Shelter Dog Longing For A Family After Brother’s Adoption Breaks Hearts

A loving Labrador retriever from Puerto Rico is still looking for his forever home after more than 70 days in a Florida shelter where he is struggling to adapt.

Dale is in the care of the Humane Society of Broward County, where he is still waiting, despite his brother being adopted.

“Dale is a young pup, and like many puppies, he has found it tough being in the shelter for long,” Kaitlin Pechin from the society told Newsweek.

“Environmental stress, past traumatic experiences, and limited socialization can contribute to this struggle. Puppies, in general, benefit from more socialization and stimulation to develop good behavior and social skills,” Pechin added.

In heartbreaking footage, 9-month-old Dale is seen in his kennel, where he often hides under his bed to escape the stress and sounds of the shelter.

Thankfully, the dedicated team at the shelter are giving Dale plenty of love and attention, with daily walks and one-on-one time. Despite this, Dale is still struggling and is very much ready for a home of his own.

Transferred from another shelter in Puerto Rico, Dale loves playing with toys, chasing a ball. He already knows how to sit and is working on “down.”

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet ‘Shelter Watch Report’ found.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

“Dale will thrive in a family environment that embraces regular play and cuddle sessions,” Pechin said. “An ideal family for him should possess the patience to engage in training sessions and teach him new skills. Given that he is still a growing pup, ongoing training is essential. A household with older kids who appreciate his learning process will be the best fit for Dale.”

The Humane Society of Broward County is calling on the community to consider welcoming Dale into their homes and hearts. His infectious enthusiasm and loving nature make him a perfect companion for a family willing to invest time and effort into his development.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Uncommon Knowledge

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