Every Dog Deserves a Chance.
Every Dog Deserves a Chance.
Dog Fostering in Buena Vista, CO | K9 Haven Foster Program
At K9 Haven in Buena Vista, we open our hearts and homes to foster dogs—giving them love, structure, and the best chance at a forever family.
please Help Us Help Them
Every dollar goes directly toward improving the lives of foster dogs. Donations support things like training, enrichment, and supplies—or go straight to our partner, Ark Valley Humane Society, to help even more dogs in our community. Check out our local shelter today at Ark-Valley Humane Society
Dogs We’ve Loved
Damon – Our First Foster Dog
Damon was the very first foster dog to come through K9 Haven in Buena Vista in May of 2025; he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
During his stay with us, Damon joined in on two days of doggy daycare where he got to play, make friends, and soak up love from staff and pups alike. His gentle personality and eagerness to be part of the group made him a favorite around here.
After his time at K9 Haven, Damon found a new family through adoption. Knowing that we could give him a safe place to land, and then help him take his first steps toward a forever home, reminded us why fostering is so important.
Damon’s journey set the foundation for our foster program. He showed us how even a short time in a nurturing environment can give a dog the confidence and love they need to move forward. Because of him, we are dedicated to continuing to foster, educate, and support both dogs and their future families.
🐾 Thank you, Damon, for being the dog who started it all.
Zeus – The Dog Who Changed Us Forever
Zeus was a goofy, affectionate soul who adored playtime and cuddles. His big heart and silly personality brought joy to everyone at K9 Haven in Buena Vista, and he reminded us daily why dogs are so special.
Like many rescue dogs, Zeus carried invisible struggles from his past. Despite everyone’s best efforts, his journey ended too soon. Losing him was heartbreaking, but his story continues to guide us.
What Zeus Taught Us
Every rescue dog needs patience and understanding.
Adopters benefit from support, training, and resources.
A strong community makes all the difference in creating success stories.
Zeus changed us forever. Because of him, we are committed to stronger adopter education and support—so future families and dogs can thrive together. His legacy lives on in every foster we welcome and every lesson we share with our community.
🐾 In honor of Zeus, please consider supporting our foster program. Your gift helps us provide training, enrichment, and care for dogs waiting for their forever homes—and strengthens our partnership with Ark Valley Humane Society to help even more dogs in need.
Donate to K9 Haven Foster Dogs and/or Support Ark Valley Humane Society today!
-
Bringing home a rescue dog is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming for both you and your pup. At K9 Haven, we remind adopters that the first three days are about patience, calm, and building trust.
Keep things quiet. Limit visitors and outings. Too much stimulation can cause stress.
Set up a safe space. Crates, cozy corners, or a quiet room help your dog decompress.
Routine matters. Keep meals, walks, and potty breaks consistent to create security.
Don’t rush affection. Let your dog come to you. Some need time before cuddles feel safe.
💡 Remember: those first 72 hours set the tone for the journey ahead. Your patience now builds confidence later.
-
Imagine moving to a new country where you don’t speak the language—that’s how a newly adopted dog feels. Decompression gives dogs the time and space to adjust before they’re expected to “perform” in a new home.
Average time needed: The 1st 3 days your new dog will be overwhelmed, in 3 weeks they will start to adjust, and 3 months to more fully decompress and integrate into the family, depending on the dog.
Signs your dog is decompressing: more naps, avoiding eye contact, pacing, or hiding.
What to do: Keep the environment calm, avoid big outings, and focus on gentle bonding.
📌 Pro tip: Don’t judge your new dog too quickly. True personality often shows once they feel safe.
-
Preparation is half the battle when adopting a dog. Before your new pup arrives, set your home up for success:
Dog-safe zone: Pick one area where your dog can eat, sleep, and relax.
Remove temptations: Shoes, cords, trash bins—curiosity can cause problems fast.
Supplies checklist: Food, water bowls, crate, bedding, leash, poop bags, and safe toys.
Routine ready: Have a plan for potty breaks, feeding times, and exercise.
✨ A prepared environment reduces stress—for both you and your new best friend.
WHY WE FOSTER
At K9 Haven in Buena Vista, Colorado, we believe every dog deserves a chance at a safe, loving future. That’s why we open our hearts and our facility to foster dogs in need. Fostering gives rescue dogs a temporary home where they can feel secure, learn structure, and get the care they need while waiting for adoption.
For us, fostering is more than shelter—it’s healing. Many dogs arrive with uncertain pasts, and through patience, training, and love, we help them build confidence and prepare for life in a forever home.
Each foster teaches us valuable lessons, and we share those lessons with our community so that future adopters are better prepared for success. From understanding the importance of decompression time, to providing training resources and ongoing support, we are committed to setting both dogs and families up to thrive together.
By fostering, we also strengthen the bond between K9 Haven and the Buena Vista dog community. Together with local rescues and the Ark Valley Humane Society, we are working to create more happy endings for dogs in Chaffee County and beyond.
🐾 Fostering saves lives, transforms families, and reminds us why dogs truly are our best friends.
Professional Pet Photo Shoot donated and provided by Cutie PAWtootie