The Longest Serving Shelter Dogs Who Still Need Homes This Holiday Season

Everyone knows that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. But as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters every year, there are plenty in need of a loving home.

A shelter is no place to spend the holidays and there are so many sweet pups who would love nothing more than to find their forever family this Christmas. Newsweek has rounded up some of the longest-serving residents of shelters across the United States and Canada in the hopes of changing their fate.

Virginia—Shepherd Mix

This 5-year-old girl has spent most of her life moving around shelters. She started out at the Best Friends Animal Society in Atlanta in 2020, before transferring to Los Angeles in 2022, before moving to Kanab, Utah, in 2023 where she is still waiting.

Alina Hauptman, the senior public relations manager at the Best Friends Animal Society, tells Newsweek that Virginia is “a staff favorite” who loves walks, playtime, and of course, cuddling. It’s been a while since she knew what it meant to have a family of her own, but maybe this year is her time.

“Virginia is potty trained and fantastic on walks. She’s very polite on the leash and likes to check in with you and sit at crosswalks for treats,” Hauptman said. “Virginia is a smart, eager to please dog who also makes a great game day partner.”

The perfect home for Virginia is one where she’s the only pet, but Hauptman insists that she’s “all the pet you would need.”

Patti Mayonnaise—Terrier, Pit Bull, Boxer Mix

With a quirky name like this, how could anyone forget Patti Mayonnaise?

She arrived at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles back in October 2022 with an entire litter of puppies. While all her pups got adopted, this sweet mama is “still on the lookout for her perfect companion.”

“Patti Mayonnaise is an energetic, 4-year-old girl who absolutely loves people and is eager to make friends with everyone she meets,” Hauptman said.

Hauptman notes that the ideal home for Patti Mayonnaise is an active one that also ensures plenty of time for naps and snuggles. Maybe this festive season, she will finally get her Christmas wish to find her own loving home.

Annie—Terrier, Pit Bull Mix

Annie has been waiting for her person to find her at the Best Friends Animal Society Pet Resource Center in northwest Arkansas since September 2024. She’s thought to be around 3 years old and a medium size build.

She utterly adores people, and Hauptman tells Newsweek that she would absolutely thrive in a home where she can be her owner’s sole companion. They wouldn’t need more than one pet after all the love and loyalty that Annie has to offer.

“Nothing makes her happier than curling up for some quality cuddle time. The team at Best Friends quickly learned that Annie’s all-time favorite food is broccoli, and she even has a big rubber broccoli toy that she carries just about everywhere,” Hauptman said.

Kylie—German Shepherd, Boxer Mix

Kylie, a boxer and German shepherd mix, has spent a staggering 1,450 days and counting at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick, Washington. The 6-year-old dog arrived at the shelter back in December 2021 and she’s spent every Christmas in a kennel since.

Julie Saraceno, a volunteer dog walker at the shelter, shared a video of Kylie enjoying a car ride and seeing the Christmas lights outside. The pup was so excited about all the sparkly lights and Saraceno told Newsweek that she was also “grateful to have a break from her kennel.”

In the past, Kylie has received some adoption interest, but she required surgery and was taken back to the shelter as a result. Being in a single-story home where she’s the only pet would be the best outcome for Kylie.

“She needed expensive dental surgery recently and she needed special and costly surgery on her leg to which puts people off. She is recovering very nicely though. But with her being a senior dog, people are always going to go for a puppy over a senior girl,” Saraceno said.

Papa—Pit Bull

Alongside Kylie at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Washington is Papa, a 3-year-old pit bull. He’s been at the shelter since February 2023 when he was surrendered because his previous owners were moving.

“He is an amazing dancer and has the best tippy taps when he’s excited. He just loves all people,” Saraceno said.

Papa also needs to be an only pet, which Saraceno believes is a deterrent to some adopters, along with being a pit bull which she says gives him “a tough looking appearance.” As a result, people get the wrong impression about him and don’t realize how soft and gentle he is.

Timmy—Livestock Guardian Mix

This 3-year-old livestock guardian mix is the longest-serving resident at the Peterborough Humane Society in Ontario, Canada, having been there since April 2024.

Kassie Graham, the marketing and communications coordinator at the humane society, explained that this large and energetic dog is best suited for a rural setting or somewhere with a large, fenced yard where he can roam.

“It would mean the world to both Timmy and our team if he got adopted. He’s a fantastic dog, and we can’t wait to see him thriving in a home with his very own family. It will be a big day when he finds his furever home,” Graham told Newsweek.

While he loves the outdoors, Timmy still needs plenty of time to spend curled up on the sofa with his owners too and loves affection.

Sully—Belgian Malinois Mix

This 1-year-old Malinois mix has been at Ontario’s Peterborough Humane Society since July 2024. Graham knows that he could make the perfect pet for someone out there.

He would be best suited to a home that’s quiet, low-traffic, and offers plenty of space to run around and play.

“Sully might be taking longer to get adopted because he has specific needs that require a patient and understanding adopter,” Graham said. “He would thrive with an active individual or couple who enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and camping.”

She added: “Seeing him get adopted would mean the world to our team because he’s so fantastic and we can’t wait to see him thriving with his very own family.”

Christmas is all about family and spreading cheer, and these dogs would give anything to be a part of that this year. Each one of them will be hoping to find their perfect human someday soon.

After all, what better way to start 2025 than with a new four-legged friend?