Three years ago, Louie was transferred to Patty Baker Humane Society Naples from Caloosa Humane Society. When Louie first arrived at the shelter, the staff soon realized he was special. He was so easygoing and sweet they thought he would be quickly adopted.
“Because Louie came to us as a transfer, we don't know much about his life before arriving at the shelter,” Patrizia Vila, director of communications and special projects at Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, told The Dodo. “What we do know is who he is today: a friendly, lovable dog with a huge heart and a talent for making friends wherever he goes.”
Louie seemed to put the other dogs at ease, which is how he eventually became the shelter’s official “helper dog.”
“Louie earned his ‘helper dog’
title after joining playgroup and showing us just how patient and gentle he is with other dogs,” Vila said. “We quickly noticed that he was tolerant, easygoing and comfortable around a wide variety of personalities."
Wherever he was or whoever he was interacting with, Louie always created a calming environment for the other dogs, a valuable skill that his friends at the shelter cherished.
"His friendly demeanor and confidence often help shy or nervous dogs feel more comfortable and come out of their shell," Vila said.
The staff began using Louie to help determine the temperament of other dogs at the shelter, a role Louie was happy to step into. He loves being around anyone and everyone, soaking up the love and affection as much as he can. He’s become a special part of the shelter’s team — but they would release him from his role in a heartbeat if they could only find him a home.
Louie has now been at the shelter for over 1,037 days and just wants a family he can chill on the couch with and cuddle for hours on end. He’s such a sweet, friendly dog that it can be hard to fathom why he hasn’t gotten adopted yet.
“Part of it may come down to factors that have nothing to do with his personality,” Vila said. “Louie is an 8-year-old, 66-pound dog, and in Naples, many communities and HOAs have size and breed restrictions that can limit the types of dogs people are able to adopt. Many visitors who come to the shelter are often looking for puppies, smaller dogs or dogs that fit certain housing requirements. Unfortunately, that means dogs like Louie can get overlooked, even though they have so much to offer.”
Sweet Louie hasn’t given up hope. He continues to smile at his favorite staffers and help all the shy dogs in the shelter feel more comfortable. He’s the best version of himself every single day, and everyone who knows him is hopeful that the right family will find him soon enough.
“More than anything, Louie is looking for a family who will appreciate what a special dog he is and give him the comfortable retirement he deserves,” Vila said.
