LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A dedicated group of volunteers are working hard to find an at-risk dog from Metro Animal Services his forever home.
There are so many dogs and so little space. If a dog stays too long, tough decisions have to be made. And in one dog’s case—that time was coming. But a group of volunteers couldn’t let him go knowing his family is out there.
In this week's WHAS11 Shelter Star Series, we revisit 'Uber Driver', now called 'Goober.'
He was adopted on March 14, but was unfortunately returned to the shelter after his adopter said her work hours increased and she couldn't care for him.
Courtney Ferreira, volunteer, considers Goober one of her favorite dogs in the shelter. She said he was different from the other dogs the very first time they met.
"His playful, loving nature really set him apart for me,” Ferreira said. "I was like you're a love bug! I love that. As a volunteer we're here to help the dogs but it helps us too. It makes you feel happy when you connect with a dog."
The 6-year-old was identified by shelter staff as a Black Mouth Cur mix. He can be shy at first but once he warms up, which takes just a few minutes, he's quick to show you love, and he truly loves people.
"He wants to be outside with you and then he wants to cuddle up and watch a movie which I think is the best combo for a dog,” Ferreira said.
Goober was abandoned at the shelter as a stray in December of last year.
Since then, shelter staff have learned some things about him like he would probably do best in a home without other pets or young children. A yard with a fence would be helpful because he loves to run around. He's potty-trained, crate trained, and would thrive with a family who can appreciate a good movie night.
"He's going to be chill and cuddly; he's going to want to run around, but he is six so you're not getting that crazy wild puppy energy. He's not jumping all over the place, he's not destructive. He wants to be your person," Ferreira said. "The worst thing that happens is you meet him, which is actually the best thing because you're going to fall in love."
Goober is no longer at Metro Animal Services. He has started a 4-week board and train program at the Pet Station Country Club, a generous donation from the facility to help him refine his manners.
And the lucky family who adopts him will get a huge gift basket—including some financial assistance for vet care and six months of good.
If you'd like to adopt Goober, please click here to contact the private adopter.
If your home is already full of furry friends, here's three things you can do to help combat overcrowding at the shelter:
- Make sure your pet's microchip information and collar is up to date.
- Keep cats inside and keep dogs on a leash or within a secure fenced area when outside.
- Spay and neuter your pets.
You can see dogs available for adoption here.
LMAS Animal House Adoption Center is open every day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 3516 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40218.
Shay McAlister will be introducing you to a new dog every week in our WHAS Shelter Stars series. You can watch on WHAS11 News at 4 every Thursday.
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