Foster Dogs Available for Adoption in Steamboat Springs, CO

Please visit Routt County Humane Society’s (RCHS) website to view other adoptable dogs and learn about the adoption process.

RCHS makes all final decisions regarding adoption. As fosters, we work with RCHS to ensure each pup has the most successful experience possible :-)

Flapjack (aka FJ) - 8month Akbash 70lbs

  • Flap Jack is a ~7month old male Akbash/Great Pyrenees (maybe lab??) mix. He is a beautiful large white puppy with giant yellow/black eyes. He’s currently about 70lbs and GROWING!

    He was found with his siblings as strays when he was 4 weeks old and has been in the care of RCHS until we began fostering him in Jan 2025.

    Akbash dogs are livestock guardian dogs who are said to be loyal and gentle with their humans and animals.

    They are also described as fierce and fearless when defending their family or flock.

    Flapjack is crate trained and potty trained. He knows “sit,” “shake,” “touch,” “down,” “stay,” and “come". We are currently in puppy class learning “leave it” and longer “stay.”

    His energy level is medium - he is a ginormous growing puppy so he gets very tired after a walk, outing, or playdate. We still have to enforce naps throughout the day. He enjoys 4+ short trots around the block and 1 long (45 min ish) walk a day plus lots of play time with our resident dog. We train a couple minutes 3-5x/day at home, and try to get to the resort, ACE, Storm Peak, Paws N Claws or downtown a couple times a week.

    He has finally learned to settle in the evening at home without being in the crate, preferring to lounge by the fireplace while we’re relaxing.

  • Flapjack is playful, confident, goofy, curious, and affectionate. He is a very very intelligent dog - much smarter than our 4 year old golden.

    He seems to love humans and dogs and would play forever with our resident dog Rocky. Occasionally, we have to redirect him from playing too hard with Rocky. He walks on a leash beautifully and is comfortable in the car.

    He is aware of his surroundings but not hypervigilant, barking to alert and then turning his attention elsewhere.

    Flapjack is food motivated and has been very trainable so far. He does not exhibit resource guarding with toys, places, or food.

    He is in a weekly training class and seems to love learning new tricks. Overall, his temperament is mild and inquisitive. He will be naughty if he has the opprotunity since he’s still a baby pup and learning about his world. We find prevention is key!!

    Flapjack does not seem to exhibit neuroticism or nervousness. The only time we have noticed hesitance when approaching something is if a lager person/man (especially in ski gear!) is walking up with hands towards FJ.

    • Food - very food motivated

    • Treats - pretty much any!

    • Attention

    • Other dogs

    • Snow

    • Playing

    • Women

    • Car rides

    • Walking on a leash

    • Going to ACE

    • Gentle men

    • Paws n Claws

  • Flapjack will need a home that understands LGD temperament and exercise requirements.

    He can go to a home without a fence as long as the humans are dedicated to meeting his needs.

    He will bond with his new family and show loyalty quickly - we think he could do well in a family with kids as long as there are adults who can set boundaries and expectations.

    He is not an easy golden retriever - although he looks like a lab, you will need to understand that he is not!

    The Routt County Humane Society has many available, adoptable dogs who would love and thrive in a smaller space with less frequent exercise and mental stimulation.

    This Reddit post could be interesting to anyone hoping to adopt an Akbash as a family dog. Of course, every dog is different and this post shouldn't wholly inform your decision.

    Although our space is safe and supportive, it is a temporary phase so he can learn how to dog in a human home.

    If you're interested in meeting Flapjack, you can email us: carpol@umich.edu or reach out to the RCHS.

    All final decisions about placement are made by RCHS.

Smiling dog sitting on carpeted floor in a sunlit room with a round glass table and wicker chair.

Flapjack in Action!

A young light-colored Labrador Retriever wearing a red harness lies on a wooden floor, looking at the camera. In front of the dog, there is a yellow plush toy. Another dog is visible in the background, sniffing around.
White dog lying on a beige carpet, looking up with a happy expression.
Large white dog sitting on a blue blanket in a car's backseat, looking out the window.
A golden retriever and a white dog with a collar are playfully relaxing on a carpet indoors. The golden retriever is lying down looking ahead, while the white dog is on its back, playfully engaging with the golden retriever.
A white dog lying in snow with a red leash in a snowy landscape, near a red fire hydrant and trees in the background.
A large, fluffy white and light brown dog sitting on a green couch, being petted by a person wearing a dark sweater. The dog's mouth is slightly open, showing its teeth in a gentle, relaxed expression. A wooden door and part of a table are visible in the background.
White dog wearing an 'Adopt Me!' bandana sitting in the snow with mountains in the background.
Close-up of a light-colored dog looking at the camera indoors, with another dog in the background.
A white dog chewing on a cardboard LaCroix box while lying on a carpeted floor indoors.
Large white dog sitting in a pet store aisle with shelves of pet supplies.
Labrador Retriever lying on a bed in a dimly lit room with wood paneling.

