Quirky shelter dog who dances for food needs a new home. Meet the ‘lovable giant’
A quirky dog dances for food — and he needs a home of his own.
Hurley has spent more than 100 days at a North Carolina animal shelter as he waits for a patient new owner.
“This lovable giant would thrive with an adopter experienced with larger breeds, someone who can guide him with patience and love as he discovers all the joys of being a beloved family member,” Danielle Deschamps, communications coordinator for the Watauga Humane Society, told McClatchy News in a Dec. 18 email.
Hurley is ready for a second chance after he landed at the shelter over the summer. The humane society, located in the North Carolina mountains, said a “compassionate animal lover” had noticed two dogs in rough shape and asked for a welfare check at their home.
“Our Animal Control Officer found Hurley and his companion living in less-than-ideal conditions, battling multiple health issues,” Deschamps wrote. “After a heartfelt conversation, their owners made the difficult but selfless decision to surrender them to us, giving Hurley the chance at a better life.”
In the months that followed, Hurley has become known for his “gentle” but “goofy” demeanor. As he adjusts to living indoors, he has been crowned “the comeback king.”
“When this big boy first arrived, he was a shadow of his potential, weighing just 51 pounds and needing a little extra TLC to heal inside and out,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post. “But with time, care, and a refeeding plan that could rival a 5-star menu, Hurley blossomed into the 72-pound love bug he is today.”
Hurley, described in his online adoption profile as a 3-year-old mixed breed pup, isn’t expected to stray far from his next owner. He’s considered “the ultimate velcro dog, sticking to you closer than peanut butter on toast.”
“This big guy has a knack for shredding toys (don’t worry — he leaves the stuffing behind!) and a unique post-poop zoomies routine that’s guaranteed to make you smile,” the shelter wrote. “While Hurley’s past has left him with a few quirks, he’s nothing short of amazing. He dances for his food, handles treats like a gentleman, and follows you everywhere.”
As of Dec. 18, the shelter’s website listed Hurley among the animals available for adoption at its facility in Boone, a roughly 85-mile drive west from Winston-Salem. Details about the humane society’s adoption process can be found at wataugahumane.org.
“Hurley’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the incredible transformation that’s possible when a community comes together for animals in need,” Deschamps wrote.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Quirky shelter dog who dances for food needs a new home. Meet the ‘lovable giant’."
