Labrador Retriever and Hound Dogs Available for Adoption

At just ~7 months old, Gemma is the kind of dog who quietly works her way into your heart and becomes your bff and shadow. She is a 43 lb hound/lab mix who is a gentle, soulful pup. She has already come so far and is just beginning to show the playful, loving dog she’s meant to be.

Gemma can start off shy, but with a little time and patience, she’ll become your loyal shadow. She’s incredibly affectionate, sweet-natured, and devoted to her people.

Gemma has a low-to-medium energy level—she’s calm and relaxed indoors, happiest lounging in her cozy bed, but she’s starting to show a playful side as she gains confidence (she has been in foster for a little over 2 weeks). She loves soft toys, squeaky toys, and especially sniffing everything on walks.

Social Skills:
People: Initially shy, but warms up into a loving, affectionate companion once she is comfortable
Dogs: Friendly and respectful; would greatly benefit from a confident dog friend in the home
Kids: She has been exposed to a toddler during her training daycare. She has done very well with the toddler.
Cats: unknown.

Training & Progress:
Gemma is a work in progress in all the right ways and she gains so much from consistent, daily training.

Crate trained (but needs a heavy-duty crate—she’s an escape artist!)
House trained with routine
Leash skills improving quickly with structure and consistency
Thriving with confidence-building and exposure to new environments

Gemma is looking for:

A patient, committed adopter who believes in slow growth and continued training
A calm, structured home where she can feel safe and build confidence
Someone willing to continue crate training and positive exposure
A secure yard (if applicable) and a heavy-duty crate (non-negotiable!)

A resident dog could help her confidence, but she’s also learning to stand on her own.

*PLEASE NOTE: all of our dogs are fostered in Houston, TX, where our rescue is based. However, we transport to about 30 different cities in the United States, using one of our trusted transport partners, once an adoption is confirmed. We work with our adopters and transport partners to find a time and pickup place that works for everyone!

If you're interested in adopting Gemma, please head to www.pippyspals.com/adopt and fill out our adoption application. If our team thinks you could be a good fit, our Adoptions Director will email you to set up a Zoom call, the first step in our consideration process.

The hound dog breed is a diverse group known for their incredible hunting abilities and keen sense of smell. These dogs are esteemed for their athleticism, endurance, and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike. With a rich history of assisting hunters in tracking and trailing game, hounds possess a strong prey drive and a distinctive bay when on the hunt. Hounds come in various sizes and coat types, each with its unique characteristics, but they all share a remarkable intelligence and a friendly disposition.

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.