Hoji, a playful pit bull and terrier mix, is waiting for his second chance at happiness at City Dogs Cleveland, an adoption and volunteer program. This friendly pup wasn’t always surrounded by the love and care he deserves. Animal control officers discovered him alone in an empty apartment, abandoned by his previous owners and left for days without food or water.
Abandoned Dog in Empty Apartment Seeks Loving Home
A growing crisis in shelters
Hoji’s story, while heartbreaking, is unfortunately not uncommon. Shelters across the United States are facing a surge in animal intake. According to Shelter Animals Count, a staggering 6.5 million animals entered shelters in 2023, a 4% increase compared to 2022. This rise in intake has resulted in a significant number of homeless animals. By the end of 2023, an additional 117,000 dogs and cats were filling shelters compared to the previous year.
The consequence of this situation is tragic. Shelters are forced to make difficult choices, and sadly, euthanasia rates are on the rise. In 2023, an estimated 850,000 animals were euthanized, a concerning 15% increase compared to 2022. To combat this problem, shelters are working tirelessly to promote adoption campaigns, encourage spaying and neutering programs, and invest in behavior rehabilitation efforts.
A growing crisis in shelters
Hoji’s search for a loving family
Despite the city shelter diligently sharing Hoji’s story and his endearing personality, he remains unadopted. Estimated to be around a year old and weighing a manageable 43 pounds, Hoji is up-to-date on his vaccinations, neutered, and microchipped. In an update video shared by City Dogs Cleveland, Hoji’s playful spirit shines through. The video depicts him meeting a group of veterinary technician students, soaking up all the attention and cuddles he can get.
This heartwarming video has sparked a wave of reactions online. Animal lovers across the TikTok platform have expressed their outrage at Hoji’s abandonment and their hope for him to find a loving home. Many commenters like Veronica echo the sentiment, “How has he not been adopted yet?!” City Dogs Cleveland aptly responds, “We are wondering the same thing!”
Hoji’s search for a loving family
Hope for Hoji’s future
Hoji’s story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by shelters and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Thankfully, Hoji’s tale also highlights the unwavering dedication of shelters like City Dogs Cleveland and the compassion of animal lovers everywhere. With a little luck and a lot of love, Hoji will surely find his perfect match. If you’re looking for a loyal, playful companion, consider opening your heart and home to Hoji. He’s waiting for you at City Dogs Cleveland, ready to shower you with unconditional love.
