In West Sussex, a rescue dog named Keanu has captured hearts despite an extended wait for a permanent home. Keanu, known for his playful and endearing nature, has spent nearly half his life in search of a loving family.
Rescued from the streets of Romania as a puppy, Keanu was adopted by a family through the People’s Animal Welfare Society (Paw Society) at just five months old. Unfortunately, 18 months later, Keanu found himself back in foster care when his family’s circumstances changed with the arrival of a new baby.
Currently, Keanu is the longest-term resident at Paw Society’s foster home in Burgess Hill. As his one-year anniversary of returning to foster care approaches, the organization is actively seeking a patient and understanding adopter for the affectionate dog.
Megan Baker, a spokesperson for Paw Society, expressed her frustration over Keanu’s prolonged wait for a home. “It’s heartbreaking that a dog as lovely as Keanu is struggling to find a home,” Baker said. “When he arrived at his foster home, he was a shell of a dog, extremely fearful. He has made significant progress, becoming more playful and affectionate, though still sensitive.”
Keanu’s favorite activity is running in a secure field, where his excitement often leads to joyful “zoomies.” Despite his playful nature, Keanu faces challenges finding a home due to his “bite history,” which significantly limits his adoption prospects.
“When he was less than a year old, Keanu gave a warning bite out of fear,” Baker explained. “His body language was not recognized, and he felt he had no other option. While this has unfortunately deterred many potential adopters, he has not bitten since with proper management and respect.”
Despite his past, Keanu is described by his foster carer as a “beautiful boy with a goofy personality.” He gets along well with the two large dogs in his foster home and would thrive with another confident and playful canine companion.
Paw Society emphasizes that Keanu’s ideal new home would be with experienced individuals who are prepared to work with him and build trust over time. “The progress Keanu has made is incredible and a testament to the patience and understanding of his foster carer,” the charity noted.
Keanu is available for adoption throughout the UK, and Paw Society hopes this special dog will soon find the forever home he deserves.
