Durham’s longest-waiting shelter dog is still waiting for a forever home. Here’s why.
If you were to draft the resume of an ideal dog, it might look a lot like Paolo’s.
The 6-year-old Akita mix is described as a curious and deeply affectionate dog who loves to let his nose lead the way on a fresh outdoor trail. He loves neck scratches, toys and learning new skills.
So, why is he currently the longest-tenured resident at the Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham?
Since April 6, Paolo has been getting passed over during adoption visits not because of his personality, but due to this treatable medical hurdle: He’s heartworm positive.
Heartworm disease can sound daunting to prospective adopters, but it’s manageable. The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. The worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. As the disease progresses, dogs can develop a cough, weight loss, a swollen belly or quick fatigue.
Heartworm treatment can be intensive, expensive and requires about eight weeks of restricted activity while medication kills the parasites.
“We hope someone will look beyond the words ‘heartworm positive’ and instead see the wonderful dog standing in front of them,” said Stacy Bluth, the interim executive director of APS of Durham.
There is some good news. Paolo can’t pass heartworm to humans or other pets in a household. More importantly, heartworm is completely curable.
APS of Durham is also providing Paolo’s entire heartworm treatment at no cost, removing a barrier for prospective families.
‘Trade a kennel for a couch’
Bluth said Paolo would thrive with an active family that enjoys spending time outside and giving him plenty of mental enrichment.
“He’d also benefit from regular grooming and a securely fenced yard where he can safely explore,” she said.
Paolo’s extended stay highlights larger infrastructure challenges facing the county’s current animal shelter. While Durham County has officially approved architectural plans for a new, multi-million-dollar facility with an enhanced medical wing, the current East Club Boulevard shelter struggles with space and noise.
For dogs undergoing heartworm treatment and other medical recovery, the busy, loud and aging shelter creates a stressful environment.
“During that time, dogs simply need a calm environment where they can rest and heal,” Bluth said. “While a shelter is never the ideal place for recovery, a home provides the comfort, stability, and reduced stress that helps dogs through treatment.”
Staff continue to wonder why Paolo is still at the shelter. They encourage adopters to visit APS to learn more about Paolo and other adoptable animals.
“Paolo deserves the chance to recover in a home, where he can trade a kennel for a couch, daily walks with his person, and the opportunity to finally begin the next chapter of his life,” Bluth said.
To learn more about Paolo and how to visit or adopt him, visit apsofdurham.org/dogs/paolo.