Doodles everywhere! It’s an unseasonably pleasant August Saturday in New York City, with the usual summer heat and humidity finally easing up. Everyone—along with their moms and their dogs—is making the most of the beautiful weather. Designer dogs strut around the Union Square farmers market in Burberry harnesses, while a pair of pups lounge under a shady tree in matching Fendi outfits.

“So many of our dogs hate doodles,” jokes Mallory Kerley, marketing director at Muddy Paws, a New York–based dog rescue. Today, some of Muddy Paws’ adoptable dogs are posing for their Dogue cover shoot with photographer and social media star The Dogist. The scene draws plenty of attention, with owners of purebreds and hybrids lingering nearby, hoping their expensive pups might catch his—and his 7.7 million Instagram followers’—eye.

But today belongs to the Muddy Paws crew—a reminder of the “adopt, don’t shop” philosophy. The lineup includes blocky-headed pit mixes, sweet seniors, and other adoptable pups. Among them are Elmo, a dignified older Chihuahua; Cora, a big-hearted pit mix who sits like a lady; and Brave, an energetic puppy whose cuteness makes passersby squeal with delight.

Many of these dogs came to Muddy Paws after heartbreaking experiences—neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Belfast, a friendly tiger-striped Bully breed, arrived with neck wounds still visible under his collar. Benji, a fluffy white senior with golden spots, was found abandoned in the subway, so matted and dirty that rescuers thought his fur was brown. Nicki, an adorable lowrider, was discovered tied to a tree, severely underweight.

“I fell in love with her personality,” says Nicki’s foster, Ali. “She’s a sweet little love bug—rolls over for belly rubs, nudges you for more. She’s like a silly, affectionate kid.”

Muddy Paws relies entirely on fosters, but every weekend, many of their adoptable dogs gather outside Petco in Union Square or PetSmart in Flatiron. Some relax inside the rescue’s van, their names written on the windows, while others meet potential adopters or charm strangers on the sidewalk in “Adopt Me” vests. Volunteers work long shifts to maximize the dogs’ visibility.

“We really try to give them the best chance at finding a home,” Kerley says. On an average Saturday, 12 to 15 dogs get adopted.

You, too, could adopt one of these Dogue cover stars—well, most of them, anyway. A few were snapped up before the shoot even wrapped (star power!), and others found homes in the weeks after.

Below, meet a few of Muddy Paws’ pups. While some have already been adopted, the rescue—and shelters everywhere—always has more dogs in need of foster or forever homes.

### Cora (The Dogist)
This eight-year-old pit mix is pure love—generous with kisses but picky about treats (can you blame her?). With her underbite and habit of sitting sidesaddle, she’s full of personality. Cora stole our hearts—and she’s still looking for hers.

### Elmo (The Dogist)
A distinguished senior with a frosty face, 10-year-old Elmo has strong opinions—he hates being picked up but loves high perches. During his shoot, he pranced up brownstone stairs like a show pony, surveying his kingdom. Classic Chihuahua energy!

### Belfast (The Dogist)
Two-year-old Belfast arrived with neck injuries, but this resilient pup has endless love to give. A gentle giant, he adores people, kids, and other dogs. At the adoption event, he showered a delighted toddler with kisses.

### Brave (The Dogist)
At just 14 weeks old, Brave is a bundle of energy and charm. His playful antics and irresistible cuteness make him impossible to ignore.

(Note: Some dogs may have been adopted since this feature.)Here’s your rewritten text in fluent, natural English while keeping the original meaning intact:

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Uppy and His Siblings
Uppy and his two siblings came to Muddy Paws from Kentucky. Playfully nicknamed “the demon puppies,” Brave and his siblings are full of energy, curiosity, and love. This little wild child loves giving kisses, and though he can walk on his own, he’d much rather be carried like the prince he is.

Brave is available for adoption.

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Nicki
At five years old, Nicki might look intimidating with her strong build and underbite, but she’s an absolute sweetheart. (“She’s like a big cow,” Kerley jokes.) Her gentle nature and goofy tongue make her impossible not to love—so much so that she was adopted before the photoshoot even ended, joining a family with two kids and a new Boston terrier sibling.

Nicki has been adopted.

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Benji
Sweet 12-year-old Benji was found in the subway, so dirty and matted that rescuers thought he was brown. After just a few days with his Muddy Paws foster, this white pup with golden spots was like a new dog—perched on a table, happily soaking up attention. When someone asked about him but hesitated because of his age, luck was on Benji’s side—he found his forever family before the shoot wrapped.

Benji has been adopted.

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Emerald
At just one year old, Emerald acts wiser than her age. Calm and thoughtful, she stays unbothered even when other dogs bark, making the humans around her jump. With her striking dark brown coat, black spots, and white socks, she moves gracefully, almost like a gazelle.

Emerald has been adopted.

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Jake
Ten-year-old Jake is a total snuggle bug. This Chihuahua mix arrived in a loose harness, but don’t worry—he’d much rather be held than run around. (“I don’t think he’s a runner,” joked a Muddy Paws staffer.) A little shy but sweet, this snaggletoothed pup just wants love.

Jake has been adopted.

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Brioche
Five-year-old Brioche knows exactly what she wants—attention! This boxer-pit mix will march right up to anyone for pets. Once a stray, she came to Muddy Paws from the city shelter, still recovering from nursing a litter. Confident in her beauty (those eyeliner-like markings don’t lie) and full of charm, she’s as delightful as she is gorgeous.

Brioche has been adopted.

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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Adopt This Dog

General Questions
Q What does Adopt This Dog mean
A Adopt This Dog is a phrase encouraging people to adopt dogs from shelters or rescues instead of buying from breeders

Q Why should I adopt a dog instead of buying one
A Adopting saves a life reduces pet overpopulation and is often cheaper than buying from a breeder Many shelter dogs are already trained and vaccinated

Q Where can I adopt a dog
A You can adopt from animal shelters rescue organizations or pet adoption events Websites like Petfinder and AdoptaPet also list adoptable dogs near you

Adoption Process
Q How does the dog adoption process work
A Typically youll fill out an application meet the dog and go through a screening process before finalizing the adoption

Q What should I bring when meeting a dog for adoption
A Bring ID proof of address and any required adoption fees If you have other pets some shelters may ask to do a meetandgreet

Q How long does it take to adopt a dog
A It variessome adoptions happen the same day while others take weeks if theres a waiting period or home check

PostAdoption
Q What should I do right after bringing my adopted dog home
A Give them time to adjust introduce them slowly to their new space and schedule a vet visit to check their health

Q My adopted dog seems scared or anxious What should I do
A Be patient Let them explore at their own pace provide a quiet space and use positive reinforcement to build trust

Q How can I help my adopted dog bond with me
A Spend time together use treats and praise establish a routine and engage in play or training sessions

Health Behavior
Q Are adopted dogs usually healthy
A Many are healthy but some may have minor issues Shelters usually provide medical records and may offer postadoption support