Dog Sheltered For Almost 4 Years Still Needs Home In Somerset County

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — It's been almost four years, and Diesel continues to wait for his "furever" home.

The five-year-old mixed-breed pup has been waiting at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in Bridgewater (off and on) since November 2021.

"He’s spent years waiting — getting adopted, returned, and now living life as our unofficial office dog. And while we love him dearly, Diesel deserves more than shelter life. He deserves a home of his own, a person of his own, and a soft place to land forever," wrote the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

Diesel is house-trained, active, playful, and incredibly affectionate with those he trusts.

He’s spent overnights at the shelter director’s home, where he showed off his excellent house manners and sweet, snuggly side.

He loves to play, loves attention, and just wants to be someone’s best friend. Diesel is also the shelter volunteers' favorite dog.

"The people who spend the most time walking, playing, and bonding with our animals absolutely adore Diesel. They’ve seen past his tough exterior and gotten to know the loving, loyal, goofy boy underneath. And they’re all rooting for him to find the forever home he deserves," wrote the shelter.

The reason Diesel has had trouble finding a home is that he doesn’t like strangers.

"He’s not a dog you can fall in love with during a 5-minute meet and greet. He needs patience, consistency, and time to get to know you. But once he does? There’s no end to his loyalty and love," wrote the shelter.

Diesel cannot live with cats or small dogs. He can be selective with other dogs, but with a proper introduction and a confident, experienced handler, he does well with medium to large dogs, especially females.

He enjoys playtime and social time when it’s done right and with the right companions.

Diesel's ideal home:

• A single person or a couple (no children)
• No cats or small dogs
• Someone dog-savvy and responsible
• Willing to visit the shelter multiple times to build trust
• Committed to managing his space when visitors come over
• Looking for a true companion and best friend, not just a dog

"Diesel isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay. But we know the right person is out there. Someone who doesn’t need a 'perfect dog,' just a perfectly imperfect friend who will give back tenfold once you earn his heart," said the shelter.

The Somerset Regional Animal Shelter(SRAS) at 100 Commons Way in Bridgewater is open daily from noon to 3:30 p.m.

SRAS is a nonprofit organization that services pets in the Somerset County area. The shelter is always in need of donations.

For more information on making donations or adoptions, visit srasnj.org, facebook.com/somersetregionalanimalshelter, call 908-725-0308, or email info@srasnj.org.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.