Strawberry and Velvet are just three months old, but they’ve already won over the hearts of the shelter staff, dog lovers, and anyone lucky enough to meet them. And now? They’re ready to find a family.

The Grand Rivers Humane Society (GRHS) in Grand Junction is hoping someone out there will fall head over heels for these two fluffy besties. They’re lab and Australian cattle dog mixes—equal parts energy, affection, and downright cuteness.

If you’ve been even thinking about getting a dog, well… now might be the time to act.

Bouncy, Bright, and Big on Snuggles

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, they’re as adorable as their names suggest.

“Strawberry and Velvet are both sweet, affectionate, and super well-socialized,” said a representative from GRHS. “They’re great with people and other dogs, which makes them perfect for families or even single pet parents looking for a companion.”

They’re still puppies, which means they come with all the classic puppy stuff—zoomies, wiggly tails, a love of belly rubs, and a deep appreciation for socks they’re not supposed to chew.

Velvet is the calmer of the two, happy to lay her head in your lap and just vibe.

Strawberry? A little sassier, a little faster, and completely obsessed with fetch.

Together? They’re pure joy in dog form.

Their Start Wasn’t Glamorous—But They’ve Come a Long Way

Strawberry and Velvet didn’t have the easiest beginning.

Like many pups who pass through the Grand Rivers Humane Society system, they were part of an unexpected litter, surrendered early, and brought into foster care in Mesa County.

They were lucky, though—placed into homes that had other dogs, humans who loved them, and enough peanut butter to go around.

One foster mom said Velvet “learned to sit faster than any dog I’ve ever had,” while Strawberry “runs like she’s training for the Olympics.”

They’ve had their shots, their checkups, and yes—they’re spayed and microchipped. So they’re ready to go.

Mark Your Calendar: Adoption Event This Saturday

If your heart’s even halfway sold right now, you might want to show up in person.

The Grand Rivers Humane Society is hosting its Saturday Dog Adoption Event at Lions Park in the Mesa County Fairgrounds on August 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

And yes—Strawberry and Velvet will be there.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Meet the pups (and other adoptables!)

• Ask foster volunteers about behavior, training, and routines

• Fill out an adoption application on-site

• Bring existing dogs (for a meet-and-sniff introduction)

GRHS says it’s always helpful if potential adopters bring basic vet references or proof of pet-friendly housing, especially if they’re ready to adopt same-day.

What to Know About the Breed Mix

These girls aren’t just cute—they’re smart. That’s the cattle dog in them.

Australian cattle dogs, often called “heelers,” are known for being loyal, alert, and whip-smart. Labs, on the other hand, bring in the goofy, social, friendly energy that makes them the go-to dog for families all over the country.

So what do you get with a mix of the two?

Here’s a quick snapshot:

One sentence that matters: These pups won’t be content sitting around all day.

They’re playful, active, and crave interaction. If you’re up for it, they’ll be your best friend. But if you’re gone for 12 hours a day? This might not be the right fit.

Why Adopt Now? Well… Why Not?

Late summer is actually one of the best times to bring a puppy into your life. School hasn’t quite started, people are still home more, and the weather’s perfect for long walks and outdoor playtime.

Adoption also opens up space in shelters and foster homes for the next litter, the next stray, the next emergency intake.

Plus, the emotional payoff is almost unfair.

“Seeing them go from scared and unsure to confident and loved… there’s nothing like it,” said one volunteer. “They remember you. They trust you. And they love you without needing a reason.”