A dog that has spent 1,369 days, almost four years, in the Humane Society shelter has finally found a ‘forever home’ after being adopted this week.
Chico was the longest resident at the George Town shelter and, despite his sweet personality, had struggled to find an owner willing to take him on, until Eleanor Reed walked into the George Town facility.
“When I brought him home, I really expected he would have all kinds of issues, because ‘why else has he been in there so long?’ but he is the sweetest, most loving dog in the world,” she said.
“I bought him a big bag of toys and let him rip around the house. He’s completely taken over the bed.”
After such a long stay in the shelter, Chico is making up for lost time. “He loves the beach. I have been taking him three or four times a week. He just seems delighted to be around people.”
Reed, who moved to Cayman 18 months ago, says she gravitated towards Chico because of the length of time he had been looking for a home. She is used to big dogs so his bulk, intimidating for some potential owners, was not a problem.
Samantha Cooper, operations manager for the Humane Society, said the shelter always tries to give extra exposure to its longest-staying residents.
“The puppies are always the easiest to get adopted, but the longer they have been here, the harder it becomes.”
Chico arrived at the shelter as a 3-year-old, surrendered by his owners. He had bad skin and was a ‘bit smelly’ – the result of a food allergy that was not identified until later.
“It is sad that he has been in here so long because he is a very good dog. He looks like a big tough guy but he is actually a softie,” she said.
“We will miss him but we are so happy he has found a nice home.”
Chico only recently became the longest Humane Society resident after Adele – who was surrendered as a 6-month-old and spent more than seven years in the shelter – was adopted in September.
Cooper admits shelter staff try to give their long-time residents a little more VIP treatment and boost their social media posts in an effort to find them a home. Volunteers try to prioritise them for extra walks and weekend fosters. But some come to view the shelter as home.
“We had one dog escape and he came right back and sat at the back door,” she said.
Despite the efforts of the shelter staff and its volunteers, the facility remains overcrowded and, with so many dogs and cats to take care of, it’s hard to give them all the attention they need.
With Adele and Chico now enjoying their freedom, the next priority is finding a home for Bobo, who has been in the shelter for three years and six months after being found abandoned as a 2-year-old.
“He is a very large dog who needs someone experienced with dogs and preferably someone who has a large yard,” she said.
If you can adopt Bobo or are interested in adopting any of the dogs from the Humane Society, check their website or call 949-1461.
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