According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year from animal shelters across the United States. Last year alone, TAPS helped more than 1,700 dogs and cats find lasting, loving families to share with the rest of their lives. While every animal that makes its way to TAPS is treated with the utmost love and respect and is given the best care possible, we always hope their stay is short and sweet. Unfortunately for some, while they sit pretty at the front of their kennel, longingly waiting for their forever family to walk by, they end up getting passed over day by day, week by week, and become what we affectionately refer to as our “long-termers”.
A staff and volunteer favorite, Diesel is TAPS longest term resident. He is a five year old retriever mix longing for a calm, relaxed home where he is allowed to simply be a couch potato. He would make a great companion for someone who enjoys the quieter things in life like cuddling up for a cozy night with a book and giving out belly rubs. Diesel has attended a professional board and train program where he learned basic training skills like sit, stay, and down. He is handsome, intelligent, and extremely affectionate (he loves giving kisses to his favorite people).
Often, when you walk through an animal shelter, you will see a variety of dogs with many different personalities; ones that are shut down mentally, cowering in their kennel and afraid of human touch; others that are pressing their body up against the door hoping that you will stop and pet them; and others that are pacing in their kennel, jumping wildly and barking incisively almost as if to say “pick me, pick me”! Diesel is a great example of a dog that clearly does not do well in shelter life as he will pace his kennel nervously, bark wildly and jump as high as his kennel ceiling. This personality is not very appealing to someone looking for a dog to bring into their home and many would quickly discount this dog and overlook him.
However, Diesel becomes an entirely different dog, even just steps away from the kennel environment. While he may need some time to warm up to unfamiliar faces, once Diesel learns that you are a friend, he is eager to please and call you his best friend. This sensitive guy will thrive with an experienced adopter in a home where he is pampered and allowed to come out of his shell at his own pace. Diesel is most comfortable around adults, so would be happiest in an adult-only home and would most prefer to be the only pet so he can have all your attention. When he has visited the homes of volunteers, all he wants to do is snuggle on a comfy bed and wag his tail and take a nap.
Diesel wants what every shelter dog wants: a delicious meal, a soft bed, and a safe and comfortable home where he can be loved endlessly. This Christmas will mark his three-year anniversary of living in a shelter.
Could you be the one to give this wonderful, loving boy what he desires most for Christmas?
If you are interested in Diesel, please fill out an application at www.tapsshelter.org/adoption-form.
