CLEVELAND — After nearly two years in and out of the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL), Dip, a 4-year-old pit bull mix, is still searching for her forever home.
Dip first arrived at the APL in July 2022, after being found abandoned and brought in through humane investigations. Since then, she has had a few false starts with potential adopters, returning to the shelter each time simply because the fit wasn’t right, said Hannah MacIntyre, executive assistant and social media specialist for the Cleveland APL.
After those false starts, the pup has called the shelter home since Feb. 6, 2024, waiting more than a year to find her family.
“Sometimes, it takes a few tries to find ‘the one,’ but we know the right home is out there for her,” MacIntyre said.
A dog built for adventure
Dip is an active and affectionate dog with a big personality. A shelter volunteer has taken her on more than 40 field trips, where she has explored hiking trails, and pet-friendly stores, and even tagged along for errands, MacIntyre said.
“She loves swimming and will take any chance she has to go in the lake or a pool,” MacIntyre said. “Dip is very friendly, smart, and does well meeting new people on her adventures. She’s not afraid of a crowd and loves to say hello to everyone.”
Dip’s playful personality is most evident when she’s near water.
“Her love of swimming is pretty comical,” MacIntyre said. “Whether it’s a kiddie pool, a creek, the lake—she will find a way to get her paws wet. Dip has a silly and fun personality that you can see through her big smile.”
Why has Dip been overlooked?
Despite her friendly nature, Dip has remained at the shelter longer than most dogs.
“One of the biggest challenges is helping people see past her past,” MacIntyre said. “Dip has been adopted a handful of times, but her being returned was due to no fault of her own. This may make potential adopters assume something must be ‘wrong’ with her, which isn’t true.”
She emphasized that the APL is committed to finding Dip the right match, ensuring her next home is a perfect fit.
What kind of home is best for Dip?
MacIntyre said Dip would thrive in an adult-only home without cats and with someone who enjoys an active lifestyle.
“She would love a home where she can stay active and tag along on some adventures with you,” MacIntyre said. “Dip is truly up for anything and is ready to share her big heart and lots of puppy kisses with her new family.”
While Dip enjoys hiking, car rides, and socializing, she also knows how to wind down.
“She likes to be the life of the party and truly brings joy everywhere she goes,” MacIntyre said. “However, once she has had some fun, she will happily snuggle up and relax with you.”
Valentine’s Day adoption event discount
Those looking to adopt Dip or another dog from the Cleveland APL can take advantage of a special Valentine’s Day adoption event from Feb. 10 to 14.
“Love is in the air and at the shelter,” the APL said in a statement.
During the event, adoption fees for adult dogs will be discounted or waived through a spin-the-wheel game, giving potential adopters the chance to take home a pet at a reduced cost—or even for free.
How you can help
The APL encourages the community to consider adoption, fostering, or spreading the word about long-term shelter residents like Dip.
“We are always seeking to add more foster volunteers to our team,” MacIntyre said. “Foster volunteers provide temporary in-home care to animals. Long-term residents, like Dip, can benefit from getting a break from the shelter. Whether you are able to foster for a weekend, a week, or longer, it helps them tremendously.”
The APL provides training, supplies, and medical care for foster animals. Those interested in becoming a foster volunteer can learn more on the APL’s website.
MacIntyre also emphasized the importance of adopting overlooked dogs who have been at the shelter the longest.
“Don’t overlook dogs who have been at the shelter the longest or are looking for another chance,” she said. “They’re loving, amazing dogs just waiting for the right person to see how special they are! The more animals we can get out of the shelter and into loving homes, the more animals we can help. Adoption truly makes a difference.”
For those unable to adopt, sharing social media posts about animals like Dip can increase their chances of finding a home.
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