‘Fun-loving’ dog is struggling after 200 days in shelters. He still needs a home
A “fun-loving” dog has spent more than 200 days in shelters — and he still needs a home of his own.
“His long stay in a kennel has taken a toll,” a North Carolina animal shelter wrote in a Sept. 29 news release. “Spending an average of 23 hours a day in confinement makes him anxious and reactive inside his kennel — but this behavior does not reflect who he really is. Once outside, Pizza Party transforms into the playful, gentle companion everyone adores.”
Iredell County Animal Services said Pizza Party is up for adoption after a journey that started months earlier. He had been overlooked at another facility before arriving in May as part of a “shelter swap” program.
“Since the swap, every other dog involved — both those who came here and those who left — have found homes,” the shelter wrote. “But somehow, Pizza Party is still waiting. Staff and volunteers are baffled, because he is a fun-loving, affectionate, social boy who truly shines once he’s outside of his kennel.”
In all, Pizza Party has spent 238 days waiting for a new owner. More than 100 of those days have been at Iredell County Animal Services in Statesville, a roughly 40-mile drive north from uptown Charlotte.
Pizza Party — now the shelter’s longest resident — would do best in a home with no young children. The 2-year-old pup is known for showing off his best behavior in public and his energetic side at playtime, according to a Facebook post.
“His joyful spirit and happy-go-lucky personality shine through in every photo and video,” the shelter wrote in the post. “Whether you want to chill at home, head out for some outdoor fun, or go for a drive, he’s ready to join in on the adventure.”
As of Sept. 30, an online adoption listing for the mixed-breed dog was still active on the shelter’s PetHarbor page. Details about the animal organization’s adoption process can be found at iredellcountync.gov/149.
“Prolonged kennel life isn’t sustainable for any animal, and Pizza Party is showing increasing signs of stress,” Tracy Sanchez, volunteer coordinator for the shelter, said in the release. “Adoption — or rescue placement — is his path forward. We know his perfect family is out there.”
