3 Years in a Kennel & Counting: Everyone Ignores This Beautiful Dog Like He’s Unworthy of a Forever Home
When 6-year-old Sabie first arrived at Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, he believed this was just a brief stopover before the next big blessing: landing a home. This gorgeous mixed-breed had hope, just like everyone else at the shelter, that it wouldn’t take long before someone fell in love with everything about him….his stunning brown eyes, his million-dollar smile, his flawless, velvet-brown coat that shimmers in the light, and his fun-loving personality. (Watch Video Below)
@pbhsnaples 💔 Sabie is one of our longest residents—he’s been at the shelter for over three years. Sadly, we don’t know much about his past, but what we do know is that he struggles with trust. Sabie has stranger danger—he’s not broken, he’s just scared of new people. Because of this, he’s often overlooked. To get to know Sabie, you have to go slow, be patient, and earn his trust. And most people don’t give him that chance. Until Gary. Gary came to visit the shelter after losing his beloved dog. As he walked by Sabie’s kennel, he paused to read his card. After talking with our Animal Care team and hearing Sabie’s story, Gary felt a pull—like maybe he could be the one to show Sabie what friendship feels like. Fast forward, and now—Sabie has a new friend. 🧡 After years of watching people pass him by, Sabie has connected with someone. While our team has always loved and cared for him deeply, seeing Sabie form a bond with someone new is nothing short of incredible. Gary has helped Sabie step out of his shell and feel safe just being a dog. Though Gary isn’t adopting Sabie, he’s given him something priceless: hope. Hope that there are people out there who will take the time to understand him. Sabie is ready for more than a friend—he’s ready for a home. Once Sabie trusts you, you're in his circle forever. All he needs is someone who’s willing to go slow, stay steady, and love him for who he is. Could that someone be you? If you’re interested in meeting Sabie, please email [email protected] or visit our main shelter- 370 Airport-Pulling Rd. N, Naples, FL 34104. If you can’t adopt, please share his story. Help us reach the person who’s meant to be Sabie’s forever. We're committed to caring for Sabie until that day comes—and we know it will. 💙 #animalshelter #dog #longtermresident #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #dogvideos #reels #pittiesoftiktok #pitbull #pitties #pittielove #helpme #dog #dogsoftiktok #share #foryou #florida #doglover #mutt #dogrescue #adoptme #share ♬ original sound – pbhsnaples
What Sabie never saw coming was his “day one” at the shelter eventually turning into “year three”. It’s been more than three years since Sabie became a shelter resident, and sadly, he’s among the dogs who’ve been here the longest.
Unfairly Overlooked
What’s even heartbreaking about Sabie’s situation is the reason why he’s been overlooked all these years. It’s simply because he’s still a work in progress when it comes to trusting strangers.
You see, sweet Sabie struggles with instantly showing affection and friendliness to strangers. It’s not that Sabie isn’t affectionate or friendly; it’s just that his past experiences made him a bit cautious about giving his entire heart to people too fast. And let’s be honest, don’t many of us take a few steps back from trusting easily when we get hurt?
Unfortunately, Sabie continues to be overlooked simply because he isn’t the kind of dog who runs to you with his whole body wiggling the first day you meet. Nobody wants to extend Sabie some grace, even though he’s actively working on letting go of the walls of distrust that he’s built around his kind, gentle heart. In fact, Sabie recently bonded with a senior gentleman, Gary, who started visiting the shelter after losing his dog. Even though their friendship didn’t blossom in an instant, it didn’t take long for Sabie to open up to Gary. Right now, the two are serving “friendship goals” at the shelter.
Meeting Gary has helped Sabie open up a little more. It’s helped him realize he’s not a flawed dog incapable of trusting and bonding with people, as other visitors have made him feel for the last three years. And now more than ever, Sabie yearns for a loving forever person who’ll be patient with him, just as Gary was.
Please Give Sabie a Chance
Sabie may be slow to trust, but once he feels safe with you, he’s all in; he will adore you in a way no one else has. Every day, Sabie strives to choose love over fear, all thanks to Gary and everyone at the shelter who believe in him. Sabie longs for someone who’s open to taking things slow; someone who understands that there’s beauty in connections that are built without rush, brick by brick.
Honestly, it’s painful that this lovable pup has been waking up to a cold floor and metal bars for the last three years. Sabie is an active fella who believes that every day is an opportunity to make memories with tennis balls and on trails (he loves to run!) Will you be the hero in Sabie’s happy ending? He’s desperately waiting for you to take him home. To adopt Sabie, learn more here.
