Let’s find him a forever home!
Meet Papa—a lively, exuberant pup whose greatest joy in life is playing fetch. His boundless energy and love for chasing a tennis ball make every game an adventure. But sadly, Papa doesn’t get to play as often as he’d like. He’s been living at a shelter ever since February 24, 2023, when his family moved away and made the heartbreaking decision to surrender him.
Since then, he’s been searching for a forever home, waiting longer than any other dog at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society.
Julie Saraceno, a dedicated volunteer at the shelter, has grown fond of Papa’s spirited personality. “He is so much fun,” Saraceno told The Dodo, her affection for him evident in every word.
Wanting to give him a special day away from the shelter, Saraceno recently planned a solo outing just for him. Since Papa’s high energy makes it hard for him to find compatible playmates, she wanted to ensure he got the one-on-one attention he deserves.
Armed with a tennis ball, she rented a private backyard, and from the moment they arrived, it was clear that was all Papa needed. He played fetch with endless enthusiasm, his joy radiating with every sprint and leap.
For an hour straight, he ran, jumped, and chased, his tail wagging the entire time. Finally exhausted, it was time to head back. But as they drove, Saraceno noticed something—Papa was completely at peace, soaking in the moment.
She rolled down the window, letting the crisp air rush in. As the wind tousled his fur, he closed his eyes and relished the simple pleasure. “We circled the shelter a few extra times, just so he could keep feeling the breeze,” Saraceno said. “He loved it so much.”
Though saying goodbye would be bittersweet, Saraceno dreams of the day Papa finds his perfect home. He thrives best as the only pet in an active household—one that can match his zest for life.
Despite his long wait at the shelter, Papa’s spirit remains unshaken. He still wags his tail excitedly every time Saraceno approaches his kennel, ever hopeful, ever joyful.
What would truly make his tail wag the fastest, though? A forever family to love him, play fetch with him, and take him on car rides every single day.