‘Sweet and gentle’ dog has been at Wake County shelter for 232 days with no prospects

Nearly eight months ago, a playful American Staffordshire Terrier with a warm smile was brought to the Wake County Animal Center when his owner was admitted to the hospital.

The center can only hold dogs under protective custody for a short time. After that if the owner doesn’t come back to reclaim them, the dogs are typically put up for adoption.

As a result, Kino has been in the shelter for 232 days, making him the longest resident available for adoption.

While the 7-year-old terrier’s story is unique, dozens of dogs at the Wake County Animal Center have been there for months — 11 of them for over 90 days.

Just three days into the new year, the center at 820 Beacon Lake Road in Raleigh. is full, and volunteers are hoping a promotion with reduced adoption fees will help.

From now until Jan. 17, Kino and other dogs and cats who have been at the shelter for over two weeks are available for free.

“It’s hard to believe, but Kino hasn’t had much interest yet,” said Arevik Badalyan-Drewek, a spokesperson for Wake County. “Kino is ready to be the most loyal best friend you could ask for.”

Meet Kino

The gentle terrier loves belly rubs and treats, which he will sit and wait for patiently. Volunteers take him for walks in the park and car rides, where he is quiet and relaxed.

Kino also knows commands like “sit,” “paw” and “down,” and shows them off if they can score him extra treats.

Badalyan-Drewek said Kino is in healthy condition but tested positive for heartworm, a disease caused by worms in the animal’s heart, lung and blood vessels that can cause lung disease, heart failure and other organ damage. The condition is treatable and not contagious but could help explain Kino’s long stay.

Friends of Wake County Animal Center, a nonprofit organization, sponsors dogs who test positive for heartworm. Kino has a $450 sponsorship to help offset the cost of his treatment.

Also, Kino has reacted to other dogs, which could make him more suited for homes without other pets Badalyan-Drewek said the center is going to retest him to see if this has changed.

“If people had the chance to get to know Kino, we’re sure they’d see just how special he is,” she said.

Long-term shelter dogs

Of the 97 available dogs at the shelter, 11 have been there over 90 days, 12 have been there over 60 and 13 over a month.

There can be lasting effects on the mental and physical health of long-term shelter dogs, according to the National Library of Medicine. A majority of dogs in the shelter for long periods are older, male, larger, neutered and are often considered “dangerous” breeds.

American Staffordshires, which are often called pit-bulls, are misunderstood as a dangerous breed and make up over half the dogs at the Wake County animal shelter. The breed, along with others like it, are banned in some rental properties and communities.

Edenton and Lumberton are two towns in North Carolina that consider all bull terriers potentially vicious dogs and set strict regulations to keep them restrained and registered.

The bans also contribute to pet surrenders at the shelter.

“Unfortunately, many dogs like Kino face challenges when it comes to finding their forever homes, often due to their breed and housing restrictions,” Badalyan-Drewek said. “These policies can discourage potential adopters, even when the dog has a wonderful temperament and would make an incredible companion.”

Cats are quicker to be adopted because there are no housing restrictions for their breeds. Currently, nearly all of the available cats at the shelter and in foster have adoptions pending.

Free and reduced adoption fees

All dogs and cats that have been at the Wake County Animal Center for over two weeks can be adopted for free through Jan. 17.

Fees are $25 for dogs and $5 for cats that have been there for under two weeks.

After the promotion, fees will return to $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under 5 years old and $15 for older cats.

To see the animals go to pets.wake.gov/gallery.

In addition, the SPCA of Wake has no adoption fees for its available cats and dogs through Jan. 10.