After spending nine years as a pet, Diesel the pitbull is longing to be loved again.
Richard Adamonis, a volunteer at the West Milford Animal Shelter Society in New Jersey, has shared the heartbreaking image of Diesel, who was given up by his owners.
Adamonis told Newsweek: “Diesel was scared and confused like most animals who arrive at the shelter, three weeks ago.”
Sadly, 10-year-old Diesel is one of millions of companion animals that enter U.S. shelters nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
West Milford Animal Shelter
Often, they end up in shelters through no fault of their own, which can bring up a mixture of emotions for volunteers.
“When people give up on a lifelong pet it angers the volunteers, unless there are exceptional and understandable circumstances.
“We feel bad for the animal, like in this instance with Diesel, as they have done nothing wrong.
“We then turn our attention to providing care, building trust and confidence, and ensuring readiness for eventual adoption,” he said.
Animal rescue and adoption stories are diverse, highlighting that there is no “one size fits all” approach. People surrender animals for various reasons.
Newsweek recently reported on a cat returned to a shelter because her owner was diagnosed with dementia. Another kitty was surrendered amidst the owners’ divorce, sparking significant upset among internet users and volunteers.
However, it’s not just cats who face such challenges; dogs do too. Take Keyla, for example. She was relinquished due to a severe skin condition, but with proper care, she is now flourishing.
West Milford Animal Shelter Society
The change of scenery can be extremely unsettling for dogs but Diesel quickly adapted to his new surroundings.
“He goes with the flow,” said Adamonis, who described the dog as “very calm and obedient.”
Diesel has quickly become a shelter favorite and the staff have vowed to find him a place to call home. The ASPCA states that approximately 2 million dogs are adopted per year.
Despite getting on with other dogs, Diesel would best suit a home as the only pet and with children over the age of 10.
“He would probably thrive in a home where he is the only pet and center of attention.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.