WILMINGTON, Ohio (WXIX) - Love, patience and carrots. Those are the only things Percy, a dog from Wilmington, is looking for in a forever home.
Tuesday marks 1,000 days since the six-year-old pup was admitted into the shelter - PAWS Humane Society - making him the longest canine resident the organization has ever had in their 15 years open.
But even with Percy's extended stay, no one has shown interest in adopting him.
One PAWS Humane Society volunteer is determined to find Percy his owner to live out the rest of his days with.
"Percy is the biggest sweetheart you will ever meet," Lexi Arehart McBrayer told FOX19 NOW. "He is a pitbull which automatically gives him a big scary dog stigma but he has a heart of gold."
The animal shelter has been a part of McBrayer's life since she was 10 years old.
"I held a lemonade stand to donate money to the shelter when I was younger and raised over $300 dollars," she said. "When I got into middle school and was old enough to become a volunteer, I signed up as quickly as I could and then was offered a job when I turned 18. Sadly I had to move to Columbus last year but I still volunteer at least once a month when I come back home and even stop just to visit the pups because they hold a special place in my heart."
When she was a part of the staff, McBrayer became close with Percy when he was having his ACL repaired.
"I would spend hours off the clock to lay on the floor with him watching movies and cuddling him to help him feel better while he was in recovery," she said.
In 2023, McBrayer had to move to Columbus, and therefore, could no longer be an employee at the shelter. Nevertheless, she continues to volunteer when she can, all out of love for the dogs, especially Percy.
Extended Stays
Like McBrayer said, Percy is a pitbull-mix - an American Staffordshire Terrier to be exact. With a pitbull face and stature, it makes it more difficult to find potential adopters.
"Being in a shelter for an extended period of time can cause kennel stress which is very common in shelter animals," explained McBrayer. "The environment in a shelter is not ideal for long term care of animals and despite the staff and volunteers best efforts dogs need to be placed in a home in a timely fashion."
Kennel stress can change a dog's behavior and personality, McBrayer says. Lethargy and loss of appetite are two of the symptoms that come with being in a kennel for hours.
"Just like humans when we are trapped inside for long amounts of time we begin to feel depressed and dogs feel this as well," she said. "Percy has become depressed when he does not see his favorite staff and volunteers and spends his time laying in his kennel with no motivation until provoked by his special people."
Other dogs who look just like Percy are also overlooked at the shelter and often spend many weeks or months there too.
"We have many other breeds that come in and out at a fast rate but our sweet pitties are always overlooked," McBrayer added. "We feel all dogs deserve the same chance at a happy life with a furever home and want to do anything we can to help break the stigma surrounding certain breeds."
Interested in adopting Percy?
According to Percy's online pet profile, he loves to sunbathe and receive belly rubs, he enjoys chewing on toys and his favorite snack is carrots. Volunteers describe him as laid back, "the bestest boy," and a sweet and loving dog.
"He creates amazing bonds with people and you can see his entire personality change from very depressed to a little puppy inside when he sees his people," McBrayer added. "I can not wait to see him form a connection with his 'furever' pet parents so they can receive the love we all have for years."
For those interested in adopting Percy, visit Paws Humane Society's website here, and hit "start your inquiry."
Like most animal shelters, adopting an animal comes with a fee. Percy's adoption fee is $135, which includes the dog license.
He is also vet-checked, neutered, microchipped, up to date on all of his vaccines and is on a heartworm and flea prevention plan - just a few more things his future owner won't have to worry about!
It is also worth noting that Percy prefers a home without cats or other dogs. A private fenced-in yard is also a plus.