People Baffled as ‘Perfect’ Shelter Dog Waiting for Home After 243 Days

Staff at a Maryland shelter have been left confused as a 2-year-old dog they dubbed “perfect” is still waiting for a home after 243 days.

Panini, a pit bull and Labrador mix, is currently being cared for at Montgomery County Animal Services in Maryland where she has become a “shelter favorite.”

Courtney Gawel, live release manager at Montgomery County Animal Services, described Panini as a “sweetheart” with a calm and gentle disposition.

“We’re not sure why Panini has not yet been adopted, because Panini has a calm and quiet demeanor, even when she’s playing with her toys,” Gawel told Newsweek. “She does get tiny bursts of energy, which are very cute!”

Recently, Panini has spent a little bit of time away from the shelter with foster carers and sometimes has even spent time in the staff office, where she eagerly accepts pets and takes peaceful naps in the company of the staff.

Though brilliant at walking on a leash, sharing her kennel with another dog and being a great passenger on car journey, she has still had no interest from potential adopters.

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.

Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Montgomery County Animal Services recently shared Panini’s story on its Facebook page where people who have met her attested to her great nature.

At the beginning of April, her foster carer said: “Panini is a natural family dog. She won my 3-year-old over instantly. My almost 1-year-old cried when she first approached but her sweet kisses on his fingers made him giggle”

They added: “In two days, my toddler gave her two baths which she patiently accepted and gave little licks in return. As she relaxed, you could see more of her cute personality breaking out. Panini is a well-behaved little lady worth the time and love investment.”

On Facebook, Lydia said: “She is such a calm, loving, well behaved girl yet she will show her playful personality when she greets another dog. She is the full package.”

While commenter Heidi wrote: “Panini is such a sweetheart! Not a jumper and takes treats like a lady!”

“We’d love for her to find a home soon,” the shelter’s post read. “Panini truly checks all the boxes! We hope you adopt her ASAP, as she deserves to live the rest of her life with a good family.”

As she continues to wait for her perfect home to give her the stability she needs, she is a much loved part of the Montgomery County Animal Services shelter, which hopes that the right owner will discover her very soon.