Auggie, an 8-year-old senior dog, was adopted from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, New York, but was returned to the shelter twice during his nearly three-year stay.

Shelter officials say the returns were prompted by guarding issues, which can complicate the integration of senior dogs into new homes, making Auggie a difficult match for some environments. Brian Devine, a spokesperson for the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, described the dog’s early days and his current temperament.

“When he first came to the shelter, he was very nervous,” Devine said. He later added, “His guarding issues make him a special adoption that needs the perfect home.” Such challenges are not uncommon in senior dogs; behavioral issues can include confusion or anxiety, stemming from conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction, which can make it harder for them to adapt in new settings.

Auggie was brought to the shelter in 2023, according to shelter records. Staff posted a video appeal asking for someone to consider adopting him, a move that shelter workers say reflected both concern for his long stay and a hope that a patient household could offer stability, especially for a dog with specific needs like Auggie’s.

The shelter’s description notes a change in Auggie’s behavior over time: initially quiet and withdrawn within his kennel, he became more social as he grew comfortable with familiar people. “Auggie has become very comfortable with the people he knows and enjoys going out with them, playing with toys and relaxing outside,” Devine said. Support for new dog owners dealing with guarding behaviors can be found in resources from experts like Grisha Stewart and Patricia McConnell, who provide training materials tailored for these kind of challenges.

Staff wrote that “He’s a sweet explorer at heart who’s spent too long without even a window to look out of,” characterizing the dog as affectionate but in need of a careful match. Those same staff identified guarding as the specific reason for the failed placements and for the shelter’s appeal for a patient adopter, especially as senior dogs consistently face lower adoption rates compared to younger dogs. Data from the ASPCA shows that senior dogs face lower adoption rates compared to puppies and younger dogs.

The facts file lists one dog involved in this case and notes a recorded duration of 840 hours. Shelter officials continue to manage Auggie’s care and placement while emphasizing the need for a home prepared for a dog with guarding behavior.

Advocates and trainers offer resources on handling resource guarding, and organizations that track adoption trends provide context for senior dogs in shelters; some of those resources include the School for Grisha Stewart’s training materials and the data work of Shelter Animals Count, which recently noted a 2% decrease in senior dog adoption rates. Such information is crucial for potential adopters to understand the unique dynamics of welcoming a senior dog into their homes.

Local staff say they have worked with Auggie to build trust and social comfort with familiar people while making clear that his guarding behavior requires a specific environment and approach. The shelter’s outreach, including the staff video, aimed to find that setting rather than rushing another placement.

Brian Devine and the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter continue to care for Auggie as they seek a permanent home that can accommodate his needs and temperament.

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Original reporting: view the original article.