Dog That’s a Teddy Bear in ‘Grizzly Bear Body’ Still in Shelter After Six Years

A Texas-based animal shelter continues its search for a forever home, six years after its long-term resident was deposed.

Naco was originally brought to the Animal Defense League of Texas in September 2018 when he was dumped outside the doors of the San Antonio shelter. Without hesitation, the shelter took him in, although it took a while to catch him because he got scared and ran away.

The 8-year-old shepherd-American pit bull terrier mix tested positive for heartworm disease when he arrived, but has since been treated by the Animal Defense League’s medical team. But six years later, Naco is still in the shelter waiting for his forever home.

Naco was recently featured in KENS5 Forgotten friends segment, where the news channel focuses on a shelter animal looking for adoption. The article called Naco a “big teddy bear in a grizzly bear’s body,” but unlike a bear, Naco does not seek any harm. He is only full of love.

The Animal Defense League of Texas believes Naco would do best in a home where he is the only dog. Although he is laid-back and likes to hang out, Naco also loves to play fetch. He won’t say no to sunbathing or watching TV. He’s up for anything, except water.

“Potential adopters came by to meet Naco, but for unknown reasons they ultimately did not adopt him,” said Felicia Niño, director of marketing and development. Newsweek via email.

Naco is considered one of the shelter’s “Diamonds in the Ruff.” Any dog ​​with this classification has been a member of the Animal Defense League of Texas for four months or more. There are currently 64 “Diamonds in the Ruff” listed on the shelter’s website, ready for adoption.

US Shelter Numbers

6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters each year, for an average of 17,260 per day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by animal shelters reached 46,807 in January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, the 24Pet Shelter Watch Report shows. Approximately 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters strive to minimize the number of euthanasia cases by promoting adoption campaigns, spay and neuter programs, and behavioral rehabilitation.

The Animal Defense League of Texas had a total intake of more than 6,028 animals in 2023, including dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. That is slightly less than the 6,677 animals the shelter took in in 2022.

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