Meet Our Misfits
H.A.L.O.’s Fresh Start Program
As a no-kill rescue shelter, H.A.L.O. often ends up with extremely difficult cases where dogs are simply not adoptable due to untrusting and aggressive behaviors. Many of these dogs have been neglected and abused by humans and need a little extra love and care before they are ready to go to their forever home. Each of H.A.L.O.’s Misfits is in the Fresh Start Program where our trainers work with them extensively through pack work, positive muzzle training, and behavioral modification with a heavy emphasis on exposure.
If you are interested in adopting one of our Misfits, please fill out our Misfit Adoption Application (link here) and give us a call for more information about our process.
Please consider sponsoring a Misfit’s care while they learn to love and trust again because every life deserves a second chance!

H.A.L.O.’s Misfits


Bumble
Entered H.A.L.O. 6/22/2015 as a puppy
Bumble came to H.A.L.O. over 1,632 days ago!
…I was born in a loving foster home to my mom Brooklyn Bagel! I got adopted right away along with my littermates, but sadly I was under-socialized. As I grew up, I became more and more fearful of the world around me and a nip to a child sent me back to H.A.L.O.
While I am considered a “Misfit,” I am really one of the gold stars around here! I love all of my humans, and I have a lot of fans. I need a proper introduction, meaning you can’t just run up to pet me. But, once I feel you will not hurt me, I am a loyal friend for life.
My nickname varies from Bumble Bee to T-Rex because I love to stand on my hind legs and dance around. I love toys and am super treat motivated, which I hear is a good thing cause I’ll do whatever you ask of me!
My ideal home is an adult family that’s fairly quiet, no other children 2 or 4 legged. I am not outwardly opposed, but they can trigger my lack of confidence and bring up fears that in the moment can cause me to make bad decisions, that I regret, so let’s keep life easy and just make it us!

Esther
Entered H.A.L.O. 1/22/2019
“I came to H.A.L.O. in 2019 as a stray. I was and still am a scared little cookie.
I have come a long way thanks to the encouragement of my trainers, handlers, and caregivers.
I do best with positive based methods. Because of my fears, restraint being number one, I was first muzzle trained and actually, I don’t mind it at all!
Once I was comfortable wearing my new jewelry, I was able to continue to be shown new experiences like salon days with pedicures, and in the end… it wasn’t really as bad as I thought!
When I trust you, I open up into a bundle of mush. I enjoy walks… especially hiking trails, one on one time with enrichment toys, and fetch!
I do need to be an only child, and one can never forget that I will never unlearn to use my teeth if I am pushed into a corner. If we take this journey together, I can promise we will create an incredible bond and when I feel safe, I can conquer any fears with you by my side!”

Russel
Entered H.A.L.O. 6/4/2019
Russel was found on US1 by the Marina over 1,400 (too long) days ago!
Russel is a great dog that is a Misfit because he carries unresolved dominance issues. What this means is that if you ask Russel to do something, he is a happy and willing participant, but if you tell Russel to do something, things can go South.
In the right hands, Russel is a peach that is playful, will do anything for a treat, is affectionate, loves belly rubs, and even dances!
In the wrong hands, Russel will guard himself and choose dominance over submission.
A family that understands his need for confidence boosting to thrive through routine and structure, can keep him as an only child, and give him the freedom to find his way would provide Russel a life where he can leave the shelter and find his best friend!

Zazu
Entered H.A.L.O. 5/13/2020

Lyla
Entered H.A.L.O. 10/27/2020
I am a super smart girl looking for the perfect home that will put in the work to help me continue to learn how to be the best pup.
I love to play in the water, roll in the grass, and find new smells on my walks. As long as I have established a good relationship with and have been introduced properly to a new dog, I really enjoy playing with them! I am an active pup that benefits from lots of mental and physical stimulation who will cuddle right next to my person when I am fully exercised.
I do resource guard items that I perceive as my own. My foster has been working with me on it and I have come a long way, but still have more to go. I am very mouthy as well, I love to use my mouth to explore new things. New environments and situations can cause me to become fearful and uncomfortable so reading my signs and helping me overcome these challenges would help me tremendously.

