On Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, join NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 for the annual Clear The Shelters event. Head to San Diego County Humane Society’s campus on Gaines Street to meet the team and some adorable and adoptable pets.
Most shelter animals find their adoptive paw-rents within months of arriving at a local shelter. But for some hapless pets, years of their lives are spent waiting for their forever family.
In the last five years, the amount of time dogs — particularly large dogs — are staying in shelters before being adopted has increased, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has exacerbated an overcrowding crisis at shelters across the country.
Why are some pets left at shelters longer than others?
A study published in 2021 in the National Library of Medicine looked at the characteristics of long-term shelter dogs in Austria and found that some of the longest-serving pets were older male dogs of a large size. They were neutered but were considered by adopters to be of a “dangerous breed.”
Long-term dogs were also more frequently seen with stress-related behaviors, which could mean they had difficulty relaxing in their shelter environment, the study found.
Most shelters disclose this information up front to prevent pets from ending up back in their shelters but they work hard to match these pets up with families that can provide long-term and catered support for these often misunderstood companions.
How to help
Here in San Diego County, some shelter pets have spent months waiting for their permanent homes through no fault of their own; some may be from misunderstood breeds, others may be older or bigger than their shelter counterparts — but no less deserving of love.
During NBC 7 and Telemundo 20’s month-long animal adoption event, Clear the Shelters, we want to take a moment to highlight some of these long-term shelter pets in the hopes of finding them a forever family.
Are any of these pets the right fit for you?
Roxi is described as a sweet girl with lots of love to give. (San Diego Humane Society)
The crew at the San Diego Humane Society says 11-year-old Roxi is just the sweetest and most mellow girl who had a long-time loving family. But due to unfortunate circumstances has ended up in the shelter. While she’s being cared for by a foster family, Roxi needs a family who can take her on walks and, her favorite, car rides.
“A car ride to the beach and a beach walk is probably her all time favorite thing to do,” according to the SDHS.
Roxi is easy to care for and does not react to other dogs or people, but should be the only dog in the household.
Mateo is ready for your adventures! (Chula Vista Animal Services) (Rescue Felix)
This one’s for the adventurers. Mateo is an active boy and will need a family with a similar lifestyle. Hiking is a plus! After a big day out, he loves to come home and be a couch potato but he also enjoys some “me-time,” Chula Vista Animal Services says. He’s great on a leash, fun to play with and polite, staff say. The staff call him an “independent king who can socialize but is good on his own as well.
Mimzy may be a bit shy but for the right person, she has lots of love to give. (The Cat Lounge)
- Length of stay: Off-and-on since 2020
- Where: The Cat Lounge
- Breed: Domestic longhair
- Age: Young
- Adoption fee: $200
Mimzy has had a tough journey finding a family because she is extremely shy. But with her timidness is lots of love to give, with a person willing to put in the work to break her out of her shell.
“She is incredibly sweet and eager to connect, but after so much upheaval, she needs a gentle, patient home where she can truly feel safe,” The Cat Lounge said.
Her willingness to let someone in comes with time, so her future family should be patient, dedicated and experienced at socializing cats. The right person will be rewarded with lots of purrs and loyal companionship. Are you the right fit?
Tipperary has been patiently waiting for her forever family for four years. Could you be the one? (Rancho Coastal Humane Society)
- Length of stay: 4 years
- Where: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
- Breed: Shepherd Mix
- Age: 5 years
- Adoption fee: $200
Tipperary was only six months old when she entered the Rancho Coastal Humane Society and has been there for about four years since. The black-and white Shepherd mix has been patiently waiting for a family who can care for her as an only pet.
This pup loves chasing lizards and will do anything for a treat!
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society said they are ready to provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth and successful transition into a forever home. She is even a part of the Foster-to-Adopt program, which is designed to transition dogs into their forever homes.
It’s a wonder to employees of Rescue Felix why Lilly has not yet been adopted. (Rescue Felix)
- Length of stay: Nearly two years
- Where: Rescue Fenix
- Breed: Husky Mix
- Age: About 3 years
- Adoption fee: $200
For a dedicated pal, look no further than Lilly. The young Husky mix is fun-loving, great with kids and other dogs. She’s been a part of the Rescue Fenix family since she was four months old and the facility’s staff can’t understand why she hasn’t yet found a home.
“She is such a mellow easy-going pup,” the rescue told NBC 7. “She is the queen of the dog park and has lots of friends there! She loves other dogs and people and prefers the company.”
Oh, and she loves adventures but will also be your snuggle buddy at night.
Maddox is an active and playful pup available for adoption at San Diego County’s Bonita animal shelter. (San Diego County Animal Services)
- Length of stay: 2 years, 7 months
- Where: San Diego County Animal Services’ Bonita shelter
- Breed: Husky
- Age: 4 years
- Adoption fee: No fee!
Described by the shelter’s facilitators as a silly lovebug, Maddox came into the care of San Diego County’s animal services in January 2024. His demeanor is described as very active and playful, but also as easygoing and well-behaved. He also does well around other dogs. If inquiring into Maddox, use ID number A1923240 when talking with facilitators.
- Length of stay: 4 years
- Where: Tragic to Magic
- Breed: Terrier/Black Lab Mix
- Age: 4 years
- Adoption fee: $200
Rescued from Tijuana as a puppy, the staff at Tragic to Magic says Lola is a true fighter. Suffering from a genetic bone condition, she has overcome three leg surgeries. She gets around just fine — albeit with a slight wobble — but is a bit more fragile due to her condition.
“But here’s the amazing part: she hasn’t let it slow her down one bit. With good nutrition and lots of love, she’s been injury-free ever since,” the rescue said.
She’s a foodie with a love for life and lots of affection to give.
Bison is a big guy with a big personality and big love to share. (Frosted Faces)
- Length of stay: 1 year, 4 months (in an LA shelter prior)
- Where: Frosted Faces
- Breed: Husky
- Age: 15 years
- Adoption fee:
Bison has been with Frosted Faces, a shelter that focuses on homing senior pets, since April 2023, although he’s been in shelters for longer. He can be challenging at times, but it makes the reward of his love even greater! He does need to be the only dog in the family, though.
He’s described as quiet, gentle and an independent pup happy to entertain himself. A foster called him, “the perfect low effort dog.”
He’s part of Frosted Faces’ Forget-Me-Not program, which helps provide him with extra love and enrichment and activities tailored just to him. The facility will work with potential adopters to smoothly transition Bison into a loving home. He’s also available to foster!
“Now a healthy 15 years old, Bison is mellowing with age, becoming gentler while still holding onto his big, lovable spirit. He’s patiently waiting for that very special family to find him,” the rescue center said.
You’ll be lucky to have a star like Taylor in your family. (Paws of Coronado)
Taylor, named after a superstar pop artist making headlines with an album announcement this week, may be equally as talented as her namesake. She has an affinity for fetch, sunshine and cuddle sessions, according to Paws of Coronado, and you’ll know by some heavy tail-wagging.
“She’s a true social butterfly and never misses an opportunity to make a new friend just ask any of our staff,” the rescue said.
While Taylor had to have one eye removed for health reasons, it doesn’t slow her down. She does prefer to be the only pup in the home, but does get along well with others while out and about.