Meet Peanut. He’s a goofy 5-year-old shelter dog who loves nothing more than sunbathing and playing fetch.
“Peanut is loyal, playful, and affectionate with his favorite people,” The Vanderpump Dog Foundation wrote on Instagram.
Given Peanut’s sweet personality, one would think adopters would be clamoring to take him home. Heartbreakingly, though, he’s been waiting for a forever family for over 500 days.
Peanut was adopted when he was just a puppy and returned shortly after. Since then, he’s been in and out of the shelter and has never gotten the chance to truly settle in and get comfortable anywhere.
Because people have given up on him so many times, Peanut has a hard time opening up to visitors at the rescue.
“He’s terrified of people and invisible to adopters,” @savethedogs wrote on Tiktok. “They say he’s unadoptable. But really, he’s just been waiting five years for someone he can trust.”
When Peanut is meeting a new person for the first time, he typically cowers in the back of his kennel, so he gets written off as too unfriendly to be a good dog.
What those potential adopters don’t see is that once Peanut feels comfortable, he turns into a completely different pup. He actually loves being around the shelter staff and volunteers and enjoys a cuddle and belly rub just as much as any other dog.
“[B]ecause of his past, he needs to learn to trust you first,” The Vanderpump Dog Foundation wrote on Instagram. “If you can relate, and you are looking for a dog to truly be your best friend and companion, Peanut could be the perfect dog for you!”
Peanut would do best with a family who understands his past and accepts him for who he is. He would prefer to be in a one-dog household with only adults.
“He thrives on structure, and needs an owner who is ready to guide [him] so he can be the goofy guy we know him to be,” The Vanderpump Dog Foundation wrote.
At the end of the day, all Peanut wants is for someone to see through his terrified exterior and take the time to really get to know him.
“Peanut just needs someone to give him a chance,” The Vanderpump Dog Foundation wrote.
