Quill, a dog now in the care of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction, Colo., has been cleared for adoption after arriving at the shelter covered in porcupine quills. The shelter said staff removed the quills and provided the care he needed, and Quill is now being showcased as part of a seasonal adoption effort.

Roice-Hurst staff said Quill’s arrival was painful but that he has recovered and adjusted well to life at the shelter. “Quill loves to chase tennis balls and get pets from humans,” the Roice-Hurst Humane Society wrote in a summary of his temperament. That friendly disposition, the shelter added, has helped make Quill a visible candidate as employees and volunteers work to find a permanent home for him.

Quill is not the only dog from his litter to find a home. The shelter said his sisters have already been adopted, leaving Quill as the remaining sibling still seeking placement. Staff members emphasized that his sociable behavior and interest in play make him likely to adapt quickly in a new household, and they invited prospective adopters to meet him in person to assess fit.

To increase the chances of finding Quill a home, Roice-Hurst has highlighted him during the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Holiday Hope adoption promotion, which runs through mid-December, according to the shelter. Under that program, the foundation provides promotional support — and in some cases financial assistance — to participating shelters to help more animals move into homes during the holiday season, the shelter said. Roice-Hurst officials said they are taking advantage of the promotion to spotlight animals like Quill and facilitate placements throughout the campaign window.

The shelter has been publicizing Quill and other adoptable animals on its website and social channels, and the dog’s story has also been covered by local media, including KKCO 11 News. Shelter representatives said local coverage and the Bissell promotion have helped increase inquiries and visits from people interested in adopting.

Staff at Roice-Hurst encouraged anyone considering adoption to come to the shelter to meet animals in person. During those visits, employees can describe an animal’s preferences and energy level and answer practical questions about integration with families and other pets. For Quill, shelter staff noted a clear love of play and human attention as defining traits.

The shelter acknowledged that the origin of Quill’s name and his early publicity stem from his initial condition upon intake — arriving covered in porcupine quills — but emphasized that his current profile centers on his temperament and readiness to join a family. After treatment and monitoring, he was cleared for adoption and remains listed as available while the Holiday Hope Special continues.

Quill’s availability highlights the seasonal push many shelters undertake to find homes for animals before year’s end. At Roice-Hurst, staff said they are optimistic that visibility from the Holiday Hope Special, combined with local reporting and in-shelter meet-and-greets, will lead to a permanent home for Quill before the promotion ends in mid-December.

Readers who want more information about Quill or to view other animals available at the Roice-Hurst Humane Society can consult the shelter’s online listings and local news coverage for contact details and visiting hours.