Dog's Up for Adoption News & Entertainment
Shy Pit Bull Seeking Rescue After 6 Years in Shelter & Strange Social Media Controversy
Gabrielle LaFrank
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Blue, a regal yet initially shy dog, has become the longest-standing resident at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in New York, nearing his sixth anniversary since his arrival in April 2018. Over the years, Blue has gradually overcome his fear, showing a remarkable capacity for loyalty to those he grows attached to, especially his best friend at the shelter, Danielle.
The journey to find Blue a forever home has been fraught with challenges, making his adoption more complex than most. Yet, the dedication of the shelter’s staff and volunteers to support Blue remains unwavering. Danielle’s insights into Blue’s personality highlight the deep connections he’s capable of forming, underscoring the shelter’s commitment to securing a loving family for him.
A Sneak Peek at Forever
Two years after arriving at the shelter, Blue’s first adoption occurred. He spent 4 days in this home before being returned to the shelter for no fault of his own. This is because the adopters also had a 10-pound Miniature Pinscher who got in Blue’s face and became reactive toward him. While Blue is generally avoidant of other dogs, he does correct other dogs’ defensive behavior (which is normal).
According to the shelter’s notes taken upon Blue’s return, “[the adopters] felt their dog would get into a fight with Blue and lose. They were adamant that I mention that, but for their other dog, they would have absolutely kept him.”
For ‘Rescue Only’
Blue’s second opportunity came in early 2021 when he was adopted by a young woman. Unfortunately, this was a disaster. According to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, they ignored adoption instructions (including getting a dog trainer), changed her story multiple times, and spent her time with Blue dressing him in sweaters and creating an Instagram account for him.
According to the adopter, Blue bit her when she grabbed him by the collar to bring him out from beneath a table. Supposedly, he was about to vomit, and she worried that he would lick it off the floor and electrocute himself on exposed wires.
However, this adopter and her friends took to social media to complain when Blue was re-listed for public adoption. Because of their complaints, the Pit Bull was made ‘rescue only.’ This means that he can only be adopted by a rescue group–not by an individual or family. There are ways around this, of course, but when the shelter appealed to have him re-listed for public adoption, the attorney put even more requirements in place. Now, the legal requirements for an individual to adopt him make it next to impossible.
Danielle is clear that she does not agree with the second adopter or her friends’ opinion, especially because Blue has spent lots of time with her and her whole family–even outside of the shelter. This dog absolutely can be a part of a loving home, but the negative rap he’s gotten on social media– not any observed behavior problems– has put a major roadblock in the way.
Finding Blue’s Forever
When Blue is with Danielle and her family (including two children), they enjoy relaxing days at home, training alongside Danielle’s dog Lucy, and trips to Starbucks for a Pup Cup. Since getting used to his new friends, Blue has become more affectionate than he was in the shelter! He enjoys belly rubs, is polite on walks, and does great with commands, too. Danielle was excited to foster him herself, but unfortunately, Lucy was determined to be the only dog in the home.
Danielle isn’t the only one cheering for Blue, either. He’s amassed almost $2000 in pledges from fan. If you’d like to make a pledge to contribute to Blue’s care in his next home, please don’t hesitate to contribute.
Although this resilient dog will likely have to go to a rescue organization before being adopted to a forever home, his shelter friends have nothing but faith that he will thrive in the right environment. This low-key 7-year-old will do best in an adult-only home (though Danielle’s kids have proven he can do well with respectful older kids) with people who are willing to give him all the time he needs to decompress and adjust. His adopter will need to work with a dog trainer to help Blue transition from a shelter to a home environment, but this will most likely happen beforehand when he goes to rescue.
If you’d like to know more about this underdog, don’t hesitate to contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter through their Instagram page, website or email address: [email protected]. Let’s get Blue out of the shelter and into a rescue before his 6 year shelter anniversary!
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