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By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
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A shelter dog has gone more than 700 days without being adopted due to circumstances entirely beyond his control.
Chase first arrived at the Patty Baker Humane Society Naples (PBHSN) in Naples, Florida, in early November 2023 as a transfer from a rural Florida shelter.
"He had originally been found as a stray and was never reclaimed," Patrizia Vila, events and outreach coordinator at PBHSN, told Newsweek. "Despite that, he was known there as a happy-go-lucky dog with a cheerful personality."
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Chase has been at the PBHSN for nearly two years now. During that time, he has undergone a significant change brought on by a medical condition. "When he first arrived, he was a playful and happy dog, but about a week after intake, he experienced his first seizure," Vila said.
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That first seizure had a profound impact on Chase. "He’s remained friendly and affectionate but tends to be more comfortable with people than with other dogs," Vila said.
Despite adopting a more cautious approach to engaging with other canines, Chase is a firm favorite among visitors. "Volunteers and visitors love taking him on outings around Naples," Vila said.
The sad reality is that, for all the attention and popularity Chase enjoys in the shelter, it has yet to translate into an adoption application. "Unfortunately, his seizure disorder, though well-managed with medication, has made some potential adopters hesitant, which has contributed to his longer stay with us," Vila said.
In 2021, a study published in the journal Animals found that, while the physical well-being of long-term shelter dogs is not impaired by their extended stay, they tend to exhibit stress-related behaviors, and often experienced difficulties relaxing.
Vila said staff at the PBHSN have worked tirelessly to help Chase through this difficult period in his life.
"Shelter life hasn’t had a negative impact on Chase," she said. "He enjoys regular outings with volunteers and loves spending one-on-one time with staff, which keeps him happy and engaged."
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But while Chase remains as happy as ever, his adoption struggles have impacted those behind the scenes at the shelter. "It’s hard for staff and volunteers to watch such a wonderful dog be overlooked day after day, especially when he seems to expect it now," Vila said.
The shelter workers are determined to change that, though. As part of those efforts, a video was even posted to the shelter’s Facebook and Instagram pages, highlighting Chase’s plight.
Both drew a reaction from viewers, racking up over 150,000 combined views, as well as a few tears along the way. Vila and everyone at the shelter knows exactly what kind of home Chase would be suited to.
"Chase would thrive in an active, loving home with someone who enjoys adventures and spending time with their dog. He loves meeting new people wherever he goes and would do best as the only pet in the household, where he can have all the attention to himself," Vila said.
"Chase is looking for someone who understands that his medical condition doesn’t define him—it’s just a small part of who he is. With his daily medication, he’s a happy, playful, and completely normal dog who’s ready to be your best friend."
The search for that special someone continues.
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