All shelter dogs want nothing more than to find their forever home, yet some take longer to get adopted than others. It can take months or even years for a dog to find a home, and it can be especially difficult for dogs with unusual appearances. That is the case for one sweet but balding westie puppy who has been in the shelter for almost 400 days and is waiting for his permanent home.
According to a news statement obtained by The Mirror, Jay, a 9-year-old West Highland terrier, arrived at the RSPCA Macclesfield, SE Cheshire & Buxton office in England last January after his owners became unwell and were unable to care for him. Jay is a sweet little puppy who has waited a long time to find his final home.
The reason for this appears to be that Jay has some medical issues that may deter potential adopters.
Jay’s fur has been thinning due to his age and severe allergies, and he is now almost entirely bald. His owners will have to give him eye drops, skin rubs, and baths to treat his allergies, as well as meds for his ears.
These issues are common in his breed, but his RSPCA caregivers are concerned that they may be preventing him from finding a loving home.
“We’re concerned that his lack of hair is deterring potential adopters, but we’re hopeful that there will be someone out there who can get past his lack of hair and understand that he has a lot of love to give,” said RSPCA spokesman Carmen Cole.
Despite his hair loss and medical concerns, they say Jay is a loving dog who would make a wonderful pet for someone who is willing to take him in.
“Jay is such a small character, but despite his size, he surely makes up for it in personality.”
His adoption page lists a number of enticing reasons to adopt Jay, including the fact that his favorite hobby is “snoozing” and that his lack of fur means “you won’t get covered in dog hair.”
The RSPCA believes that after more than 400 days in the shelter, Jay will finally find his forever home.
It hasn’t been easy: according to his adoption page, they had possible adopters in the past, but things didn’t work out.
But perhaps this time will be different: a spokesman recently told People that since Jay’s tale went viral, there has been a “increased interest” in him.
We hope this sweet dog finds a forever home soon! 400 days is too long for any dog to be in a shelter, and Jay doesn’t deserve to be passed over all the time just because he’s a little different.