Dog in shelters most of life shows ‘heartbreaking’ signs of stress. He needs a home
A “playful” dog who has spent most of his life in shelters is overwhelmed — and needs a new home.
“This stress is manifesting in heartbreaking ways ... he’s ripping up walls and climbing barriers, desperate to relieve his stress,” a Florida animal shelter wrote Aug. 13 on Facebook. “But outside the shelter and kennels, Goblin is a different dog. He’s affectionate, loves booty scratches, and is always up for a game of fetch.”
Goblin arrived at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Brevard as Hurricane Debby aimed for Florida in early August. He was transferred from Madison County Animal Services, which reportedly has outdoor kennels. Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm Aug. 5 near Steinhatchee, just south of Madison County.
“We transported Goblin along with 15 other dogs to keep them safe from the storm,” an SPCA spokesperson told McClatchy News via email. “Unfortunately, the stress of kennel life has been tough on him — he’s chewed through his kennel wall.”
A photo shared online shows a hole 1-year-old Goblin left behind, while another shows him climbing up the side of a pen. The dog, in urgent need of a new place to live, recently transitioned to a new space.
“Since moving into our foster manager’s office, we’ve seen a new side of Goblin,” the shelter wrote. “His stress has reduced, and he’s shown us his playful, puppy-like personality.”
Goblin also is described as an active, cuddly and loving dog. The mixed-breed pup is almost 2 years old and has spent the majority of that time in shelters, according to the animal organization and an online adoption profile.
As of Aug. 14, Goblin was still waiting for a new owner or foster parent at the shelter in Titusville, a roughly 40-mile drive east from Orlando. More details about the SPCA’s adoption process can be found at spcabrevard.com.
“Goblin is asking to be your one and only pet for now, as the stress has made it hard for him to be around other animals,” the shelter wrote. “Goblin is in desperate need of a foster or adopter who can give him the peaceful environment he needs to relax and be himself.”
