In the very last kennel at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, a gray-and-white dog named Bernie peers out at visitors each day, wondering if someone might notice him. For months now, Bernie has patiently waited. And waited. And waited.
“I’m a big, handsome, friendly boy,” Pawfect Pals NY Need a Home wrote in a video about Bernie. “I’ve been here almost six months and not one person has asked to meet me.”
Shelter staff don’t understand why Bernie hasn’t received any interest.
“It’s very disheartening,” Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter acting director Ashley Behrens told The Dodo. “He is such a hidden gem that someone is completely missing out on.”
Perhaps Bernie’s large size and high energy intimidate some people. But anyone who’s met Bernie knows that these qualities aren’t negative ones — they’re part of what makes Bernie so special.
“He is a blast to walk and to hang out with in the yard,” Behrens said. “He loves to play and chew on hard toys and enjoys running around the yard to get out some of his energy.”
Bernie wasn’t always so vibrant. When the pup first arrived at the shelter, he was just skin and bones. He spent weeks adapting to a life of love, gaining weight and learning how to be a good boy. Now, he’s completely transformed.
“He is much more engaged, relaxed, and walks beautifully on a leash,” Behrens said. “He’s fully housebroken and is very relaxed in his kennel as well.”
Since Bernie is a bigger boy who’s easily excited, shelter staff think he would fit best in a family with older teens and adults. Bernie’s perfect family would be excited to help him continue to learn manners and eager to keep him exercised and active.
For now, Bernie will keep waiting. But hopefully someday soon the right person will walk to the very last kennel and realize they’ve found the one.