Smokey
Entered H.A.L.O. 9/29/2021
I came into H.A.L.O. as an Okeechobee transfer. I exhibited all positive behavior traits on intake but as life progressed my fear started to show through placing me in the Fresh Start Program.
By no means am I not adoptable, but I will take a family that understands me and continues to only push me as far as my comfort allows.
If you are looking for a good, handsome man, then I am the dog for you! I am definitely a lady’s man, I tend to gravitate toward them as I can be a bit fearful of men. A home with only women or a patient family would be ideal. I can be a tad pushy with other dogs, but I really just want to say hi. I cannot wait to meet you!

Howie
Entered H.A.L.O. 1/21/2022

Bean Pie
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 11/26/2022.
Bean Pie was found in the Winn Dixie parking lot over 183 days ago.
Weighing in at only 34lbs, this pocket sized dish with a complicated past, will leave you longing for more!
Bean Pie is the ultimate lizard hunter, adventurous tree climber, explorer and when calm… cuddle bug. He is labelled a Misfit because he suffers from Napoleon Complex, basically he thinks he is the boss. If over stimulated, he gets overly mouthy, so he needs a family with the ability to manage bossy with calm and stable energy.
No small animals for Bean Pie, but he does enjoy a good romp with his size friends and children that are old enough to understand his boundaries.

Whyatt
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 1/7/2023.
Whyatt has bounced in and out of H.A.L.O. since 2016, so it’s no wonder he displays major claiming anxiety.
At the shelter, Whyatt leads with a funny snaggle-tooth personality, loves contact, and is a leaner! Out of the shelter, Whyatt gets “claimy.” This means that he velcro’s to his human and doesn’t want anyone or anything to stand in his way.
There is a fix! You cannot let Whyatt’s goofy initial character send you down a false road in establishing an assertive relationship with everyone he is going to be living with. Being a leader, and keeping every relationships in the home equal time are key factors to creating a wonderful bond that can survive a lifetime.


Reddington
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 2/10/2023.
A stunning boy, Reddington has some trust issues. Once he finds he can trust you, he blossoms into the best boy. He tends to get very jealous of people interacting with “his person” and will have an attitude for hours if his feelings get hurt making him an ideal candidate for a single person with minimal visitors.
Reddington is a giant goofball and loves to dance around in circles. He LIVES for belly rubs and his ball. He enjoys long walks on the beach and a good roll in the sand. Likes to hold your arm and sit pretty to let you know he wants you to pet him for the next 36 hours straight.
If he gets sick, the world is ending and he wants to be left alone, but also catered to. Paying close attention to body language will get the furthest with his quirks because he definitely warns you when he’s grumpy.
He is very vocal, which can be scary at first, but again, his body language will tell you if he’s upset or he’s singing you the bark/whine of his people. He does play with his mouth, but does it very gently and never bites down. He’s not a fan of grooming and does need sedation to keep his coat beautiful.

Ratatouille
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 2/11/2023.
This gorgeous boy has had a rough go at life, but our staff here at H.A.L.O. are determined to make the rest of his life filled with happy memories! Though we do not know much about his history before he came to us, we do know that Ratatouille was found as a stray, tied up at a gas station. Failed by his previous humans, Ratatouille’s trust issues with new people are understandable. Our handlers are working to build his trust, but strangers are still scary for him so slow introductions and patience is a must.
Once you are in his circle, he will show you a world of love and you will have a best friend for life! He is a huge cuddle bug who thinks (read: knows) he is a lap dog, regardless of his size.
He would love a home that can continue to increase his trust and show him all the love the world has to offer. Will you be the second chance he is looking for?

Rado
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 4/17/2023.

Jax
Entered H.A.L.O. 5/25/2023.
Once you are in his circle, you will see his adorable personality shine! He loves to run and do zoomies around the yard. An active home will likely help release his pent up energy and help him thrive!

