I've never had any issues with my pets and the foxglove, either... not to say it couldn't happen, of course (maybe particularly with a puppy).
Linda, if your garden spot gets morning sun I think it will be perfect for the shade plants that have been mentioned -- mine is in a corner on the northeast side of our house, where it just gets sun early in the day, and the bleeding hearts, hosta, foxglove, ferns and impatiens all thrive there. Another thought for a plant is astilbe -- that has worked well for me there, too.
