When Casper first arrived at Ventura County Animal Services in July, he looked utterly defeated. Found as a stray and missing much of his fur, the shy pup seemed to have given up.
Though a microchip revealed he once had an owner, no one ever came for him. So, the shelter staff gave him a fresh start — and waited for someone new to see his worth.
“At first, Casper was very timid,” said Jules Hooper, marketing specialist at the shelter. “But after a few days, he started taking treats from staff and volunteers. He was gentle, walked beautifully on leash, and loved attention.”
Casper’s skin condition required regular medicated baths, which he patiently sat through. Gradually, his fur began to grow back, and his personality began to shine. But life in a kennel wasn’t easy for him.
About a week after arriving, staff noticed that Casper seemed increasingly anxious. His coping mechanism was heartbreaking — he started playing fetch by himself.
“Staff would hear the ball bouncing off the metal walls at all hours,” Hooper said. “It seemed cute at first, but we realized it was his way of handling the stress of being alone in a kennel.”
Casper needed more than just enrichment — he needed space, peace, and people to love him.
For a short time, he got exactly that. A kind foster family opened their home to Casper, giving him room to run and play to his heart’s content.
“They LOVED Casper,” Hooper said. “They even made matching T-shirts for him! He especially enjoyed playing basketball with the kids and goofing around with their larger dog.”
Sadly, Casper didn’t get along with the family’s smaller dog, so he returned to the shelter — still as sweet and hopeful as ever.
“Casper remains incredibly gentle, loves people, and is so easy to walk,” Hooper said. “He’s a total gentleman for his baths. We think he’d do best as an only pet, or with another calm, larger dog.”
Casper may be back in his kennel for now, but he’s still waiting for that one family who’ll throw the ball for him — not through the bars of a cage, but out in a sunny yard filled with love.
If you’re interested in giving Casper his forever home, you can email vcar.rescue@ventura.org for more information.