Adele
Re-Entered H.A.L.O. 7/8/2023.
Adele is a beautiful, but misunderstood girl who’s previous training and behaviors have led her to bond closely to her person and guard them from others. She enjoys being with her human and engaging in mentally stimulating games that provide her with a job. She is a working dog and has training in protection work, making her the perfect guardian for someone who will keep up with her training.
As a result, either a single person home or a multi-person home where all members work on building a bond with her would be ideal. Her perfect home would also be one in which she is the only pet and no small children as high energy and sudden movements make her nervous.

Tech
Entered H.A.L.O. 1/14/2023.
Tech was transferred to us in January from another shelter, where he had been since November of 2022, because he was failing to thrive in that shelter’s environment, hoping that he would find a home quicker at H.A.L.O. While continuing to look for his forever home, Tech’s behavior has continued to regress due to the stress of the shelter environment. The longer a high anxiety pup like Tech remains in a shelter, the more negative behaviors tend to pop up. Our handlers work with him everyday to try to reduce his stress and maintain healthy habits.
Tech entered our Fresh Start Program in September due to his anxieties surrounding people he has not established a bond with yet. He requires slow introductions and careful observation of his body language.
At nearly 12 years old, Tech would benefit from a quiet, adult home that will give him all the love he deserves in his senior years!
H.A.L.O.’s Lifers

Grace
Entered H.A.L.O. 2/19/2016

Whiskey
Entered H.A.L.O. 6/1/2020
Handsome is what you get when you look at me, but mental stability is a big issue for me.
One day I love you, one day I don’t and there is no certain reason or trigger that H.A.L.O. trainers have been able to get a gauge on.
I am super lucky I am safe at H.A.L.O. and will continue my behavioral journey, while receiving all the love and care I deserve! Due to me unpredictable behavior, I am considered a lifer!

Mayson
Entered H.A.L.O. 11/28/2020
While being deaf, I had come such a long way at H.A.L.O. and I was finally ready for a family of my own. Sadly, the high stress of the change of environment caused me to regress and I became very unstable and unpredictable in my home.
H.A.L.O. trainers have deemed me a lifer because my life at H.A.L.O. is like the porridge… just right!

Benji
Entered H.A.L.O. 3/8/2021
Misfits in their Forever Home!

Gucci
Re-Entered H.A.L.O. 8/23/2023. Now Adopted 9/19/2023!
Gucci is a large boy with an equally big personality. Characteristic of his breed, he is wary of strangers and takes time and patience to open up to new people. Once you are in his circle, though, you will have a friend for life! This goofy goober loves his person and gives lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles. Gucci would do best in an adult only home with little to no guests who can spend the time working with him and building up his trust.
In a home setting, Gucci shows resource guarding behavior, especially with his toys so a family that understands this and can work on managing this behavior would be perfect for him.
Even though Gucci has a fear of the unknown, his super sweet personality is sure to show to anyone who takes the time to build a bond with him.

A Cappella
Entered H.A.L.O. 5/16/2023. Now Adopted 8/18/2023!

Zucchini
Entered H.A.L.O. 10/13/2022. Now Adopted 4/25/2023!
I am a puppy through and through who loves to play and be with my people. However, the world is still scary for me and when I am put in unfamiliar environments, I can lose my confidence and start to become mouthy. As a result, I am looking for a special someone that will take the time to go through proper training with me and help me build my confidence and trust!

Boo
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 2/7/2023. Now adopted 4/10/23!
I am a wonderful little girl looking for the perfect home that will give me lots of attention and love. Playing with toys and being with my people are how I enjoy spending my day. I have lots of energy so an active home that can spend time with me and help socialize me is ideal. Strangers can be a little daunting for me, but with the proper introduction I will show my amazingly sweet personality. I can’t wait to meet you!

Dax
Entered H.A.L.O. 4/10/2021. Now adopted 3/24/2023!
I am a beautiful boy that ended up homeless. I am quirky and am not the type of dog to be smooched on so H.A.L.O.’s Fresh Start Program is helping me find my way so that I am ready for a family of my own.
I came into HALO because my dad lost his home. I was wary of so much happening at first, but have since really opened up to be a big love. I like the company of other dogs and car rides are a must!
I am active, playful, smart and affectionate. Due to my shyness around new settings, no children in the home is best for me. I also am not fond of crating, but do well when left alone in the home.

