Adopting a Charleston Shelter Dog and Surviving the First Week
- Kimberly Layman
- Nov 22, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Bringing home a new dog is always emotional, but adopting one who spent nearly three months in a shelter? That’s something else entirely. There’s joy, uncertainty, stress, and hope all tangled together in those early days. This is the story of Maggie’s first week with us and what we learned from welcoming her into our home.
How We Found Maggie
We first saw Maggie on the shelter website. Her bio mentioned she had spent time with children, other dogs, and even a couple of cats in two short foster placements. That immediately caught my attention! With our senior dog, Buddy, and two cats, Charlie and Callie, it was important to find a dog who could adapt to our mixed-pet household.
She reminded us so much of Molly, our beloved girl who passed away in August. I wasn’t sure Josh would be ready for a dog who looked so much like her, but he saw Maggie’s photo and said, “Let’s meet her.” So I drove up to the shelter and met her in one of their outdoor yards.
She was calm and quiet. No barking, no pulling, no signs of stress. I thought she would be a great fit. She hopped into the back of my car with no hesitation and rode home like a pro, watching the world go by through the window.
What I didn’t realize at the time was Maggie had been on Trazodone twice a day for several weeks at the shelter, including the morning I met her. So the calm dog I met? That was temporary.
The First 24 Hours
Before bringing her into the house, I had my neighbors help me with a parallel walk. They walked Buddy while I walked Maggie, and both dogs seemed relaxed and open. After the walk, we brought them into the yard and they immediately started playing. It was like Buddy had turned into a puppy again. We thought, wow, this is going to be perfect.
But within hours, that initial magic shifted. Maggie was playful, but rough. She nipped at Buddy’s ears and legs, pounced on him repeatedly, jumped on him, and even tried to hump him. She didn’t pick up on any of his corrections. Buddy growled and warned her, but she wasn’t reading the room. Our laid-back senior wasn’t thrilled about this unexpected energy.
The same thing happened with our cats. Maggie approached them with curiosity and bouncy play energy. Charlie and Callie were not amused. They hissed and swatted, then ran to their gated-off safe room. She didn’t pick up on their signals either.
Decompression and Structure
We kept Maggie’s world small. She had limited access to rooms, baby gates to block off cat areas, and short supervised play sessions with Buddy. She followed us constantly, paced the house, and panted nonstop.
She wasn’t destructive in the malicious sense, but anxiety drove her to chew anything she could find. Toys, boxes, socks, shoes, even a blanket. Every toy Buddy owned was pulled from the bin. She chewed the stuffing out of a bed. She surfed the counters. She was in overdrive!
She slept in a crate at night, and though getting her into it was a chore, she settled quickly once inside. No whining. No barking. Just sleep. That alone felt like a win.
Enrichment and Energy Outlets
Maggie is high energy. Like, “never stops moving” high energy! Walks helped. We did at least two structured walks a day. She didn’t stop to sniff much, but we’re working on that. She pulls a little, but generally does well on leash and doesn’t bother Buddy during walks. That’s a win!
We added a snuffle mat, a Kong, and lick mats to her daily routine. We played fetch in the backyard, did little training sessions, and offered calming chews or frozen treats to help her decompress.
She hasn’t been on any medication since she’s been with us, but we did introduce CBD oil to support relaxation. Time will tell how much it helps.
A Turning Point at the Beach
By Saturday, we all needed a change of scenery. We took both dogs to Sullivan’s Island, our favorite local beach, for a leashed beach walk. Maggie hesitated before getting in the car, and I worried she thought she was being returned to the shelter. But once her paws hit the sand, she lit up!
She sniffed the air, walked alongside Buddy, and soaked up the ocean breeze. She didn’t venture into the water, even when Buddy waded in, but she stayed close to us and looked more relaxed for the first time all week.
Coming back through the front door afterward, she seemed a little more at ease. I don’t think she fully believes this is her forever home just yet, but I do think she was happy to come back to it.
Learning Maggie
We’ve learned a lot about her already:
She’s incredibly sweet.
She’s smart, curious, and a little sassy.
She’s reactive to other dogs and overly eager around people.
She loves affection, but she needs boundaries.
She wants to belong.
She plays rough, especially with Buddy, and we still have to supervise all their time together. He seems to like her in calm moments, and we see signs that their bond is growing. But he’s also tired. We get it. So are we!
At the End of Week One
It’s been exhausting. Rewarding. Chaotic. Hopeful. We’ve had moments of second-guessing, but we've also had moments where we felt proud and encouraged.
