Meet An Adoptable Dog
My Story
Reason for being in rescue: Raleigh Puppy Mill bust
Special Needs: Opal arrived in rescue pregnant. She's had her puppies, weaned them, and is now ready for a home of her own. She is spayed, up to date on vaccines and heartworm negative. On 10/15/2025 she had a dental polishing. Our veterinarian noted that Opal has what are likely seasonal allergies that cause ear infections. This is something to be aware of and continuously monitored. Opal arrived in rescue from poor conditions. She and all the dogs in the home have been proactively treated for mange. Our best guess is that Opal is a poodle mix, but she came from a puppy mill where there were also chihuahuas and pomeranians. We cannot guarantee that she is hypoallergenic or that she won't shed.
What kind of home would be best for me: Opal is sweet, devoted, and full of charm. What she’s looking for is simple - a calm, patient home with kindness, structure, and time to help her fully bloom into the loving companion she’s meant to be. Opal is loud. She's the first to bark and the last to stop. She will even bark at a reflection in the glass as her caregiver walks by. Because of this, she is not suited to living in a space with shared walls (apartments, townhomes, etc.).
Opal has always lived with the company of dogs. Lots of them. We believe she could be your only dog if you have regular (3-4 times per week minimum) play dates with another confident dogs. Confidence is key. Opal takes her cues from other dogs and needs positive role models.
If you are considering adopting Opal - a puppy mill survivor - please read this important article before you submit an application: https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/what-expect-when-rescuing-puppy-mill-dog
What is my personality like: Opal is a lovely Mini Poodle mix whose gentle, nurturing spirit shines through in everything she does. Having been a mom in her past life, she still carries that caring, protective nature with her — especially around other dogs. She’s the kind of girl who checks on her friends, keeps an eye on the action, and makes sure everyone’s getting along.
Opal absolutely loves the company of other dogs and gets along well with them. That said, if she’s joining a home with another dog, her new sibling should be confident, friendly, and well-balanced. Opal is impressionable and tends to take cues from the dogs around her — so she does best when she has a calm, steady companion to show her the ropes and model good behavior. With that kind of guidance, she thrives. That said, we believe Opal could also do well as an only dog after a thoughtful transition period. With a little time and patience to adjust, she’d happily fill her days following her people around and soaking up all their affection.
When it comes to people, Opal takes her time to warm up. She’s polite with new faces — allowing gentle pets and handling — but trust takes time for her to build. Once she decides you’re her person, though, it’s all over… you’ve gained a shadow. Caregivers at the farm joke that once Opal bonds with you, “you can’t escape her!” She’ll follow you from room to room, tail wagging, hoping for attention and affection.
Opal does have a funny little habit of nipping softly when she’s trying to get your attention. It’s her way of saying “hey, notice me!” and it’s not aggressive — just a quirky leftover from her time seeking connection in the only way she knew. Because of this, she’d do best in a home with older children who can understand her signals and help guide her toward more polite ways to ask for love.
How do I act when I first meet new people: Opal may not be the kind of dog to rush into your arms right away, but when she does, her love runs deep.
Tips and Tidbits: (put birthdate here)
House trained: Dogs can be house trained if they are in the right environment and are allowed to follow a schedule as long as a physical reason doesn't keep them from being trained. A dog house trained in my home may not be in yours. We will help you teach your new dog this necessary skill and based on your schedule.
Potential Adopters
Please note - we do not ship or transport our dogs. If you are interested in adopting a dog, take a look at the distance between the dog's location and your location and make sure you are able to make the trip.
Thank you for your interest in a dog who needs a new home. This description contains all that we currently know about this dog. We have no perfect dogs - but many of our dogs have proven to be perfect for a certain someone. We urge all of our potential adopters not to fall in love with a picture. When screening applications, we look at the entire home and then make suggestions based on what would be a good fit for your home. You are not being screened for a specific dog although we are looking to see what type of dog interests you - poodles or non poodles, age, temperament, personality, etc. Our goal is to match you with the best possible pet for you and your home. We want to create furever families.
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Thank you for considering CPR!