A “perfectly imperfect” dog has been in a Florida shelter for more than 800 days — and he still needs a home.
“I don’t understand why nobody wants me,” the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast said in Facebook post written from the perspective of Jamal the dog. “I try to give them puppy eyes, and even a little whine to let them know how desperate I am for a home. I have never once gotten adopted in the 2+ years I’ve been waiting.”
The humane society shared the emotional post April 26, about 800 days after Jamal landed at its Palm City facility. Since arriving in February 2022, he has grown to trust shelter workers, according to the social media post and an online adoption profile.
“I had a rough start to life,” the shelter wrote. “I wasn’t socialized well as a puppy, and it took me a long time to come out of my shell.”
Over the years, Jamal also has become known for his love of playing fetch and splashing in doggy pools. As of July, the shelter said the pup sometimes was scared of meeting new people and hoped he would find a patient owner.
“I get so excited when visitors come to the shelter,” the animal organization wrote in its most recent post. “I think… is this really going to be MY day for a family? But then they leave with another dog and my heart is shattered to pieces.”
The shelter, which said Jamal ends up “heartbroken” when he’s not adopted, believes he would do best in a home with no other pets. He’s described as a “perfectly imperfect” mixed-breed dog looking for a second chance.
“All I ask is for a home,” the shelter wrote. “Will you at least give me a try?”
As of April 29, the humane society’s website showed 4-year-old Jamal was still in need of a new owner or foster home. More details about the shelter’s adoption process can be found at hstc1.org.
A humane society spokesperson didn’t immediately share additional details with McClatchy News on April 29. The shelter is in Palm City, a roughly 100-mile drive north from Miami.
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