“Staff would hear the ball loudly bouncing off the metal walls at all hours.”
Casper the Sweet Pup at Ventura County Animal Services Needs a Forever Home
Casper, a gentle dog with a missing patch of fur, arrived at Ventura County Animal Services in July as a stray. Though he had a microchip, his previous owner never came forward, leaving Casper to wait for a loving family to adopt him.
“When he first arrived, Casper was very shy,” said Jules Hooper, marketing specialist at Ventura County Animal Services. “But within a few days, he started taking treats from staff and volunteers. He walked well on leash, was incredibly sweet, and our veterinary team carefully monitored his skin, prescribing medicated baths. Slowly, his fur and skin began to improve.”
While Casper’s gentle nature won hearts at the shelter, life behind kennel walls proved stressful. Staff noticed he began barking excessively and chasing his ball relentlessly, often bouncing it off the metal walls at all hours. What initially seemed like playful behavior was actually a sign of anxiety.
It became clear that Casper needed a yard, regular exercise, and a patient family to help him thrive. Thankfully, he was placed in a foster home, where he could finally chase his ball outdoors and play freely. “They loved Casper, even making matching T-shirts for him,” Hooper shared. “He especially enjoyed playing basketball with his foster siblings and sometimes played with the larger dog in the home.”
Unfortunately, Casper and the family’s smaller dog weren’t the best match, so he has returned to the shelter. However, his playful spirit and friendly demeanor remain unchanged.
“Casper is still incredibly sweet, easy to walk, and a gentleman for his baths,” Hooper said. “We think a home without small animals, or possibly as the only dog, would be perfect for our friendly ghost.”
Casper is ready to become a loving companion and the ultimate ball player for the right family. Ventura County Animal Services hopes that he will soon find a forever home where he can enjoy outdoor play, affection, and a life full of love.