‘Cuddle Bug’ In Montclair Is Depressed After 900 Days In Shelter

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The quest to find a new home for Titan continues in Montclair.

For more than two years, the Montclair Animal Shelter has been trying to line up a family for the hard-luck, 4-year-old doggo, who first arrived as a young stray in December 2021. When nobody came to claim him, Titan began what is now the longest-running residence at the municipally run shelter. It’s a tag that staff and rescuers are trying hard to shed – and it’s especially frustrating because he’s such a “big cuddle bug.”

Here’s the situation, according to a recent social media post from the shelter:

“Titan has been in the shelter since December 2021. That's almost 900 days! This means that 80% of Titan's life for the past 2.5 years has been spent inside a kennel, staring at the same four cement walls. That is no way for such a sweet boy to live. Titan has a good deal of energy and loves to play some soccer outside. He also is a big cuddle bug and enjoys just hanging out with people. Titan is always up for an adventure, whether that be a car ride or a walk to get coffee. He is up to date on all vaccines and he is neutered. Even if you are unable to adopt at this time fostering would save Titan's life. Being in the shelter for so long has really gotten him down. And if you can't foster or adopt, please SHARE SHARE SHARE. We need to find Titan's people!”

According to the shelter, Titan “walks great on a leash” and knows some basic commands. He is up to date on vaccines, and is microchipped and neutered.

People interested in meeting Titan can visit the shelter at 77 North Willow Avenue from 1 to 4 p.m. (every day except Wednesdays). Learn more about adopting at the Montclair shelter here. See a list of other adoptable dogs and cats at the shelter at their Petfinder profile here.

‘WE KNEW WE NEEDED TO HELP’

The mission to land Titan a forever family has also gotten a boost from Heart and Soul Dog Rescue, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that recently helped another Essex County pooch in need, “Red,” to find a loving new home. See Related: Red The Dog Finally Adopted; Pooch Captures Hearts In NJ

Now, the group is setting its sights on finding a new home for Titan.

“He is a staff and volunteer favorite and he is very well mannered for growing up in the shelter,” Heart and Soul Dog Rescue told Patch.

“Being that he's been in the shelter so long, we knew we needed to help,” they added.

According to a statement from the nonprofit:

“On June 2, the president of our rescue, Jacky, and Richie from Greta Trains Dogs, went to meet Titan. We were greeted by the amazing manager, Liz, and staff member, Shawn. They brought Titan out to us and he was just a joy to meet. He came out so happy and eager to please. He loves playing with his ball all by himself or would be happy to have you join him. Once he was relaxed from playing, he had no issues taking a dip in the pool. Overall, we would look for a home with adults and teenage children – just because he's a bouncy playful guy and wouldn't want him knocking down a little one. He is dog-friendly, but as always, a meet is required to make sure it is the right fit.”

The rescue group is lending a hand getting the word out about Titan, and potential adopters are welcome to either reach out to them (fill out an application here) or through the shelter (learn more here).

Not a fit for Titan, but have space for another dog in your life? Check out some other long-term residents at the shelter that need a new home in the post below.

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