It can be heartbreaking to watch a dog that has been passed over for adoption because of looks or age. Maybe it’s because they aren’t agile enough or they are just simply overlooked because they blend into the background. We are all familiar with certain breed biases, black dogs, brindle dogs, and older dogs falling into the difficult to adopt category compared to other types of dog.
But sometimes, for no apparent reason, a great dog is stuck at the shelter for too long. They become staff and volunteer favorites, get lots of love and care, but just don’t grab an adopters attention; they are simply overlooked. The only difference between overlooked dogs and all the other dogs in the shelter, is just what the name implies—they’ve been overlooked.
Take a look at this adorable boy Dutch! Dutch came into the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter in February of this year with 10 other dogs after the only home they ever knew was lost. This young boy lived a very sheltered home life and has had very few experiences out in the world – that exists outside of his crate and his yard. The shelter is a very scary place for him; he is extremely stressed and needs our help to get him out from behind shelter walls.
Dutch is a little shy and takes a minute or two to warm up, but once he forms a connection with you he seeks love and affection. Dutch is a very good boy who truly deserves a chance and at just 2 years of age he is really still a puppy at heart.
Some dogs are naturally more shy and cautious than others, and need time to warm up to meeting new people. These dogs need all the help they can get in associating human interaction as being good and safe. Some dogs have legitimately suffered from abuse and can be worried about certain people while other dogs may have been abandoned and are frightened.
In general, puppies become adult dogs between one and two years of age. They don’t suddenly wake up the morning of their first birthday and suddenly grow-up; in fact, maturation is a process and it varies from dog to dog depending on size, breed, socialization, and more.
Do you remember when you turned 18? It was a pretty big deal; for dogs, hitting the age of 2 years is very similar. A 2-year-old dog is no longer a puppy. Once a dog hits 2, they are truly a “young adult”. Although they still maintain their youthful exuberance, they are no longer considered a puppy. Until now, Dutch has lived a life with very few experiences and does need to learn some basic manners and impulse control; he can still be a little jumpy and mouthy.
Dutch walks wonderfully on leash, is very calm, non destructive indoors and is highly food motivated making training come with ease. Dutch especially enjoys when his treats become “live” and he gets to play a game of chase and come back for a jackpot. Reassurance and comfort go a long way with Dutch and while he has many life experiences yet to learn, he is sure to blossom.
Dutch really presents zero behavior issues so the fact that he goes unnoticed in and of itself is an entirely different issue. He just doesn’t get much attention at the shelter from potential adopters, they just pass him by. There are simply no valid reasons for the lack of interest in this handsome young boy. Based on what we have seen and heard about this wonderful boy, it simply seems like he just blends in with all the other dogs, and it’s time we changed that.
This handsome hunk is both dog and cat friendly and would make for an amazing family dog! The best home for him is one with a savvy experienced patient individual/family where he will receive some much needed decompression time to open up and slowly come out of his shell and learn to just be a dog. The shelter is recommending households with children over the age of 12 due to his mouthiness and shy behaviors.
It is beyond heartbreaking to watch Dutch wait day after day for a family, especially when we can’t help him understand why. Just imagine how sad it must be for him watching as other dogs come and go.
Dutch is searching for a family who will love and cherish him. An active family who will enjoy spending outdoor time with him playing fetch, taking walks, then coming home and relaxing on the couch together. If this is what you are looking for in a furry family member, Dutch is your guy!
We know in our hearts that there is a home out there that is just perfect for him. Won’t someone please give him a chance? There must be a family out there who is the perfect match for this adorable boy who is just looking for love; he is truly special and so deserving of a home.
Babylon Animal Shelter
80 New Highway
Amityville, New York 11701
(631) 643-9270
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central right here on Paws Give Me Purpose, share Dutch and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.