Stip
Re-entered H.A.L.O. 12/5/2022. Now Adopted 1/24/2023!
Jack Russell here!
I am anxious and can be unpredictible at times, but when I am on my game I am nothing but pure love.
My anxiety compounded with human failure have made me a work in progress, but I know there is someone out there looking to share the journey!

Abby
Entered H.A.L.O. 6/22/2021. Now Adopted 12/9/2022!
I flew from the Bahamas to be given my chance at a family of my own. I am sweet and shy and would do best in a quiet home that can give me time to adjust to my new world! Once I bond, I guarantee to make the most loyal friend. I am a HALO Misfit because I can fear bite if pushed too fast with strangers.

Lola Rae
Entered H.A.L.O. 5/27/2016. Now in a Permanent Foster 11/22/2022!
One of the favorites at H.A.L.O., I am a doll baby with the humans in my circle.
Treats are usually the trick to winning me over, but due to my aggressive temperament around other pets and humans I do not know, it was determined that my best life will be at H.A.L.O.
Sometimes protecting a dog from bad choices is the best gift you can give.

ParaNorman
Entered H.A.L.O. 8/4/2022. Now Adopted 11/4/2022!
I am a giant ball of fluff looking for the perfect home. With all my fur, I tend to overheat quickly so trips to the beach are out, but cool AC is in for me! I have your typical husky “Awoo’s” and will sing to you whenever I feel like it.
I can be wary of new people so a quiet and calm household would be the best for me. I can be possessive of things and people I claim as my own so I was placed in H.A.L.O.’s Fresh Start Program.

Roman
Entered H.A.L.O. 3/31/2020. Now Adopted 3/28/2022!
I have really come full circle while in the Fresh Start Program. I came in very leery and shy and now have blossomed, love my pack time and the other dogs. I can be more leery around men than women but if you take the time with me, I will blossom!

Kane
Entered H.A.L.O. 2/1/2014. Now in a Permanent Foster 2/20/2022!
Going to be killed because of my birth defects, an Angel saved and brought me to H.A.L.O.
I had been mistreated, was deaf and blind so the combination led to a very untrusting and reactive personality.
H.A.L.O. handlers are part of my family and being able to trust them makes my life here worth every second living it!

Beauxregard
Entered H.A.L.O. 2/21/2014…Now Re-Adopted 2/5/2022!
I am really a great boy, but being deaf has me a bit nervous and nippy around new people. Once I am given the time and quiet to bond to my family, I am very loyal and well behaved. I am good left alone in the house and am also used to being crated. I know hand signals. I like car rides, playing ball, running around and couch cuddles.

Sky
Entered H.A.L.O. 1/12/2017. Now Adopted 1/6/2022!
Sky is always eager to please and excited to receive any attention as she so wants to be with someone and adored. She is very good on her lead and has the cutest little fast step, lady walk. Sky is a great listener and hugger and she will try and melt into you and bury her face in your body. Sky does have extreme restraint fears and will bite if feels threatened at all. Trainers are working on building up her trust and teaching impulse control.

Nemo
Entred H.A.L.O. 7/20/2016, now in a Permanant Foster 11/18/2021!
They call me Eeyore around the shelter. I have been at H.A.L.O. since 2016 and while I have had my share of troubles, I am still hopeful to share life with a quiet, stable person to bond with and share ice water! My largest struggles are claiming and guarding issues but I do have tells when I have reached my threshold.

Joito
Entered H.A.L.O. 6/28/2021. Now Adopted 11/5/2021!
I am adorable and good with my person, but am not a social butterfly. Not being able to see definitely sets me back and I get very possessive of my human and will bite if someone I do not know approaches. Take the time to get to know me and I will be your best friend! Just looking for my special person to share a quiet life with.

Duncan
Entered H.A.L.O. 1/14/2021. Now Adopted 8/19/2021!
I am a fiery little guy who struggles with resource guarding and aggression. Due to my behavior issues, I was placed into H.A.L.O.’s Fresh Start Program where my handler worked with me closely and I came a long way.
With lots of patience and training, I learned how to deal with my quirks and the people closest to me learned how to manage my behavior.