Week One Wins:
She slept through the night in her crate.
She started walking better on leash.
She began understanding our rhythm and routines.
She took treats gently and sought out affection.
She clearly wants to do well. She just doesn't quite know how to slow herself down yet.
By night four or five, she hopped on the couch with us after dinner and just laid there. We don’t know if she was allowed on furniture in her previous home, but that moment felt like trust.
She still chewed. Still paced. Still jumped on Buddy. But we were seeing glimpses of the dog she could become with time and structure.
What I Wish More People in Charleston Knew
If you’re adopting a shelter dog, please give them time. Maggie came to us on a foster-to-adopt basis. We had seven days to decide. In those seven days, she went from a pacing, anxious whirlwind to a dog starting to trust and engage.
Shelter dogs need time!
Time to adjust.
Time to decompress.
Time to learn your routines.
Time to understand that they’re safe.
Too many well-meaning adopters return dogs within the first few days because things didn’t go smoothly right away. Maybe the dog didn’t click with their other pet on day one. Maybe they had an accident in the house. Maybe they tore something up or barked too much. That doesn’t mean the dog isn’t a good fit. It just means they’re overwhelmed.
So if you’re bringing a new dog home in Charleston, remember this:
Shelter dogs don’t come home perfect. They come home uncertain. With love, structure, and patience, they become the dog they were always meant to be.
Remember The Rule of Threes
3 days to decompress
3 weeks to learn the routine
3 months to feel fully at home
Maggie isn’t there yet, but she’s getting closer each day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adopting Rescue Dogs
How long does it take for a shelter dog to adjust to a new home?
Plan for the Rule of Threes:
3 days to decompress,
3 weeks to learn the routine,
3 months to feel at home.
Our rescue dog, Maggie, is still working through it, and that’s totally normal.
What should I expect during the first week with a shelter dog?
Pacing, panting, chewing, barking, and clingy behavior are all normal. Your new dog is trying to make sense of their world. Create structure and give them time to settle in.
Should I let my new dog and current pets interact right away?
Not face-to-face. Start with scent swapping, parallel walks, or supervised observation through gates or crates. Let your pets set the pace.
How do I help my new dog settle at night?
Create a calm nighttime routine and use a crate if needed for safety. Most dogs settle after a few nights once they feel secure.
What if my newly adopted dog has too much energy?
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Our recent blog post explains why sniffing can tire dogs out more than running laps in the backyard.
Is it normal for a newly adopted dog to be destructive or anxious?
Yes. Many dogs chew, pace, or vocalize in the first few days. Don’t panic. Set boundaries, provide enrichment, and create predictable routines. These behaviors often fade with time.
What are the best enrichment toys for rescue dogs?
Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, lick mats, Kongs, and chew toys are great for reducing stress and encouraging calm. Structured sniff walks are also helpful.
What if my new dog is too energetic for my existing pets?
Supervise their time together. Create calm, separate spaces. Provide breaks and individual attention. Use enrichment and exercise to meet your new dog’s needs without overwhelming your current pets. Give your existing pets one-on-one time and introduce shared activities slowly. It takes time, but calm coexistence is possible.
What if my new dog doesn’t get along with my pets right away?
Give everyone space. Use gates, pens, and controlled introductions. Avoid forcing interactions. Respect your current pets’ boundaries and give your new dog time to learn the household dynamic.
Where can I adopt a shelter dog in Charleston, SC?
We recommend checking out these great local shelters:
And don't forget about our local rescues:
Can Paws Up! help support my newly adopted dog?
Absolutely! We offer Midday Dog Walks, Potty and Play Breaks, and Adventure Walks that are fully customizable. Whether your new dog needs a slow stroll or an enrichment-packed sniffari, we’ll tailor each visit to help them settle in.
Ready for Part Two?
We’ll be sharing what life with Maggie looks like after the first month. If you’re on your own new dog journey, follow along, and don’t forget to check out our post, Bringing Home a New Dog? 7 Must-Know Tips for Charleston to help you start strong.
Need Support For Your New Rescue During the Transition?
If you're navigating life with a newly adopted dog in Charleston, we can help! At Paws Up!, our Midday Dog Walks and Adventure Walks are customized to fit your dog’s energy level and needs. Whether they need enrichment, structured potty breaks, or a safe outlet for exercise, we’ve got you covered while they adjust to their new life.
Have you adopted a rescue dog in Charleston? We’d love to hear your story! Tag @PawsUpCHS or comment below and let’s cheer on your success together.
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