A dog who expected to spend Christmas with his family in a holiday-decorated home instead found himself in an unfamiliar place after being surrendered to a New Jersey shelter.
A 2-year-old Doberman named Prince was recently surrendered to the Associated Humane Societies of Forked River just days before Christmas. The reason quickly drew criticism on Facebook, where the shelter’s December 22 post about Prince had been viewed more than 1 million times.
According to the New Jersey animal shelter, the family dropped him off because they did not have the “time he deserved.”
Dobermans are known to be a highly energetic breed, requiring at least two hours of exercise daily, a vet-reviewed article from Dogster said. This can be achieved through walks, trips to the dog park, swimming or obstacle courses. However, if these canines do not receive this daily exercise, they can become bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
In the post, which has reached over 7,600 reactions and 1,900 shares, Prince is dancing around as he plays with a toy, showing off his high energy. Facebook users flooded the comment section with both heartbreak and hope for Prince’s future.
“What a gorgeous boy. I hope he gets to a forever home for Christmas!” a user wrote, while another echoed: “So handsome, glad there has been so much interest in this cutie.”
Some expressed understanding, with one noting: “Takes a strong presence by its owner with continuous training. The two-year-old stage is rough, just like teenage kids.”
“Prince has received an overwhelming and very positive response to his initial post, and we are currently flooded with applications for him,” Beth Elsasser, assistant director of operations, told Newsweek via email.
The application for Prince has since closed, and the team is reviewing potential adopters. He will be neutered before going home with his forever family.
In the meantime, Prince is in foster care with the shelter’s manager, who has found him to be well-mannered with a “big heart” and “puppy energy.”
And while he should have a home soon, Elsasser said there are plenty more animals in need of adopters.
“We will be closing AHS Forked River on January 31st for much-needed renovations, and we are working diligently to find adoptive homes or rescue placements for the 27 animals currently in our care before that date,” she said.
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