Every year more than 3.9 million dogs end up in animal shelters in the United States. Unfortunately, this typically becomes the end of the road. Nearly one-third of these dogs are euthanized either straight away or shortly after intake.
The problem is worse for shelters trying to adopt out older animals. These animals are just as loving and loyal as their puppy counterparts, but most people who adopt and buy animals want them to be younger.
Some shelters are fighting back to give these dogs a better chance at adoption. Rather than the normal intake photos, shelters like The Humane Society of Utah photograph their dogs in a way that truly brings out their personalities. Rather than a scared dog, people looking to adopt from these places see nothing but canines hamming it up for the camera.
The Humane Society of Utah put these 17 dogs in a photo booth and coaxed out their personalities with patience and lots of treats. Thanks to their hard work, most of these dogs have already been adopted.
#17 – Kodiak
Kodiak is a three-year-old German Shepherd/lab mix who was adopted quickly after these photos were uploaded to Facebook. According to the shelter, this pup is “active and attentive” and “would make a fantastic running partner.
#16 – Chip
Chip is a pit bull mix with a huge personality. The two-year-old shelter dog “will benefit from basic training, ample daily exercise and lots of toys” according to the shelter. This dog came to the shelter with no history, but he quickly endeared himself to the shelter staff and volunteers who “are quickly falling in love with our resident class clown.” Chip is still available for adoption.
#15 – Goat
This adorable bull terrier is incredibly friendly and, according to the shelter, is an “absolute clown.” While the shelter calls him friendly with people of all ages, it cautions that he may not be the best around “the really small humans.” Thanks to these adorable pictures, the seven-year-old Goat was adopted.
#14 – Elsa
This sweet Norwegian Elkhound is only 10 months old, but already knows basic commands like sit, shake, down, and stay. According to her bio, she “enjoys children, other dogs and even cats!” Thanks to the volunteers at the humane society, Elsa has been adopted.
#13 – Dug the Pug
According to the shelter, Dug “isn’t looking for internet fame, just a home of his very own!” This lovable one-year-old dog loves walks and snuggles. He is house trained and good with kids. After Dug’s photos appeared, he was quickly adopted as well.
#12 – Angel
Angel is a Brussels griffon Yorkie mix who was adopted from the Humane Society of Utah. This year old pup loves to play with fluffy toys and gets along well with cats and dogs. Her new owner will get to house train her with the help of a solid routine.
#11 – Nana
Nana loves people — and treats! this adorable pit bull was transferred to the Utah shelter from an overcrowded one in California. While she didn’t come with a history, this six-year-old sweetie loves other dogs, kids, and “even eagerly approached a wheelchair to make sure everyone got a little love.” According to the shelter’s Facebook page, Nana is still up for adoption.
#10 – Kisses
Kisses is a three-year-old Doberman who also came from an overcrowded shelter in California for a chance at a new life. Shelter staff note that this Doberman has a sweet, gentle and loving temperament. According to them, “She wants nothing more than to hang out right next to you.” Kisses has been adopted.
#9 – Roxy
Roxy is maybe a Yorkie, or a Poodle, or something else entirely. Regardless of her breed(s), she is incredibly cute. This pup’s new owners are enjoying quality time with her on walks, visiting parks, and cuddling. Here’s hoping her new owners also spoil her with plenty of toys to play with!
#8 – Jack
Jack is only a year old and is “full of excitable and eager to please energy.” Like his fellow pit bull mixes on the list, Jack gets along with everyone, including his fellow shelter dogs. Jack is still available for adoption at the HSU.
#7 – Lady
Don’t let her name fool you! Lady is a huge clown who is playful, energetic, and loves to give kisses. She spent most of her first year outside and, thanks to the HSU, now has a family who will show her what life as an indoor dog is like. The chocolate lab mix is probably cuddled up to her new owners right now, showing them how happy she is to have found her forever home.
#6 – Charlie
Charlie is a huge puppy looking for a “VERY active family,” according to his bio. The 10 month old pup already knows basic commands like sit, stay, down, and shake. Because of his size and playfulness, the shelter recommends a home with older children and adults so he doesn’t accidentally knock someone over. Charlie is still available for adoption through the HSU.
#5 – Homer
Homer is a three-year-old Rottweiller blend who is “charming, handsome and well behaved!” This lovable dog transferred from another shelter with no history. However, the shelter discovered he knows basic commands, loves attention, and gets along with other dogs. Considering his adorable photos, it’s no surprise that Homer has been adopted.
#4 – Harley
Harley is a year old Bulldog mix who’s gorgeous face had her adopted quickly. This girl loves to cuddle on the couch and run around. According to the team at the HSU, Harley will do almost anything for a bacon treat. Her new home is cat-free and, hopefully for her, full of doggie friends her size to play with.
#3 – Rhino
Named for her beautiful coat, Rhino’s grin goes ear to ear. Like her other friends on this list, the year old bully breed blend transferred from a California shelter where she probably would have been put down. Rhino quickly became the staff favorite, making it no surprise she was adopted quickly. Along with her happy spirit, Rhino loves being a lap dog.
#2 – Hansen
Hansen is a year old pit bull mix. This sweetheart is house trained and knows basic commands already. He gets along with other dogs and kids and would love an active family to play with. When he isn’t a bouncing ball of energy, Hansen loves to cuddle with his caretakers. He is still available for adoption at the HSU.
#1 – Jax
Jax is a lovable puppy who earned himself a sweet Utah family after being rescued from a different shelter in California. The Shepherd mix has massive paws, indicating he’ll be on the larger side of dogs when he’s all grown up. If the photos of him are any indication, Jax has a quirky personality. He loves dogs, all people, and is a quick learner.
While the majority of dogs on this list have been adopted, there are millions more out there looking for their forever homes.
If you are in Utah or don’t mind making a trip to find your next dog, check out the HSU’s website to view a list. Otherwise, check with your local shelter for a list of adoptable pups.
