'Loving' 11-Year-Old Shelter Dog Still Waiting for Home After Four Years

A dog that has been waiting for the perfect home for four years is still waiting at a shelter in New Jersey.

Zuri is an 11-year-old senior pit bull who has spent an astonishing amount of time at the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Shelter, located in Forked River. Despite comfortable living quarters and dedicated care, she is still longing for the companionship and comfort of a forever home.

In September 2019, Zuri was discovered in a pitiful condition, a stray running around the streets.

"She was in a dreadful state, covered in what appeared to be swamp water, with skin and other various infections," the shelter's Sandy Hickman told Newsweek.

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, for 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 last January, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, 24Petwatch's Shelter Watch Report found.

Around 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.

After arriving at the shelter, Zuri was nursed back to health by the shelter staff. But since 2019 there has been little interest in adopting her, leaving the senior pup waiting in the shelter.

"When people meet her in person and see what a sweet, loving disposition she has, they show interest, but nothing has ever come of it unfortunately," said Hickman.

While Zuri has aged gracefully, she has developed some age-related conditions, although they don't hinder her zest for life. She remains well behaved, enjoys walks with friends and relishes moments of play—particularly chasing after her ball.

Hickman said Zuri's only requirement for adoption is to be the only pet in her new home. She is fully housebroken and leash-trained.

In a heartfelt plea, Hickman emphasized Zuri's loving nature.

"Zuri is very easy and doesn't ask for much at all. She would be so content to be with a family that could give her lots of love and attention, or in a senior home, where she can rest, relax and be spoiled," Hickman said.

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