The city wants to help the puppy stuck in the shelter find a forever home

November 27, 2024

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center volunteers have written letters of recommendation on behalf of a young dog who has been at the shelter for 232 days in hopes he could find a home for the holidays.

Porter is a handsome 1-year-old German Shepherd mix who is always ready for his next adventure. Although he is a mixed breed, he possesses German Shepherd characteristics such as intelligence, confidence and courage.

Shelter staff and volunteers have no idea why Porter was overlooked and are heartbroken that this sweet dog has been at the shelter since April 9th. They hope their efforts will find Porter a forever home. Jake Sletcha wrote:

This is my buddy Porter. He is the greatest shepherd. I’ve known Porter for a few months and we’re really good friends. When I come to see the puppies on Sunday mornings, he is the first person I visit. He jumps around his kennel like a five-year-old on Christmas morning. Porter has a lot of energy, but he’s also mature and knows when it’s time to relax and lie on my lap; yes, he is a lap dog. Porter is highly intelligent and would do best with someone who has space and commitment. Porter is great on a leash and would far exceed expectations with consistent training. Basically he just wants/needs love and attention. I have known this breed of dog for almost 20 years and he is undoubtedly one of the best behaved I have ever met.

Volunteer Russ Mandell agrees:

Porter is currently my favorite dog at MVAS. Porter is a tall, handsome, energetic and happy boy despite being locked in a kennel for over seven months. Porter is always happy to see me and others approaching his kennel. Maybe sometimes too excited, causing some to walk away thinking he’s too wild. As soon as he is out of the kennel for a few minutes, he is super friendly and affectionate. Porter loves to play fetch on the playground before we go for a long walk and then relax next to me. I think Porter prefers to take a nap in the backseat of my car while I eat lunch. This is my favorite thing to do and Porter seems so happy and calm. I hope that one day Porter can experience this kind of serenity for several hours a day instead of just a few minutes a day. Thank you for your consideration of Porter.

You can find more warm letters of recommendation at this link.

Porter would love a human companion and shows great interest in other dogs. He will go home with an approved applicant for $20 and a training package paid for by DAWG. If you can open your heart and home to Porter, call 949-370-3045.

This press release was prepared by the City of Mission Viejo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.