He’s truly the sweetest boy ❤️
JP was a cheerful and social pup, thriving in his happy life until his owner was deployed for military service in 2019. Since then, JP has been under the care of Bideawee Animal Shelter.
When JP first arrived at the shelter, he was enthusiastic and friendly with everyone he met. However, after five years in the shelter environment, he’s become more selective about his interactions.
“He’s become a little more particular about the company he keeps,” Melissa Treuman, senior director of development and communication at Bideawee, explained. “This isn’t his fault; it’s a normal reaction to the instability of shelter life. He’s just a bit more cautious with strangers. Despite his wariness, he adores his Bideawee caretakers. While he appreciates their attention and care, the shelter can’t replace a loving home.”
When JP is around familiar faces, he truly shines. He delights in cuddles, belly rubs, and treats. He enjoys exploring the outdoors and is generally enthusiastic about activities when he’s with people he trusts. Though earning his trust might take some time, the effort is well worth it, as JP has become a beloved favorite among the staff and volunteers at the shelter.
“One of our volunteers is so fond of him that she visits him on her lunch break every single day — and has for years,” Treuman shared.
JP’s shyness is a direct consequence of his extended time at the shelter. Had he been adopted earlier, he might have maintained the confident demeanor he had when he first arrived. Unfortunately, his size has been a barrier to finding his forever home.
“Unfortunately, his story is not unique,” Treuman noted. “While 66 percent of people say they’re likely to adopt a dog from a shelter, only 24 percent are likely to adopt a large dog. That’s fewer than 1 in 4 people. According to Shelter Animals Count, large dogs have had their length of stay at shelters double since 2019.”
Despite the challenges, JP hasn’t lost hope. His dedicated supporters have taken steps to help him find his forever home. His adoption fee has been generously covered by a supporter, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide a year’s supply of Science Diet Senior Vitality dog food for his new family. Additionally, the adoption will include a free four-week training package from GoodPup.
JP would thrive in a calm home without young children or other pets. He has an abundance of love to offer and is simply waiting for a family to share it with. After such a long wait, everyone hopes that his perfect home is just around the corner.