Source: The Review
The Hancock County Animal Shelter in New Cumberland is using a creative approach to spotlight long-term shelter animals, focusing on Dude, an 80-pound shepherd-akita mix who has been at the shelter since May 2024. Despite being affectionate, playful, and good with dogs and older kids, Dude has yet to receive any adoption applications. Shelter staffer Whitney Osborn created a social media page, “Diary of a Shelter Dog,” to share Dude’s story, which has gained 77 followers in just a week.
The shelter, currently at maximum capacity, hopes the campaign will not only help Dude find a forever home but also raise awareness about the overcrowded facility. Thanks to community sponsors, all adoption fees have been waived since February. As strays continue to arrive faster than they are adopted, staff are resorting to temporary enclosures. To adopt, potential owners can submit an application online and schedule a meet-and-greet within 7–10 days.