Here's What You Need To Know:
- Pet's Location : Gainesville, Florida
- Pet's Age : Mature adult
- Pet's Breed : pitbull
- Pet's Gender : Male
- Pet's Size : medium
- Pet good with other pets? : Unsure
- Pet good with kids? : Yes
- Pet good with cats? : No
- Is the rescue able to transport the dog to owner's location? : I'm unsure, but I would be personally willing to drive him to prospective adopter or pay for transportation, if it means a home for Buddy.
Meet Buddy, a resilient and lovable boy who arrived at Nassau Humane Society (NHS) in Fernandina Beach, Florida, as a 1+ year old, transported from an overcrowded shelter in Georgia in October 2020. Buddy’s past is not clear, but a possible lip injury hints at a hard start. As a weekend volunteer at NHS, I have spent THREE YEARS tirelessly trying to find Buddy a loving home.
Despite my and everyone at NHS’ efforts, Buddy faced a rollercoaster of adoption experiences. In December 2021, a couple grieving the loss of their dog, took Buddy home, only to return him within days after realizing they weren’t emotionally “ready”. The usually quiet Buddy expressed his sorrow with loud cries in his kennel. Adopted again in late 2022 by a couple who saw him on social media, spring 2023 brought the heartbreaking news of his mistreatment, leading NHS to bring him back to the shelter.
Upon his return, Buddy surprisingly seemed content, suggesting the challenges he faced in his previous home. Witnessing him after the second return was heart-wrenching – he appeared aged, weakened, and the sparkle in his eyes had faded. Despite his hardships, Buddy remains an eternal optimist. He finds joy in exploring while on walks, playing in the splash pool, destroying toys, while maintaining a quiet dignity in his kennel.
Never barking loudly, he keeps his kennel clean, patiently waiting to be noticed while people pass him for smaller or cuter dogs. Taking Buddy to the beach or park rekindles his puppy-like excitement, and I do my best to spoil him with hugs and affection. After over three years in the shelter, he still yearns for a person to call his own, to love him and make him feel like part of a family. His institutionalized view can make him see people as “staff,” just fulfilling basic needs.
In December 2023, NHS traded Buddy to Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR), hoping for a better chance at adoption. Buddy remains there, entering his fourth year in shelters. Isolated from other dogs during his shelter life, he’s listed as a best as “only dog,” potentially due to a lack of canine interaction. A surprising DNA test revealed Buddy as a 100% pure American Pitbull Terrier. We don’t see many purebreds, and I thought for sure, there was some Blue Heeler in him due to his appearance. My dream is to see Buddy with an active individual or foster home, someone patient and willing to teach him the joys of living in a home and being part of a family.
After years in shelters, Buddy deserves love, patience, and plenty of “good boy” pats and cuddles on a couch where he can sleep with loud happy snores. Please consider turning this dream into a reality for Buddy, ensuring his journey ends his own person or family, and the happy home he has always deserved.
If anyone has questions about Buddy, they are welcome to email [email protected] or call (352) 264-6881. ACAR is located at 3400 NE 53rd Ave in Gainesville, FL, and open Tuesday through Saturday between 10:30 and 5:30. Walk-ins to view adoptable pets are always welcome!