Longest-Resident Shelter Dog Watches People Pass All Day As If He 'Doesn't Exist'
The animals who need the most help often get the least amount of attention — like a dog at the Orange County Animal Services. The pup, Flex, has been one of the rescue's longest standing residents and has seen too many of his fellow animals get their shot at forever homes over him.
Photographer Albert Harriss shared Flex's story to raise awareness about this very needy pup.
Flex deserves so much better. As the video from Harris shows, the dog was just waiting in his enclosure all day long. He even had to watch other dogs get selected, but sadly that's normal for him.
Related: Animal Shelter Introduces Adoptable Dogs to Show There's a Rescue Pet for Anyone
"POV: You're the longest resident and potential adopters walk on by as if you don't exist. Your kennel mates keep getting adopted, but you're still here," the video's onscreen caption reads.
"You hope someone comes to see you, but it doesn't happen," it reads.
Harris noted that Flex is only 2 year old and has been at the shelter for 70 days — far too long for a dog that young.
"All he wants is a family that will love him for the rest of his life as he is just a 2-year-old dog with puppy energy," he wrote. "He has so much ahead of him but he needs that someone to love him for who he is."
People online are hoping the right person sees Flex's video and comes to his rescue. "Poor baby! Let’s help Flex get a home! He’s a sweet beautiful boy!!!" exclaimed one person. "Please someone take this precious soul," someone else wrote. "Seems like such a good boy. Boosting for him to find his forever family. He deserves it," a third person agreed.
Ways You Can Help Orange County Animal Services
If taking in a needy pet isn't in the cards right now, that's okay. There are ways that you can make life for Flex and the other animals of Orange County Animal Services a little better.
Fostering an animal is always helpful. It helps alleviate the pressure that many rescues are under to care for their animals and gives the animals a chance to get a break from shelter life.
Donating to Orange County Animal Services is another way to make a difference. Donations can cover medical care, flea and tick services, or other needs animals have. Speaking of donations, becoming a heartworm sponsor is a third way you can make a difference. According to the shelter, about 10 percent of dogs come in with heartworms. There is a treatment for the condition but it's expensive and can cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to over $1000. Because of the pricy treatment, potential adopters are often deterred from adopting these pets because of the expense. By becoming a sponsor, you'll ensure that many more dogs will get a fair shot at adoption. That directly can change an animal's life.
We really hope that someone finds Flex soon. This good boy deserves the very best.
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
