 501 c-3 non-profit organization that will provide shelter and care for lost, abandoned and abused animals, investigate and prosecute cruelty offenders, help control animal overpopulation and educate the community about spay/neuter programs, animal wellness and safety.
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We'll also keep you updated on Texan's adoption status with email updates.
