Home. Some pets never have one to call their own. We'd like to help change that by introducing you to an extraordinary adoptable pet every week. Today, we'd like you to meet Nelson, a Lab/retriever mix who has been living the shelter life for way too long.
Two years ago, the young dog was found roaming a deserted area in Barnwell County, S.C.. He was sick, skinny, heartworm positive, covered in fleas and ticks, and wary of people.
"They were able to coax him into a car," says Gary Willoughby, President and CEO of the S.P.C.A. Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare in Aiken, S.C. "You could tell he'd been on the road for a long time."
Now, 4-year-old Nelson is as friendly as can be, heartworm-free and open to meeting new friends. "He didn't like other dogs when we first got him, I don't think he'd ever been around any," Willoughby says. "So we socialized him and he's gotten leash training."
An energetic guy who'd be best with children over the age of 10 because of his size, Nelson just wants to go, go, go. "He's not a couch potato," says Willoughby. "Once he's had exercise, he calms down."
Nelson is neutered, micro-chipped and as a long term resident, his adoption fee has been reduced to just $25. He's been fostered before and knows the comforts of a real home; he just needs to find the right one.
"There seem to be more black Lab mixes here than other types of dogs, so they tend to take a little bit longer [to adopt out]," Willoughby says. "He doesn't stand out as much. But again he's very friendly, he's got unique markings."
If you're an active person who's looking for an exercise buddy, Nelson could be the right fit for you. Call or email the S.P.C.A. Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare at 803-648-6863 or adoptions@aikenspca.org.
Click here to meet last week's adoptable pet, Elsa.
Adopting a pet is an amazing experience – and a big decision! Before bringing a pet into your home it's important to consider your family circumstances and do your research on breeds.
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