FARGO — A four-year-old pit bull mix named Valais is currently looking for a permanent home after spending considerable time in the care of 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Moorhead. His unique appearance, marked by a striking black and white coat that resembles the Valais Blackneck goat, has endeared him to volunteers and staff alike. Valais’s playful personality and strong build make him a notable resident at the rescue, where he has been since March 9, 2023.
Valais, affectionately called “Val” by Jerad Ryan, a dedicated volunteer and building coordinator at the shelter, exhibits a strong prey drive. During a recent outing, Val spotted a large jackrabbit and showed his instinctual strength. Despite this, he remained well-behaved on his leash, staying close to Ryan’s side. Weighing between 80 to 90 pounds, Val is undeniably a big dog, but Ryan believes he would thrive in a home without other pets.
Valais’s Journey at the Shelter
Initially housed with other dogs, Val’s behavior began to deteriorate, leading to his relocation to a quieter “apartment” setup within the shelter. Ryan explained that, while the dogs there receive excellent care, it cannot replicate the comfort of a home environment. “We can’t live at a kennel forever,” Ryan remarked. He emphasized the importance of fostering dogs, which allows volunteers to better understand their behavior in a more relaxed setting.
Ryan has been with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue for ten years, managing communication and coordination with other volunteers. The shelter adopts out approximately 400 to 550 dogs annually, with a focus on finding suitable foster families for each dog. “The idea with the shelter is to become the mouth of the river,” Ryan stated, highlighting the importance of transitioning dogs from the rescue to loving homes.
Valais’s Personality and Adoption Potential
While Valais has spent a significant amount of time at the shelter, Ryan noted that he has shown improvement in his behavior during public walks with other dogs. The volunteers organize these pack walks, allowing dogs to socialize in a controlled environment. “I’d say he’s doing really well for how long he’s been here,” Ryan said, adding that Val spends much of his time resting.
Val enjoys activities like tug-of-war and solving puzzle games for treats. His calm demeanor makes him an ideal candidate for someone looking for a companion to relax with after a walk. “If somebody is looking to go around the block for a walk and then take it easy the rest of the day, this would be the dog for them,” Ryan noted.
Before dogs are made available for adoption, there is typically a two-week waiting period to ensure they have recovered from any medical procedures, such as spaying or neutering. Ryan mentioned the shelter’s approach of getting to know each dog before placing them for adoption, which is particularly important for larger dogs like Valais.
Those interested in learning more about Valais or how to adopt or foster a dog can visit 4luvofdog.org for further information. Valais’s journey is more than just a search for a home; it is a testament to the potential of shelter animals and the dedicated efforts of volunteers who strive to find them loving families.
