Chewy, a 9-year-old stray dog, has spent nearly a year at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control shelter in North Carolina, waiting for a new home after being abandoned in the most heartbreaking circumstances.
Discovered in January 2024 outside another shelter, Chewy’s past was clouded in mystery. His abandonment was especially tragic given his age and the masses on his body that required testing. Avery Andolina, a volunteer at the shelter, shared his story on Instagram, stating that Chewy is “the best boy,” but his situation was quite dire. “I’m not sure why he was abandoned, but it’s not uncommon to see senior dogs abandoned like that,” she explained.
Upon scanning his microchip, staff learned something surprising: Chewy had originally been adopted as a puppy from the very shelter he had returned to, marking the end of an unfortunate cycle for the senior dog. Despite his long history with the shelter, the hope was that his original owners might reclaim him—but they never did.
Chewy’s time in the shelter was difficult. Andolina noted that the dog appeared deeply depressed, barely eating or getting off his cot. His age, size (weighing around 100 pounds), and health concerns made it difficult for him to attract potential adopters. “He’s a great dog, but I think he struggled to find an adopter because he’s a senior and he’s massive,” she said.
However, things took a turn when Chewy was placed in foster care. Foster homes are crucial for shelter dogs, offering them individualized care that can make a significant difference. A 2018 study found that just 15 minutes of one-on-one petting could improve a dog’s well-being. Andolina, a strong advocate for fostering, noted that Chewy had been “on his deathbed” until his move to a foster home, where he quickly showed remarkable improvement.
“He’s like a new dog,” Andolina said, describing how Chewy’s personality began to shine once he was in a home environment. The transformation was so dramatic that Chewy is now described as healthy, happy, and full of life again.
With his newfound confidence, Chewy is now ready to find the forever home he lost so many years ago. “He’d do great in a variety of homes,” Andolina remarked. “He’s great with other dogs and just wants to chill on the couch.”
The hope now is that Chewy, with his renewed spirit, will soon be adopted into a loving home that will give him the life he deserves.
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