A rescue pit bull has broken hearts across the internet after North Shore Animal League America revealed that he has been returned to its care twice.
Bobby, a 7-year-old pit bull terrier mix, first arrived at the shelter’s Port Washington campus in the spring of 2022 after being transported from Georgia. A spokesperson told Newsweek that “the families were not prepared for impact an affectionate 80-pound house hippo would have on their lives. Bobby’s been a longtime resident of North Shore Animal League America’s Adoption Center ever since.”
Shelter staff said Bobby was adopted and returned twice, through no fault of his own. They added that Bobby initially struggled in the busy kennel environment. However, the staff said “he hasn’t given up hope.”
They added that Bobby appeared withdrawn and overwhelmed by the noise and activity, describing him as looking as if “all the life drained out of his eyes.” Senior Kennel Manager Rachael Rudman said he was “a sad sack,” despite regular walks, affection, and treats.
To help him thrive, the team moved Bobby into one of the offices on-site, a quieter space where he could spend more time with people.
The dog now shares an office with Rudman and Lead Canine Kennel Manager A.J. Mulvey. Both managers described Bobby as a people-oriented dog who eagerly greets anyone who walks through the door.
Rudman said staff “lovingly call him a blockhead.” She added that Bobby is “a goofball, a gentle giant” with “lots of silly quirks,” including being a social eater who won’t touch his food unless one of “his people” is nearby.
Rudman added: “He’s just a giant puppy who has no idea just how big or strong he really is. He’s a bull in a china shop but he’s such a sweetheart.”
Mulvey said Bobby’s excitement each morning is unmistakable. “He gets so excited, when we get to the office the morning, he goes to his toy basket and takes them out, one by one.” Rudman added that, if Bobby hears them outside the office but can’t see them, “the whining and the crying starts.” She described him as “incredibly loyal.”
Despite his size and strength, staff emphasized Bobby’s gentle nature. Rudman said he is careful when taking treats and that “in his mind, he’s a lap dog.” Mulvey added that, when Bobby plays, “his back legs run faster than his front legs,” making him look “like a cartoon character” as he zooms around.
Bobby is also known for his wide grin, with Rudman saying: “That huge smile—loves to have his cheeks pinched. He’s the perfect pittipotamus.”
Bobby spends his downtime in the managers’ office but continues to appear on the adoption floor and at mobile adoption events in hopes of finding his family. Staff said he would do best in a suburban home, away from city noise, with adopters who have experience handling large dogs. While he does well with other canines and older children, he is intimidated by cats and can become rowdy during play, due to his size.
Though he enjoys car rides, Bobby is more of a homebody, happiest sunbathing in a yard or lounging on the couch. Mulvey said: “I’m definitely going to cry when he leaves…”
According to the shelter, Bobby is frequently overlooked because he is a large, older pit bull who struggles to show his true personality in a kennel environment. The shelter staff encouraged prospective adopters to give dogs like him a chance, noting that many “diamonds in the rough” simply need time and patience to blossom.
The staffers also urged animal lovers to consider other ways to help if adoption isn’t possible, such as donating supplies, contributing financially, or volunteering. More information is available at the shelter’s website.
Online, Bobby’s story has sparked an outpouring of emotion. His post garnered more than 8,600 likes and hundreds of comments on the shelter’s Facebook page.
“Poor baby. It frustrates me so much that dogs are returned after a short period of time. Not giving the sweet pup a chance to orient,” commented Catherine.
Another user wrote: “Aww sweet Bobby! Can’t BELIEVE you are still waiting.” A third commenter posted: “Please adopt. Senior dogs are absolutely wonderful and make great companions. They dont disappoint. Senior dogs were puppies once too.”
Caren added: “I just LOVE this sweet boy. He’s absolutely precious.”
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