After 5 Years in Shelter, Arizona’s Longest-Waiting Dog Still Dreams of a Forever Home
For five heartbreaking years, Koda, a gentle American Bulldog & Mastiff mix, has waited for a forever home. As the shelter’s longest-term resident, he’s spent countless days watching other dogs leave for loving families while he remains behind. Despite his sweet nature and endearing personality, Koda’s journey has been filled with disappointment, as he’s been adopted and returned multiple times—a cycle that’s left staff and volunteers determined to find him the lasting love he deserves. (watch video below)
Koda’s story unfolds at the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista, AZ, where he first arrived in 2021. Since then, this incredible boy has captured the hearts of everyone who meets him, making his ongoing wait for a permanent home all the more heartbreaking.
@mariatorres831 Koda has spent the majority of his life feeling unwanted and alone. He has never experienced the warmth of love or the joy of having a family to call his own. He has endured the confinement of a kennel for more than 23 hours each day for most of his life. Even with everything he's faced, he remains the strongest dog I have ever known. He has faith in others, and despite the hardships of shelter life, his spirit remains unbroken. Every time I pass Koda's kennel, he cries for attention. He has the longest bio card at the shelter, a testament to his journey and the stories he carries within. He's a black dog and also does not show well in his kennel, contributing to a lack of interest in him. I can't say for certain if 2025 will bring the breakthrough Koda needs, but it's clear that he is feeling worn out and overwhelmed by everything he's facing in life. Please help Koda find his forever home. It’s suggested that Koda thrives best as the sole dog, yet he has shown a positive connection with calmer females. Koda does not like cats. He has done well with kids. He's located at Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center. 6799 E, 6799 AZ-90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 520-458-4151 #bulldog #CochiseCounty #Arizona #blackdog #dogsoftiktok #sierravista #phoenix #rescuedog #adoptdontshop ♬ original sound – Maria🐾🐶❤️
A Cycle of Rejection
Twice brought to the shelter as a stray after adoption, Koda has watched humans who promised him forever break that promise by not wanting him anymore. Despite the series of rejections, Koda’s hope for a happy ending remains unwavering and his spirit uncrushed.
He was recently returned to the shelter after only three days of being in a foster-to-adopt home. It’s saddening that Poor Koda wasn’t given a chance to decompress in his new home as per the 3-3-3 rule of adoption.
“It’s normal for dogs like Koda who’ve been at the shelter for too long to go through a whirlwind of emotions once they step foot in a new environment. For this reason, they may not show off their true personality right off the bat,” pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka says.
Now back to the monotonous shelter life, Koda only craves one thing: to be part of a loving home — this time round, for good.
Could You Be Koda’s Forever Person?
Given how long Koda has been at the shelter, the staff there know him inside out. If you’re looking for a flaw in Koda, best believe you won’t find one. He has the calmest demeanour, is well-mannered, and his big, infectious smile will get you every single time.
Koda is a sweet, gentle boy not only in the way he interacts with people but also in how he extends his paw for treats. He loves a bit too hard, making him worthy of someone who’ll treat him like the gem he is. Being a calm pup himself, Koda would do well in a home with other calmer dogs. Nonetheless, he’d be content to be your one and only doggo. We also have to mention that Koda isn’t a fan of cats or farm animals, but amazingly gets along with small children.
One thing we’re sure of is that Koda is too amazing to be sulking in a kennel for another year. If you’d love to offer him the forever home he’s longing for, please visit Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in person or check out their website for details on his adoption.
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