Florida Shelter Dog Waits Over 700 Days To Be Chosen Because Of Condition He Can’t Control
Imagine walking into a shelter and seeing a dog whose tail still wags after nearly two years of waiting. That’s Chase, a big-hearted pup from Naples, Florida.
Chase has been patiently hoping that one day, his forever person will finally walk through the door.
He’s not one to complain, though. Even after more than 700 days behind shelter walls, Chase still greets everyone with a goofy smile and eyes full of hope.
You’d never guess how much he’s been through.
Before arriving at the Patty Baker Humane Society Naples (PBHSN), Chase had been found wandering alone and placed in a rural shelter, where no one ever came to claim him.
But despite his lonely start, he refused to let the past dim his spirit. Patrizia Vila, the shelter’s events and outreach coordinator, shared in an interview:
“He had originally been found as a stray and was never reclaimed. Despite that, he was known there as a happy-go-lucky dog with a cheerful personality.”
And that’s exactly who he was when he arrived at PBHSN, full of joy and endless energy.
But then, just a week later, everything changed. Chase had his first seizure.
The staff quickly realized he had a medical condition that would require lifelong medication. It was a blow, not just for Chase, but for everyone who had already fallen in love with him.
Still, he faced it with the same strength that defines him.
The seizures didn’t take away his gentle heart. They just made him a little more cautious, especially around other dogs.
He still adored people, though, and he found comfort in their company. Vila shared:
“He’s remained friendly and affectionate but tends to be more comfortable with people than with other dogs.”
And oh, do people love him. Volunteers adore taking him for long walks through Naples. He loves car rides, sniffing the ocean air, and meeting anyone willing to give him a good belly rub.
But for all the love he gets inside the shelter, Chase still hasn’t been adopted. His condition has scared away potential adopters, as Vila explained:
“Unfortunately, his seizure disorder, though well-managed with medication, has made some potential adopters hesitant, which has contributed to his longer stay with us.”
It’s heartbreaking. Yet, Chase still greets each new day with a wagging tail and the same hope that maybe today will be the day. Vila added:
“He enjoys regular outings with volunteers and loves spending one-on-one time with staff, which keeps him happy and engaged.”
But behind those smiles, the staff can’t help but ache for him. They’ve watched him be overlooked again and again, and it hurts.
So they’re fighting for him. They made a heartfelt video about Chase and posted it on Facebook and Instagram, showing his big smile and his gentle soul.
It went viral, with over 150,000 views and countless emotional comments pouring in. People cried. Some shared their own stories of special-needs pets who changed their lives.
Now, everyone at the shelter is hoping that among all those viewers, Chase’s forever person is out there, the one who will finally see him for who he is, not what he has.
According to Vila, Chase would do best in an active, affectionate home with someone who loves going on adventures and spending quality time with their dog.
He enjoys meeting new people wherever he goes and would truly shine as the only pet in the house. And she added one final thing, something that sums up Chase perfectly:
“Chase is looking for someone who understands that his medical condition doesn’t define him—it’s just a small part of who he is. With his daily medication, he’s a happy, playful, and completely normal dog who’s ready to be your best friend.”
For now, Chase keeps waiting. He still greets each morning with joy and hope. Because somewhere out there, his person is looking for him too, they just don’t know it yet.
