At 82 pounds, Duke, also lovingly known as “Meatball,” is hard to miss. But despite his size and personality to match, the 6-year-old Terrier mix has been overlooked for months at a shelter in Auburn, Indiana.
Although Duke was adopted, he was returned again after just one day and is now back waiting for a home to call his own.
“Duke is a 6-year-old, 82-pound Terrier mix—a big boy with an even bigger heart,” Teresa Feightner, Director at the DeKalb Humane Society told Newsweek.
“He originally came to our shelter as a puppy and was adopted out, but sadly, years later, he was abandoned by that family and picked up as a stray. Most recently, he was adopted again, but after escaping from the adopter’s yard on the first day, he was quickly returned.”
Described as a “sweet, goofy dog,” Feightner said that Duke thrives in a calm environment and struggles with kennel life.
“He barks excitedly, which can be intimidating, and at 82 pounds, he’s not exactly a lapdog (even though he tries to be!). He also needs a securely fenced yard and a strong, experienced adopter who understands large breeds,” Feightner said.
In the first half of 2024, 3.12 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, a decrease from the same period in 2023. Despite this, the number of animals in shelters remains high—in the first half of 2024, 322,000 more pets entered shelters than exited them.
Feightner said the best fit for Duke would be “as the only pet in a quiet, adult household with a fenced-in yard. He’s playful, loves toys, and really just wants someone to give him structure, patience, and love. Once outside the kennel, he becomes affectionate, listens to commands, and is incredibly loyal.”
Duke is neutered, vaccinated, and available for a $50 adoption fee. His journey is a reminder that sometimes the most deserving companions just need someone willing to look past the bars.
Duke’s luck may be changing soon, as a video highlighting his story was shared to the DeKalb Humane Society’s Facebook page earlier this week.
It said: “Adopted as a puppy. Abandoned. Returned after one day.
“Duke has been with us since August—and we still can’t believe no one has scooped him up…Come meet Duke outside his kennel—you’ll fall in love.”
That sentiment was echoed in the comments, with Kyleigh Snider writing on the post, which has already amassed hundreds of likes, saying: “My husband and I were there this past weekend with our puppy that we adopted from the shelter and I got to meet this SWEET boy! He gives the best kisses and has the sweetest soul! Someone please give this good boy a good home!”
Founded in 1975, DeKalb Humane Society is a small nonprofit shelter in rural northeastern Indiana. “We primarily take in stray cats and dogs from DeKalb County and work to rehome them through adoption, foster, or transfer,” Feightner said. “We’re committed to not just saving animals, but setting them up for success through training, medical care, and public education.”
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