Dog Who's a Teddy in 'Grizzly Bear Body' Still in Shelter After 6 Years

A Texas-based animal shelter continues its hunt for a forever home six years after its long-term resident was dropped off.

Naco was originally brought to the Animal Defense League of Texas in September 2018 when he was dumped outside the shelter's doors in San Antonio. Without hesitation, the shelter took him in, although it took them time to capture him as he was spooked and ran off.

The 8-year-old shepherd and American pit bull terrier mix tested positive for heartworm disease when he came in, but has since been treated by the Animal Defense League medical team. However, six years later, Naco is still with the shelter waiting for his forever home.

Naco was recently highlighted in the KENS5 Forgotten Friends segment, where the news station focuses on a shelter animal seeking adoption. The article called Naco a "big teddy bear in a grizzly bear's body," but unlike a bear, Naco doesn't seek any harm. He's only full of love.

The Animal Defense League of Texas believes Naco would do best in a home where he is the only dog. While he is laid back and enjoys lounging around, Naco is also a sucker for a game of fetch. He won't say no to sunbathing or watching TV. He's up for anything, except water.

"Potential adopters have come by to meet Naco, but for unknown reasons, they didn't end up adopting him," Felicia Niño, the director of marketing and development, told Newsweek via email.

Naco is considered one of the shelter's "Diamonds in the Ruff." Any dog with this classification has been with the Animal Defense League of Texas for four months or longer. There are currently 64 "Diamonds in the Ruff" listed on the shelter's website ready for adoption.

U.S. Shelter Numbers

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet Shelter Watch Report found. About 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

The Animal Defense League of Texas had a total intake of over 6,028 animals in 2023, which included dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. That is slightly down from the 6,677 animals the shelter took in during 2022.

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