Many people who work or volunteer at animal shelters agree that these places aren’t the best homes for dogs. Although shelters offer some care and safety—certainly better than living on the streets—they can’t provide what dogs need the most: a loving family and the warmth of a home. Imagine the life of a dog who spends over 800 days in a shelter without finding a permanent home.
Take Munch, a 3-year-old Terrier mix, for instance. He’s been living in a shelter in Bulverde, Texas, during the prime years of his life. While he has everything he needs to survive, what he truly yearns for is a loving owner’s unconditional affection.
Shelter Staff Adores Him
At the Bulverde Area Humane Society, Munch quickly won the hearts of the staff and volunteers after being found on the streets in September 2021. Although he was not injured and was a beautiful, lively pup, it was clear he needed more than what the shelter could offer. The shelter’s Facebook post describes him as a playful, curious dog who loves interacting with people, playing with toys, and is especially joyful in the water during summer months.
Specific Adoption Challenges
Despite his appealing traits, Munch faces challenges in finding a home. According to Penny LaFlam, the dog coordinator at Bulverde, Munch would thrive best as the only pet in a household. He is great with humans one-on-one, but his high energy and selective nature towards other dogs complicate his adoption prospects. Moreover, because Munch resembles a Pit Bull—a breed often misunderstood and stigmatized—it further reduces his chances of adoption.
The shelter staff remains committed to finding the perfect match for Munch, ensuring it’s a home where he won’t have to return. They emphasize that any potential home should be a permanent and loving environment suitable for both Munch and his new family.
The Better Side of Shelter Life
Despite the grim reality of life in a shelter, Munch is in a relatively good place. The Bulverde Area Humane Society is a non-euthanizing shelter, meaning dogs like Munch can stay longer while waiting for their forever home. This is a significant advantage compared to euthanizing shelters, where animals may be put down if not adopted quickly.
Across the United States, about 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters each year, with roughly half being dogs. While the number of euthanized animals has declined thanks to better adoption and spay/neuter programs, the problem of overpopulation remains.
The Bulverde Area Humane Society combats this issue by actively promoting their animals on social media and organizing adoption events. They aim not just to find homes for these animals but also to raise awareness about the challenges shelters face.
Conclusion: Every Dog Deserves a Home
Our hope with sharing stories like Munch’s is to enlighten more people about the realities facing shelter animals and encourage adoption. If reading about Munch moves someone to consider adopting him or another dog in need, then we’ve done our part in making a difference.
If you’re considering helping an animal in need, don’t hesitate. Sometimes, your support might be their last chance for a happy life. For more details on how you can help, visit the Bulverde Area Humane Society’s official website and Facebook page. Let’s not forget these vulnerable animals who depend so much on human kindness and action.
