Dog helped other shelter pups as he got overlooked. Then a man fell for him
UPDATE: Linus, a dog who had waited more than 500 days at a North Carolina shelter, has been adopted. A man came in to meet Linus, who “pulled at his heart,” the Avery Humane Society wrote July 8 in a Facebook post.
The original story is below.
A dog has helped other pups — but he keeps being overlooked at a North Carolina shelter.
Linus is still up for adoption after spending more than one year at the Avery Humane Society in Newland.
“Linus is a gentle, soulful dog who has been at the shelter since December 22, 2023, quietly waiting for his chance at a forever home,” the humane society wrote July 3 on Facebook. “Day after day, he watches hopeful faces come and go, his bright eyes following each visitor who walks past his kennel. While other dogs find new families and leave for new beginnings, Linus remains behind, patiently waiting for someone to see how truly special he is.”
Linus needs a fresh start after he arrived at the shelter as a puppy. At the time, he and the other dogs from his litter were timid.
“He has come out of his shyness a little by little,” shelter manager Charlene Moore told McClatchy News via email. “I just think most people want a dog who will ‘choose them’ or run to them at first sight and Linus may choose them if given the time.”
Moore also said potential adopters often seek young or small pets. But Linus got passed over, and he’s now a 1-year-old dog who weighs 73 pounds, according to an online adoption profile.
“Despite the long months in the shelter, Linus’s sweet spirit hasn’t faded,” the humane society wrote. “He’s a calm and affectionate dog who loves gentle attention, soft pats on the head, and leisurely strolls in the fresh air. His favorite moments are the simple ones — a kind word, a cozy blanket, or a treat given with love.”
During his stay at the shelter, Linus also has become known as a well-behaved dog who enjoys playing with stuffed toys. A video shared on social media shows he has helped other struggling pups.
“We noticed that Linus just seems to make other dogs comfortable and so we let him bring them around one sniff and tail wag at a time,” Moore wrote. “He spends time with them and by doing so makes them forget they are afraid like he was.”
As of July 7, Linus was still in need of a home. Details about the shelter’s adoption process can be found at averyhumane.org.
“Though he still wags his tail and greets visitors with hopeful eyes, there’s a quiet sadness underneath, a yearning for a place to finally call home,” the shelter wrote. “Linus deserves more than concrete floors and chain-link walls. He deserves soft beds, sunny spots to nap in, and a family who sees him for the loyal and gentle companion he truly is.”
Newland is a roughly 70-mile drive northeast from the mountain town of Asheville.
This story was originally published July 7, 2025 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Dog helped other shelter pups as he got overlooked. Then a man fell for him."
