Many shelters and rescues have seen a significant increase in adoptions since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With so many people staying at home, it seems like the perfect time to bond with a new dog. For most dogs, getting adopted faster is exciting. However, it’s not as fun for the dogs still waiting for their forever family to come.
Lacey the Pit Bull mix is currently the only dog at the Mahoning County Dog Warden in Ohio. Despite her playful and lovable personality, she has been overlooked while all the other dogs have been adopted one by one.
Adoption During COVID-19
The shelter noted that the number of adoptions during the pandemic have been about the same. However, they have had fewer dogs surrendered to them. So, the amount of adoptable dogs at the shelter has been significantly less.
Normally, the shelter has about 24 adoptable dogs at a time. During busier times, they find themselves reaching closer to 60 or 70 animals. So, when they got down to only two dogs, they were shocked. Then, after another Pit Bull mix named Victor was adopted, Lacey was left all alone.
Lacey arrived at the shelter toward the beginning of the pandemic. She has been around during every recent adoption, but she still waited patiently. Being alone is a bit odd, but the staff is making sure she gets extra love and attention.
“Lacey is in her own room so she doesn’t have to be in a kennel but she hung out with me all day,” Mahoning County Dog Warden posted on Facebook. “I propped all the doors open so she could follow me around from one side of the kennels to the other. She kept looking in the empty cages expecting to see another dog.”
Lacey seemed a bit confused, and maybe also a bit lonely. That’s why the staff allowed her to run around and play throughout the building so she didn’t have to be confined. However, Lacey was probably wondering why the kennel area was so quiet all of a sudden.
Help Lacey Find a Home!
Lacey is guessed to be about 2 to 3 years old. She came to the shelter as a stray, but no one claimed her. So, it’s difficult to tell what her early life was like, but the staff guessed that she had puppies at a very early age.
This sweet dog loves every person she meets. She loves to play and cuddle with people, and she often follows the staff around, looking for attention. She is a bit selective about other dogs, so she would prefer it if she could be the only dog in the household. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been exposed to cats yet. She walks great on a leash and loves to play with any toy you give her.
It’s unclear how such a loving dog is still waiting for a home, but she will eventually find that forever family. Being the only dog at a shelter sounds lonely, so spread the word to help her get adopted! If you or someone you know wants to adopt Lacey, please email ssabol@mahoningcountyoh.gov for an application. The shelter is currently closed to the public, but they can schedule meet-and-greets by appointment.
https://www.facebook.com/mahoningcountydogwarden/videos/629753684282996/
H/T: fox8.com
Featured Image: @mahoningcountydogwarden/Facebook
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