This German Shepherd Has a Heart of Gold – Why Has He Been Overlooked for 375 Days?
Lucky is a nearly five-year-old Shepherd mix currently in the care of Haven Pet Center in San Jacinto, California. Despite being described as a “gentle giant with a heart as vast as the open fields,” Lucky has been at Haven Pet Center for nearly 375 days with no adopters in sight.
Found on an elementary school’s grounds running loose and alone, Lucky was brought to Haven Pet Center in September of 2023 and has been there ever since. The adoption center’s longest resident, the staff at Haven Pet Center are desperate to find this very deserving boy a forever home and end his more than year-long stay.
Lucky is a Social Butterfly
About to turn five years old, Lucky has spent at least a fifth of his life in an adoption center. Lucky is a male Shepherd mix and weighs 65 pounds, but don’t let his size intimidate you. Described as a social butterfly who is always smiling, Lucky is good with kids and loves everyone he meets.
Staff at Haven Pet Center say that despite being a big boy, Lucky is a “softie who’s ready to shower you with affection, loyalty, and all the tail wags you could ever dream of.” Lucky is happy to do just about anything with his humans—whether it be going for a car ride to get a puppuccino, going for a walk together, or snuggling up for a night in. Just a gentle giant with a heart of gold, Lucky just wants a home that will return his love.
If you live in or near San Jacinto, California and think your family could be the right fit for handsome Lucky, consider visiting him at Haven Pet Center for a meet and greet. You can also contact Haven Pet Center for more information or visit them online to learn about the adoption process.
How Do Dogs Like Lucky End Up In Shelters?
It’s impossible to know why Lucky specifically found himself without a home or family, but unfortunately, it’s common for German Shepherd mixes to be surrendered or dumped.
Shepherd dogs are misunderstood largely because of popular media. A compelling breed, German Shepherds have a certain level of mystique and glamor, making them a common impulse purchase breed. Without truly realizing how much work a working dog breed can be, people buy German Shepherds and then find themselves in chaos they were wholly unprepared for.
Many working breeds are surrendered due to simple unpreparedness on the part of their owners. High energy levels, innate prey drive, high intelligence, plus many other working dog traits make German Shepherds an overwhelming breed choice for even experienced and prepared dog owners.
German Shepherds are #2 on the list of the most returned dog breeds to shelters with Siberian Huskies taking first place and Australian Cattle Dogs coming in third.
By learning as much as you can about a breed before you buy or adopt, and preparing yourself for the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of owning that breed, you can help reduce the number of working dogs in shelters. Education is key to reducing the shelter overpopulation crisis, and by reading this you’re already making a difference.
Even if you can’t adopt Lucky, spread the word about his story and consider visiting your local shelter to meet some of their long-term residents—you might find your new best friend!
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