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It’s every shelter dog’s dream to find their very own forever home, but it can take some longer than others: some dogs, for no fault of their own, spend months or even years waiting in shelters.
Like Mitch, a senior treeing walker coonhound who spent 7 years waiting for a home, becoming his shelter’s longest resident.
But now after years of waiting, this sweet senior dog has finally found a family.
Mitch arrived at the Cashiers-Highland Humane Society in 2016, brought in as a stray, and though the shelter described him as a “friendly, low-maintenance boy who loves naps,” he was always passed over by adopters.
After six years with no success, the shelter posted a video of Mitch on TikTok, hoping that someone would finally give this now-senior dog the home he deserves.
“Mitch is our longest term resident, and we’re all hoping this sweet boy finds a warm safe home to spend his senior years in,” the humane society wrote.
The video moved a lot of people — especially Teresa Shular, who was moved to tears after learning about the senior hound’s long time in the shelter.
“I cried when I watched it the first time,” she told WLOS. “I cried when I watched it the second time. I thought about it and prayed about it for a few days.”
Teresa and her husband then made the decision to adopt Mitch, finally giving him the home he deserves: “Couldn’t get up there fast enough to get him,” Teresa said.
It took 7 years, but Mitch, now 12, has finally found a home, much to the relief of his carers at the shelter.
“We’re just still over the moon about it,” Jodi Henkel, assistant shelter manager, told WLOS. Teresa also happens to be Jodi’s former elementary school PE teacher: “Knowing her personally made the story even better for me,” she added.
While many people are hesitant to adopt older dogs, knowing they might not have as much time left with them, Teresa sees things differently.
“I’ve had it said to me by several people, ‘why would you go get a dog that age just for it to die on you?’ And I said, ‘so he can have a home beforehand,’” Teresa explained. “It’s not about me, it’s about Mitch. He needed a home and thankfully we can provide that for him.”
We’re so glad Mitch finally has a home! Seven years is too long for any dog to have to wait for a home, so we’re glad Mitch now has a loving family to spend his twilight years with.
Please share this great news! ❤️
