{"id":4881,"date":"2026-07-18T13:04:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T13:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=4881"},"modified":"2026-07-18T13:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T13:04:20","slug":"durhams-longest-waiting-shelter-dog-is-still-waiting-for-a-forever-home-heres-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=4881","title":{"rendered":"Durham\u2019s longest-waiting shelter dog is still waiting for a forever home. Here\u2019s why."},"content":{"rendered":"

If you were to draft the resume of an ideal dog, it might look a lot like Paolo\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Read more Rain and severe storms possible in parts of Triangle and central NC this weekend<\/a><\/p>\n

The 6-year-old Akita mix is described as a curious and deeply affectionate dog who loves to let his nose lead the way on a fresh outdoor trail. He loves neck scratches, toys and learning new skills.<\/p>\n

So, why is he currently the longest-tenured resident at the Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham?<\/p>\n

Since April 6, Paolo has been getting passed over during adoption visits not because of his personality, but due to this treatable medical hurdle: He\u2019s heartworm positive.<\/p>\n

Heartworm disease can sound daunting to prospective adopters, but it\u2019s manageable. The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. The worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. As the disease progresses, dogs can develop a cough, weight loss, a swollen belly or quick fatigue.<\/p>\n

Heartworm treatment can be intensive, expensive and requires about eight weeks of restricted activity while medication kills the parasites.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope someone will look beyond the words \u2018heartworm positive\u2019 and instead see the wonderful dog standing in front of them,\u201d said Stacy Bluth, the interim executive director of APS of Durham.<\/p>\n

There is some good news. Paolo can\u2019t pass heartworm to humans or other pets in a household. More importantly, heartworm is completely curable.<\/p>\n

APS of Durham is also providing Paolo\u2019s entire heartworm treatment at no cost, removing a barrier for prospective families.<\/p>\n

Read more Bridgerton’s [Spoiler] Addresses Potential Return After Recasting Concerns<\/a><\/p>\n

Bluth said Paolo would thrive with an active family that enjoys spending time outside and giving him plenty of mental enrichment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d also benefit from regular grooming and a securely fenced yard where he can safely explore,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Paolo\u2019s extended stay highlights larger infrastructure challenges facing the county\u2019s current animal shelter. While Durham County has officially approved architectural plans for a new, multi-million-dollar facility<\/a> with an enhanced medical wing, the current East Club Boulevard shelter struggles with space and noise.<\/p>\n

For dogs undergoing heartworm treatment and other medical recovery, the busy, loud and aging shelter creates a stressful environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring that time, dogs simply need a calm environment where they can rest and heal,\u201d Bluth said. \u201cWhile a shelter is never the ideal place for recovery, a home provides the comfort, stability, and reduced stress that helps dogs through treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staff continue to wonder why Paolo is still at the shelter. They encourage adopters to visit APS to learn more about Paolo and other adoptable animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaolo deserves the chance to recover in a home, where he can trade a kennel for a couch, daily walks with his person, and the opportunity to finally begin the next chapter of his life,\u201d Bluth said.<\/p>\n

To learn more about Paolo and how to visit or adopt him, visit apsofdurham.org\/dogs\/paolo<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Read more After Berger’s loss, GOP group funded by NC business leaders helped pay legal fees<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

APS of Durham is seeking prospective adopters for Paolo, a 6-year-old Akita mix who has been at the shelter for almost four months battling a curable disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4880,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-read-todays-edition"],"yoast_head":"\nDurham\u2019s longest-waiting shelter dog is still waiting for a forever home. 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