Meet River, the husky mix puppy. River arrived into the Shelter’s care with their four siblings and mother Delta (who has been adopted). The whole family came to the Shelter via a rescue where the mom and puppies were in a tent and almost washed away down a waterway. Thanks to the collaboration of California State Parks, Cal Fire and SCCAS – River and the rest of the family were brought to safety. After a few days of monitoring them in the Shelter environment, a wonderful foster took the family into their home. River and their siblings are now ready for adoption. River’s foster reports that this litter of puppies is their favorite litter of puppies (that is saying a lot since they are one of our most dedicated puppy fosters)! They are described as high energy and quick learners. They enjoy both physical and mental stimulation and engagement to meet their day to day needs. River is not going to be a great fit for couch potatoes. River’s husky roots really show when they get vocal and chatty (picture little puppy howls). If they do not get enough enrichment in the day to day, River and the siblings have been known to engage in digging and some destructive behavior. If you channel the power and energy for good – then all is copasetic. River has been in a foster home with dog savvy chickens and felines. They also have been around dogs of different sizes & ages and have enjoyed playing. A home with a resident dog who will enjoy puppy energy may be a fit! River and their siblings have gotten a great start to life. Now all they need are a dedicated adopter who can commit to continue life skills and manners (such as potty training) and age appropriate socialization. Could that be with you? The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw! Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.