‘Softie-At-Heart’ Shelter Pit Bull Overlooked for 785 Days Now Because of His Looks
In countless shelters across the United States, there’s an abundance of dogs of all breeds waiting to find adoptive families who will love them endlessly. Sadly for some shelter pups, months or even years may go by without a potential adopter peeping into their kennel and interacting with them, all because they’re of a certain breed and look a certain way.
Yogi, a loveable 4-year-and 3-month-old Pit Bull currently at the Humane Society Naples, is in this situation. Since 2022, Yogi has been languishing at the shelter without a single person expressing interest in adopting him, let alone fostering him. For 785 days now, Yogi has watched visitors pass his kennel in favor of more “adoptable-looking” dogs in the other kennels. Despite his extremely affectionate nature and goofy personality, he’s been continuously overlooked because of his intimidating looks.
Nobody seems interested in giving him a chance to show that he’s an absolute softie at heart beneath that tough, muscular exterior. This discrimination makes him spend most of his time sulking inside his kennel.
From Surrender to Long-term Shelter Stayer
Yogi arrived at the shelter in 2022 after his previous owners surrendered him because they were relocating. Since that time, Yogi has never had the opportunity to catch a break from the monotonous, overwhelming shelter life. All he wants is to love and to be right back, nothing more.
@hsnaples Meet Yogi 💔. Surrendered to us in 2022 because his previous owners were moving, Yogi has been with us for 785 days without ever experiencing a foster home or a break from the shelter. Many people overlook Yogi due to his rough past and intimidating appearance, but he deserves a second chance just as much as any other dog. Yogi has "stranger danger," making him shy and reserved initially. This is why we require slow introductions, sometimes needing multiple visits, to ensure both Yogi and his potential adopters feel comfortable and safe. While he may require more patience than other dogs, this doesn’t mean he’s any less deserving of love and a loving home. Once Yogi gets to know you, he’s incredibly affectionate and loyal. He can be reserved at first and needs his boundaries respected, but once he trusts you, he trusts you completely. Yogi is a true gentleman, loving his busy boxes and treats, and he enjoys rolling around on the back seat floor. He does great on walks in the park. He loves playing with his dog friends too! Yogi is desperately looking for the right family who will show him the love, care, and patience he needs. Most of all, Yogi is loyal and forms intense connections with his people. Please give him a chance to be the loving companion he is meant to be. If you’re ready to meet Yogi and give him the home he deserves, please reach out to us or stop by our Main Shelter! Yogi is eagerly waiting 💗 #animalshelter #shydog #longtermresident #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #dogvideos #reels #pittiesoftiktok #pitbull #pitties #pittielove #helpme #dog #dogsofinstagram #share #foryou #florida #foryoupage #doglover ♬ original sound – Humane Society Naples
Yogi’s prolonged stay at the shelter sheds light on the predicament that Pit Bull-type dogs face in their quest for loving permanent homes. Because of their fierce looks and historical involvement in vicious sports, Pit Bull type of dogs are often victims of unfair stereotypes, making it hard for them to attract adopters like other non-Pit Bull dogs.
What many don’t consider is that there are so many successful Pit Bull adoption stories out there because these dogs generally have a good temperament and make super-loving, loyal companions.
Could You Give Yogi His Happy Ending?
Once you get to know Yogi, you’ll wonder how you ever did life without him by your side. His sweet demeanor, good manners, silly antics, and ability to form strong bonds with those in his circle will make you fall in love with him too hard.
Yogi, like many other shelter dogs, tends to get quite scared around unfamiliar faces, or what the shelter describes as “stranger danger.” For this reason, he’d need multiple rounds of slow introductions to feel completely at ease around anyone interested in adopting him. He’d really, really appreciate it if you’re patient with him because he eventually does warm up to people, and when this happens, you’ll get to see his true, loveable personality.
Yogi has great leash discipline, so going for walks with him (which he absolutely loves, by the way) will be a breeze. His love for treats, rolling playfully on the floor, and making new dog friends know no bounds. If you’re out there willing to give Yogi the forever home he’s been craving for over two years now, please reach out to Humane Society Naples for details on his adoption.
