About 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters in America each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of those, the organization states that 3.1 million are dogs. Each year, the ASPCA further states that approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats). During October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, rescue organizations ramp up awareness efforts to shed light on dogs in need.
LittleThings spoke with Laura Linneman, director of animal care at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, to discuss the dogs who are often overlooked for adoption. Adopting any pet saves a life and makes space at a shelter or rescue for a new animal to come in. However, adopting a dog many others tend to bypass may just save an animal from being euthanized.
“Pets can add so much value to your life in a variety of ways,” shares Linneman.
Working at the shelter, she has seen many happy adoption tales but fondly recalls one dog in particular who didn’t have an easy road. “We've had a few long-term residents. One was named Wolfie. He was with us starting in May 2021 and was adopted in Jan 2022. Our entire staff helped this energetic but nervous pup on his road to finding a loving home. Our medical staff treated Wolfie for heartworm, while our behavior staff worked with him diligently for months, helping Wolfie to get over his fear of strangers and teaching him how to get along with other dogs. It took a little time, but eventually Wolfie found an incredible family, and now he’s so happy and loved.”
Wolfie found his fur-ever home, and others like him can, too. Linneman shares the dogs who are least likely to be adopted and why pet owners should give them a chance.
Big Dogs
According to Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, “A dog has to weigh at least 50 pounds (sometimes 70 pounds) to be considered a large-breed dog. For example, boxers, German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Chow Chows, Irish Setters, Rottweilers, and Siberian Huskies are all large breed dogs.”
“Big dogs are sometimes overlooked for adoption because of housing restrictions,” notes Linneman. “Finding housing with a larger animal can be more difficult because of breed restrictions placed by landlords. People shouldn’t overlook big dogs because they are great companions and loyal partners.”
Senior Dogs
Canine senior status varies, according to VCA Hospitals. This site states, “Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old. Therefore, a Great Dane becomes a senior citizen far earlier than a Pomeranian.”
“Sometimes the length of life can impact an adopter's choice,” shares Linneman. “Losing a pet is difficult and a dog that is older might not be with them as long. Veterinary expenses can sometimes be higher for an older dog.”
However, she hones in on the benefits, saying, “There are so many benefits to adopting an older dog. Being able to provide a dog with love and joy in its senior years is so rewarding. At times the bond can be strengthened by going through the senior years together.”
Black Dogs
There has been a common misconception surrounding black dogs, known as "black dog syndrome." Black dogs have been unfairly stereotyped by their color. This was a term coined by the ASPCA, which Towards Data Science explains: “It happens usually due to people’s beliefs, superstitions and associations. Black dogs, especially big ones, [are] usually characterized as frightening and aggressive in films, books and other media. Black cats are also surrounded by a different kind of superstition and associated with witchcraft. In general, society correlates black color with evil and bad fortune.”
When LittleThings asked Linneman about this, she said this is not necessarily true anymore. Great news for black animals!
“This is actually a bit of an outdated trend,” says Linneman. “Generally it was thought black dogs were overlooked because they tend to look more generic, but recent sheltering statistics are not finding this is happening as much. It is also hard to separate if black animals had other qualities that might impact their adoptability.” Linneman confirms, “As with any other pet, black dogs are wonderful companions.”
Generic-Looking Dogs
“When there are many animals to choose from at an animal shelter that look alike, sometimes they don't stand out as much to adopters physically,” notes Linneman. “As with any other pet, these dogs are wonderful companions.”
Who says a dog needs to have blue eyes to be a great pet?
Low-Key and Shy Dogs
Best Friends Animal Rescue states, “‘Shy’ is a word that many people use to describe dogs and cats who are fearful. Most often this ‘shyness’ is a fear of strangers, but it can also be fear of new places, being handled, sudden movements or noises, other dogs or cats — or just about anything unfamiliar. The severity can range from mild (fear of a certain type of person) to very severe (fear of so many things that the animal is under constant stress).”
“Most adopters want to instantly connect to their dog,” explains Linneman. “When a dog is more reserved and not showing outward affection, some adopters aren't looking for that and it could make for more steps in the transition to help a shy dog blossom.”
Adopting a reserved dog can be extra rewarding. Linneman says, “Earning the trust of a shy dog and seeing them blossom because of your love and care can be one of the most rewarding things you do. It creates such a deep bond with your pet.”
Special Needs Dogs and Dogs With Medical Issues
“Anytime a dog requires ‘more,’ that is asking more of an adopter to take on emotionally, physically and financially,” reports Linneman. “Not all owners are looking for that as they bring home a new pet. There are so many benefits to adopting a dog with medical issues or special needs. Being able to provide a dog with love and joy despite its struggles can create a very deep bond.”
AmericanHumane.org and the ASCPA are just a few organizations that share resources for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and how you can support and get involved.
