The days have been dragging on for a dog living in a New Jersey shelter as potential adopters are apparently deterred by his diabetes.
Ace, the 6-year-old American Staffordshire terrier, was surrendered to the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter after his owners moved. And now, he has been living there for more than 800 days, waiting for his future family.
His previous owners did not treat his diabetes, but Ace has been doing great since he is on insulin. He “just needs a chance” for someone to give him a beautiful life outside the shelter.
A Facebook post from the shelter reads: “We can’t believe we’re saying this but Ace has been with us for 27 MONTHS now.
Associated Humane Societies
“This is really getting ridiculous and our hearts break for Ace. It’s not even like he was adopted and returned in the past. He’s NEVER even been adopted!”
The post continues: “He’s 6 years old now and he was originally turned in because his family was moving. His diabetes was never treated in his former home so he’s doing great since being on insulin!”
The shelter understands how people are hesitant to adopt a dog with diabetes as it comes with an expensive responsibility. It estimates it costs about $20 a month. But it also says it is “so easy to manage,” especially since Ace has taken his insulin well.
Dog diabetes happens in two different forms: insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. Insulin deficiency is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. This occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Insulin resistance happens when the pancreas produces some insulin, but the dog’s body does not use it as it should. This type of diabetes is more common in older, obese dogs.
The AKC says that the early signs of dog diabetes include excessive thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and weight loss.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to cataracts, enlarged liver, urinary tract infections, seizures, kidney failure, or ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.
As far as the cost for Ace, the shelter said if fostered, it will be funding his insulin costs indefinitely.
Associated Humane Societies
Shelter Numbers
Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, for an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs and behavior rehabilitation.
Ace faces a difficult task in getting adopted not only because of his diabetes but also because American Staffordshire terriers are among the most common dog breeds found in shelters, the Animal Rescue Site reported. These dogs, like pit bulls, carry a “misplaced” reputation that they’re aggressive.
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Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.