The status of Cole aka Orange Collar was
last posted on 02/25/26 by
Keep calm and woof on.
Male Dog, German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog
Description:
A few weeks ago, we welcomed a litter of seven 6-week-old puppies (6 girls and 1 boy) into our care. All of them had upper respiratory infections and had already been receiving doxycycline at the shelter. Each puppy required a second round of antibiotics after the initial seven-day treatment. Fortunately, they were spared from strep zoo during their stay at the shelter, despite their compromised immune systems due to the respiratory infections. As a preventive measure, they also received an antibiotic shot because the shelter had closed due to a strep zoo outbreak. We held our breath for 10 days and were relieved when none of the puppies showed signs of strep zoo, ensuring the safety of our resident dogs as well.The puppies were placed in pairs in foster homes, and each puppy has received check-ups, boosters, deworming, and preventive care at the vet. All are now healthy, adorable little bundles of joy.Thanks to the dedicated shelter staff and volunteers, the puppies received excellent care during their time at the shelter, where they grew and weaned from their mother before arriving in our care. The mother has since been adopted through the shelter.When the entire litter arrived, they were fully weaned and happily enjoying softened kibble mixed with canned food, which is typical for 6-week-olds. Despite having runny noses and congestion from the upper respiratory infection, their appetites remained strong. They were happy, brave pups with outgoing, social personalities.In their foster homes, they have continued to thrive as playful pups full of mischief and love. Now that they are 9 weeks old, they are ready to find their forever homes, except for Cole, whom we'd like to keep in his foster home a little bit longer. We have given them lots of love and snuggles as we introduce them to the wider world. They are learning to navigate stairs, potty train, exhibit household manners, take car rides, and coexist with other dogs, cats, and children, depending on their foster home. Cole and Carlee headed to their foster family, which includes a veterinarian, on the day they arrived from the shelter. Cole's upper respiratory infection lingered a bit longer, but he's finally received a clean bill of health at nine weeks old.Cole, easily identifiable by his orange collar and slightly darker tan eyebrows, is the more sensitive of his littermates, compared to his strong-minded, assertive littermates, all girls. He's receiving extra love and attention to help him build confidence, as he tends to be shy and cautious. Since he's in his first fear period, typically between 8-12 weeks for shepherd puppies, Cole will benefit from the stability and guidance provided by his experienced fosters, who have raised many puppies, for a little bit longer.Cole loves to be outdoors, enjoys playing with balls, and adores his littermate, Carlee. Both puppies are crate trained, have good appetites, and have started clicker training. Cole's been steadily working on his potty training. Both pups have grown so much; we'll post their updated weights shortly. They're living with two mature resident dogs and have been exposed to horses and donkeys. We are looking to find them homes with individuals who are experienced with German Shepherds and can provide the time and resources necessary for training, positive environmental exposure, and the structure German Shepherds need to thrive and develop into well-balanced companions.Have you seen our YouTube channel? We'd love your support—please subscribe, like, and comment on our videos featuring our adoptable shepherds. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our new Threads account for more updates and news about our shepherds.As a foster-based rescue, ShepHeroes always needs more foster families. So many shepherds in our local shelters are waiting for a fresh start. Would you open your home and your heart to help a shepherd find a new family? You provide the love, and we'll take care of the rest. Saying yes today truly saves a life. Fill out our foster form at https://www.shepheroes.org/foster-form, and we'll get in touch soon. Thank you for considering it.
