Ivy - Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle Dog for Adoption in Arlington, Virginia

Meet Ivy

Ivy came to us as an owner surrender after spending far too much time confined to a crate in a garage, with owners who were not providing the care and attention she needed. She was on the waitlist for the county shelter, which is overwhelmed with too many dogs and not enough resources, so they reached out to Worthy Dog for help.

Ivy is a sweet Labradoodle girl who has come a long way. She came to us with pale gums, vomiting, and very little energy. Our vet confirmed that she was anemic, likely due to fleas and skin infections. She was emaciated and dehydrated and needed small, frequent meals just to get her stabilized.

Her foster mom, Cindy, has done an amazing job nursing her back to health. Ivy has gained more than 10 pounds and, while she still has more weight to gain, she finally looks like the healthy, happy dog she was meant to be.

Today, Ivy is a completely different dog. She is house-trained, uses a dog door like a pro, and is surprisingly calm and well-behaved in the house. Most of the time, she is either relaxing or entertaining herself with one of her many toys. She absolutely loves toys and will happily destroy a stuffed animal, so her new family should be prepared to keep a good supply on hand.

Ivy loves other dogs and has done well with every dog she has met, both at home and out on walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park. She loves to play, run, wrestle, and play tug, and she has a great time with her foster sister Libby. She can bark excitedly when she sees another dog, but it is always friendly. She has also been wonderful at the dog park, where she loves meeting both people and dogs.

Ivy is great with people and kids too. She will bark when someone comes to the door or fence, but she is friendly once people come inside. She is incredibly affectionate and wants to be wherever her people are. She is a loyal girl who has bonded closely with her foster mom and loves nothing more than being a couch and TV-watching partner.

She is also a great activity partner. Ivy loves walking, running, and being outside, and she would happily join her family for hikes, adventures, and just about anything else. She enjoys playing in the yard but is generally pretty calm once she is back inside.

Ivy does have a few things her new family will need to manage. She is very food motivated and is still a counter surfer. Her foster mom feeds her in her crate to make sure both dogs respect each other’s space around food. She has come a long way now that she is no longer starving, but food and even plates that once held food still need to be kept out of reach. She mostly sticks to her toys, although she has torn up a pair of socks. She doesn’t try to eat them, and beyond that, she has shown very little interest in chewing things that aren’t hers and has good house manners.

Ivy is also still perfecting her leash skills and will pull when she gets excited. She is not reactive and does well meeting other dogs on leash. She just needs more practice and continued training.

Ivy has proven that she can happily live with another dog or as part of a pack, and would love to have a playmate. We think she could also do well in an active only-dog home as long as her new family is committed to walks and setting up doggy playdates. She really does enjoy play.

After everything Ivy has been through, it is wonderful to see the happy, playful, and affectionate dog she has become. She is ready for a family who will continue to give her the love, care, and stability she deserves and who will appreciate having a loyal, fun-loving companion by their side.

Apply today!

BREED ESTIMATE: Labradoodle
GENDER: Male
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 42 lbs (needs to gain 10+ lbs)
APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 1.5 to 2 years old
COAT TYPE: Medium scruffy coat
ADOPTION FEE: $425
OTHER INFO: UTD on shots/spayed/microchipped
LOCATION: Matthews, NC - Coming to N. Va on 11/7

FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to https://adopt.worthydog.org and complete the application.

You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to https://foster.worthydog.org and fill out an application.

Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.

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.

The Standard Poodle, known for its intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic coat, is a versatile and athletic breed that excels in various canine activities. With a proud demeanor and an affectionate nature, Standard Poodles make excellent family companions and therapy dogs. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. This breed thrives on mental stimulation and physical exercise, making them excellent partners for active individuals or families.

Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping dogs in distress, especially those living on chains,...