Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
I feel like this boy barely needs an introduction, you likely sat front row for the beginning of his rescue and have been rooting for him since day one. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching Aspen's glow-up, let me introduce you to the sweetest, most adoring, affectionate, gentle soul you could ever meet. You know those dogs where, if you only saw them today, you’d never guess what they’ve been through? That’s Aspen.
Take a look at his sweetness in motion then come back to read more- https://youtu.be/5BCtSDrswHo
Estimated to be about a year old and weighing in around 26 lbs, he is a petite husky-mix boy who came into rescue in truly heartbreaking shape. He was found abandoned in a kennel on the side of a rural road, covered in terrible mange, open infested wounds, and hanging on by a thread. Our rescue fundraised for his care, a foster stepped up, and slowly but surely Aspen traded in pain for comfort, fear for love, and survival mode for joy.
Now? He’s in full glow-up mode and has his very own fan club on social media. Ask anyone who has met him or cared for him and they will tell you- you would never know this dog had the start he did. Aspen is happy, loving, trusting, and so sweet it almost doesn’t feel real.
Aspen is an easy leash walker with a soft, thoughtful energy. He does still need some leash confidence and practice, especially in new places, but he is off to such a great start! With people, Aspen is cautious at first in a very gentle way. He takes a minute to decide if you’re safe, and then, once you crouch down and let him come to you, you’ll feel him quietly shift into, “Okay… I think I like you.” We are talking 15 seconds before he is trying to climb right into our lap. He comes up soft and careful, asking for affection and sharing it politely even when other dogs are crowding the space. If someone gets pushy about attention, Aspen simply walks away.
With other dogs, he’s social but not rowdy. Aspen is fostered with two dogs, one is his age and perfect speed and they happily run and bounce together. Aspen did great meeting everyone during a recent playgroup. He didn’t bark or get worked up, even with dogs playing and running around him. He didn’t jump into the chaos much himself- he preferred standing near his people, watching, and taking it all in. With encouragement, he did loosen up enough to run a bit in the back of the yard. He is dog friendly but will just take a bit before his playful side comes out with a new friend. Thats okay! He also shares treats politely with other dogs and showed zero resource guarding. Toys? He has recently discovered the joy of dog toys and has the gentlest approach with his toy, treating them so caringly as he carries then around.
For cats, we are not saying no or clearly yes right now. When he met our house cat it was easy to see he was cautious- almost fearful-and approached very slowly. He has lived with an avoidant cat before and meeting our house cat shows us he does not have experience with a cat and his reaction to one in a home is hard to guage. If you are interested and have cats, we will arrange a visit with our Kitty Committee for a sleepover where a more controlled and careful observation.
Aspen would love a home with a yard, and we could see him doing well in the right apartment situation with an adopter willing to invest in his leash confidence and daily exercise. He’s still a young pup and has plenty of room to grow, mentally and physically, so continued socialization and movement will be important for him. A medium-energy dog friend would be a great match, basically, friendly but not overwhelming, who can help show him the ropes without pushing too hard.
He is also great with kids and has lived with kids age 5-14 who like everyone else, became his biggest fans. A family with a calm home life, lot’s of friends and adventures would be amazing for him. Aspen is the epitome of why rescue is our favorite breed- he is resilient, gentle, a little bit wise beyond his years, and still completely open-hearted.
If you’re looking for a soft, soulful dog with a glow-up story and a fan club cheering him on, Aspen is ready to trade “rescued” for simply “beloved”- with you.
Ready to welcome Aspen home?
Apply here-
https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/68e4333b8cf8d25aae0c3af6c
Questions? Email Kristin@threelittlepittiesrescue.org
We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travel safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page!
Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience!
The adoption fee is $1000.00 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship!
We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process.
At our 2-acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth, and we enjoy seeing their progress!
We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog.
Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet.
It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS:
Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family
Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test
30-day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion
A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions
Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training
70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription
Coupons for a fun visit to Petco
20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions
Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer
Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup!
The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another.
Follow our journey and stay connected!
🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org
📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need!
*Due to rising transportation costs, a $74 surcharge applies.
DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing.
NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.