Pancake - currently in 2nd foster home

  • Pancake is an ~9 month old Akbash mix who weighs ~65 lbs (and growing fast!). She has a thick, coarse double white coat that seems to stay clean without washing. Her bark is deep and loud, but she doesn't bark often.

    Pancake is house and crate trained.

    Akbash dogs are livestock guardian dogs who are said to be loyal and gentle with their humans and animals.

    They are also described as fierce and fearless when defending their family or flock.

    Pancake likely wandered off a farm and away from her flock, and doesn't seem to fear humans. She was named Pancake because she flops down and flattens like a pancake when things are too overwhelming.

  • Pancake is smart, sweet, and building confidence every day. She has already learned "sit" "come" "touch" and "shake."

    She is dog and human friendly, and her Akbash breed is said to be weary of unknown creatures. At this point, she is excited and a little nervous when meeting dog and human strangers.

    Pancake is learning to walk on a leash and can now go on short walks without too much excitement. We are working up to longer walks with more stimulation.

    She is becoming more curious with the world around her.

    When she plays with Rocky, she makes a deep howl/play growl while also bowing, then goes into play. Sometimes, she plays a little too rough for his liking. She doesn't show any signs of aggression, food or resource guarding.

    She is learning when to take a break, back off, and shake it out.

    • Cheese!! (cubed cheddar)

    • Cuddling on the couch

    • Chicken hearts

    • Frozen lick mats of wet food/cheese/olive oil

    • Laying in the grass

    • Chin and neck pets

    • Ripping up cardboard boxes

    • Scratches at the base of her ears

    • Scratches/pets around her chest

    • Gentle, slow-moving strangers

  • Pancake needs a home with space and love for her. Ideally, you'd have a fenced in yard or access to a secure outdoor area.

    The Routt County Humane Society has many available, adoptable dogs who would love and thrive in a smaller space.

    This Reddit post could be interesting to anyone hoping to adopt Pancake as a family dog. Of course, every dog is different and this post shouldn't wholly inform your decision.

    Although our space is safe and supportive, it is a temporary phase so she can learn how to dog in a human home.

    If you're interested in meeting Pancake, you can email us: carpol@umich.edu or reach out to the RCHS.

    All final decisions about placement are made by RCHS.

Photos:

White dog chewing a red toy on a patterned blanket.
A white dog with a purple collar lying on its back in green grass, appearing relaxed and happy.
Person lying on a couch with a large white dog, smiling and seemingly playing. Background includes a hanging chair and a window with wooden shutters.
A white dog resting its head on a person's arm on a couch, with sunlight filtering through blinds. An egg chair is visible in the background.
Person grooming a relaxed white dog on a patterned rug in a cozy living room.
White dog lying on a patterned couch with rainbow light reflections.
A brown dog sitting and a white dog lying on grass in front of a house with partially boarded windows.
White dog with a purple collar sleeping on a bed with orange and patterned blankets.
Two dogs lying on a patterned rug and tiled floor. The dog on the left is white, and the dog on the right is golden brown. A beige oven mitt hangs on the side of a kitchen appliance.
White dog lying in grass with fence and autumn trees in background
Two dogs resting on a couch with a patterned cover, illuminated by rainbow light reflections.
A white dog wearing a colorful harness lying on patterned blankets and an orange fabric in a cozy corner. A dresser and wall are visible in the background.

Who are we?

We’re Carly, Liam, and Rocky - Steamboat Springs residents and fosters for the RCHS. As a couple, we purchased Rocky in 2021 from a really sketchy situation. We didn’t understand the importance of “adopt, don’t shop.” Since then, we’ve been on a mission to make an impact for homeless pets.

Thankfully, Rocky is on board and loves to teach our foster pups the art of cool, calm, and confident.

Two people smiling in a snowy forest, one holding a brown dog covered in snow, and the other holding a small fir tree. Both are dressed in winter clothing.

  • Carly is a grief and trauma therapist with her own small private practice. She works with folks who live in CO, VA, FL, and CA.

    Liam is a superintendent with Saunders Constructions Inc working on a project near the resort.

  • Because Carly works from home, we are able to provide close supervision and lot's of attention, time, and training to our fosters.

    Our home is cozy, loving and safe. We are a fear-free, force-free home and employ evidence-based, positive reinforcement along with RCHS required training.

    The foster pups who come into our home are treated with respect, love, and dignity.

  • Rocky is a 4 year old golden, with an extremely fortunate upbringing and lots of loving socialization. We moved nearly 25 times while raising Rocky, so he is very comfortable and confident with handling new situations and people.

    He is gentle, goofy, and loves attention.