Hearts have broken for a black pit mix who has been waiting in a shelter for most of his life.
Mars has spent 1,208 days—over three years—waiting at Webster Animal Shelter in Madison, Mississippi, for someone to take him home.
“Mars originally came to us after being found running loose, with a severely swollen face covered in abscesses. Our animal control officer, Michael Greene, said Mars was rough around the edges when they first met—understandably scared and defensive—but he was eventually able to cut his collar off and bring him in safely,” Krista Sciple from Webster Animal Shelter told Newsweek. “That was over 1,200 days ago. We estimate Mars is about 4–5 years old now, so he’s spent most of his life in the shelter.”
In a post on Facebook, the shelter shared his story in a plea to help find him a loving home. “He’s our longest resident, and honestly, we can’t understand why.”
The shelter also believes that his looks may have played a part in him being overlooked for so long. “Sadly, we think the reason he’s been overlooked so long is a mix of stigma and circumstance. Black dogs and pit bull-type dogs are both statistically less likely to be adopted. Dark colored dogs don’t photograph as well and are perceived as less friendly or more intimidating, and pit bull breeds face a lot of misunderstanding and bias due to media portrayals and housing restrictions.”
Black dogs, especially in shelters, often face unique challenges when it comes to adoption—a phenomenon widely known as “Black Dog Syndrome.”
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that coat color significantly influencers adoption outcomes in dogs. Black dogs were less likely to be adopted compared to dogs with other coat colors, leaving them at higher risks of euthanasia.
Anecdotal evidence from shelters backs this up, with some even turning to extra measures to try and boost the chances of black shelter dogs. Like Maggie Epling, a shelter volunteer and photographer who took a series of portrait pictures of black dogs at a shelter to try and get them noticed.
“Mars also isn’t a perfect dog—he’s not always the best fit with other dogs, especially dominant males, and he’s not good with cats. So between his appearance, breed, and a few behavioral quirks, he keeps getting passed over,” Sciple said. “But he is so much more than that. Mars is incredibly sweet and goofy, he’ll lean into you and rub his whole body against you just to get some love. He’s patient, especially when putting on a harness or even a little outfit. He’s smart and has been doing well with some basic training.”
Despite being overlooked, Mars still greets every new visitor with hope. He’s got some basic training under his belt, shows promise with house training, and is up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies. He’s neutered, heartworm negative, and ready to go home for an adoption fee of $100.
“He deserves a family. A couch. A soft bed,” the shelter wrote. “Someone to see past the black coat and serious expression and recognize the incredible dog he is.”
Mars’ story sparked a host of reactions from community members and animal lovers.
“I’ve walked Mars a few times while getting some volunteer hours done. He’s such a sweetheart,” wrote Trinity Eades.
“I cannot believe nobody has adopted this cute precious baby!” commented Missy Gammons Waldrup.
Holly Porter Rose said: “Look at his smile!! Hope he finds a loving home soon!”
Webster Animal Shelter remains open to the public seven days a week, and its staff is hopeful that someone will come through their doors soon to meet Mars.
“He’s lived in a shelter for nearly all his life, he just needs someone to help him learn what it means to be a dog again. His best friend here was a dog named Brownie, also a long-term pit bull resident, and she recently got adopted. We’re really hoping Mars will be next. Everyone here loves him so much,” Sciple said.
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