Puppies are so cute, it’s hard not to fall in love with each and every one. But matching the right puppy to the right family makes all the difference for dog and human.

In September, twelve puppies were born at Homeward Bound to two very expectant mom dogs rescued from shelters.

Luna and Sarah gave birth to what we call “Fool’s Gold” – pups with golden hearts if not golden coats. This is Luna…

and Sarah.

They were cared for by many hands, but Megan was their special “den mother,” spending lots of important time handling them and helping to socialize them – critical in a dog’s early weeks.

Now eight weeks old, they are getting ready for placement.

But first, we put them through the Puppy Aptitude Test developed by Jack and Wendy Volhard.

The test helps to assess social attraction to dogs and people,

confidence, dependence or independence,

willingness to accept commands or follow,

retriever instincts and prey drive,

touch, sight and sound sensitivity.

There are no good or bad puppies; all can be a handful!

But just as people have different personalities, so do dogs. Understanding the dog helps to make the best match to people.

Puppies with a strong desire to lead or play very rough need experienced dog people with a commitment to training and exercise to bring out their best selves.

Shy or frightened pups need patient people in environments that are calm and stable.

Go-along/get-along pups are best suited to first time dog owners, families with children, or older people.

These adorable things will be available very soon. So visit our website and get your application in if you are interested!

View this video created by Homeward Bound volunteer, Jasmine Lara – capturing the puppies first days, and their “we’re ready to go home!” days.

UPDATE: All puppies were adopted and are in loving homes! Thank you!

Want to learn more about the Puppy Aptitude Test? Visit www.volhard.com.