He Was Just a Puppy When Left Behind—Now, After 2,000 Days, He’s Still Waiting for a Home
For countless lucky dogs, the past six years have been filled with adventures, love, and the comforts that come with having a forever family.
But for Banner — an American Staffordshire mix — those same six years have been spent behind shelter walls, watching life go by. He first arrived at the Humane Society of the Ochocos in Prineville, Oregon, as a young puppy. Now, more than 2,000 days later, Banner still waits for the home that never came. He’s the shelter’s longest resident — a heartbreaking record for a dog who’s already endured so much.
From Abandoned to Overlooked
Sweet Banner was found abandoned all alone at a dog park as though his life didn’t matter. When he was brought to the shelter, he first thought it was a mix-up; that the humans who tossed him away would soon realize their mistake and come back for him. But as weeks into months, poor Banner came to accept that he’d been left behind for good by those he trusted the most.
During that time, staff and volunteers at the shelter were finding it hard to understand why Banner was being overlooked by visitors. After all, wasn’t he a young, vibrant puppy, just like what many potential adopters prefer?
Unfortunately for Banner, no one chose him when he was a puppy, and no one has chosen him now when’s all grown. Banner has spent the last six years questioning whether love is something reserved for other dogs and not him. Even though he ticks all the boxes of a one-of-a-kind companion — sweet, handsome, loving, and protective — he’s had to watch visitors pass him by year in, year out.
Banner’s Desperately Longing for a Forever Home
Everyone at the shelter will tell you that Banner is an absolute darling. He’s super smart and unleashes his goofy side once he feels comfortable around you. But if there’s one thing that Banner wishes he could change about himself, it is to be more trusting of people.
Can we blame him, though? For a dog who’s tasted the sting of betrayal and abandonment from humans, Banner doesn’t trust people instantly. For this reason, he requires someone willing to have several meet-and-greets with him before adopting him. What we can guarantee you is that Banner is worth all that effort. Not to mention, he’d thrive best in a home without kids and other pets.
Banner has waited for a forever family for too long; please don’t let him spend the remaining years of his life in a kennel. To adopt Banner, learn more here.
