A dog who was found as a stray in a Walmart parking lot is still searching for the perfect home after being overlooked for months in a shelter.
Carter, a sweet and affectionate eight-year-old hound mix, has been at the Greene County Animal Shelter in Virginia for two months after being found in the Ruckersville Walmart parking lot. Despite his charming personality, not a single potential adopter has shown interest.
Weighing approximately 55 pounds, Carter has become a familiar sight at the shelter. But sadly, each day, visitors just walk past his kennel.
Shelter volunteers describe him as a loving companion who enjoys walks and affection, but he is still struggling to find the right family.
Carter the dog, who was found abandoned in a Walmart car park. He is still searching for a forever home.
The Greene County Animal Shelter of Virginia
Carter hasn’t always been alone, though. When he was recovered rescuers did find a microchip, leading the shelter to trace his previous owners out of state.
But the family had surrendered Carter years ago to a different shelter, and the rescue organization he was adopted from is currently at full capacity and unable to take him back.
T. Anna Swanson from the Greene County Animal Shelter told Newsweek: “Carter came into our shelter stray after being found in a parking lot. He would love to find a home soon. Someone who doesn’t have any other dogs would be ideal for him.”
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, a rise of 4 percent from 2022. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.
Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
The shelter shared Carter’s story and a picture on its Facebook page earlier this week. “Carter needs your love and help as he would love to be out of our shelter and into a fun loving home who would never let this boy go again,” the shelter said online. The post prompted an outpouring of love for the pup.
“Such a sweet face!” said Donna. While Michelle agreed: “He’s precious!!”
While Maureen was heartbroken by the dog’s sad backstory: “Omg, how sad,” she said.
Carter is neutered and his vaccinations are up to date, and the shelter staff hope that his forever family will find him very soon.
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