Have you been searching for a loving companion? A dog whose spirit and energy match your own!? Well, the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center has tons of dogs in desperate need of adoption. The dog I'm highlighting today has been at the shelter for over 400 days and has until May 9th to be adopted.

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Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
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Charlie!

Charlie is seven and a half years old and has been waiting for his forever home for over a year. He is a boxer with a calm personality, and lots of love to give. He's an older dog who's ready to retire from shelter life for good. Sadly, most people who visit the animal shelter walk right past him because he is a large breed. He has no history of violence and does great in play group with other dogs. He's great on a leash and deserves a chance to live a life outside the shelter.

READ: An Arizona Dog Just Became a State Hero

Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
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Why is he in the shelter?

Charlie was found as a stray back in 2025, and when his owners were contacted by the animal shelter, they said they didn't want to take him back. They had just gotten a new puppy and didn't think living with Charlie would work out. It isn't his fault he wound up in the shelter; he's just a dog who ended up in an unfair situation.

RELATED: The Legacy Of Nancy J. Brua And Local Animal Welfare

Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
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If he's not aggressive, why is he still in the shelter.

The reason Charlie has spent a year in the shelter with nowhere to call home isn't his fault. He is a bigger dog, and according to the Institute for Environmental Research and Education, pitbulls, boxers, and other big, "aggressive looking" dogs are statistically less likely to be adopted. This is because of big dog bias- the assumption that a big, pitbull type dog is going to have an aggressive temperament. Charlie is a good boy, and it is unfair for people to stereotype him based on his breed. But unfortunately, that's what's happening.

MORE ANIMAL SHELTERS: Adopting at Tombstone Small Animal Shelter

People are also statistically less likely to adopt a senior dog. Puppies and kittens get adopted quickly, but older animals are left at the shelter. This is due to the stereotype that older dogs cannot be trained, which is untrue. Some shelter dogs may need a bit more love and patience, but that doesn't mean you can't teach them.

Screenshot from Nancy J Brua Facebook Page. / Harley Noble/TSM
Screenshot from Nancy J Brua Facebook Page. / Harley Noble/TSM
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Time is running out

If Charlie is not adopted by May 9th, he will sadly have to be put down. It isn't fair to keep him at the shelter any longer than he already has been. If you are interested in a friendly, senior dog who can go for walks and cuddle with you, Charlie would make a perfect addition to your home.

If you are interested in adopting Charlie, visit the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center located at 6799 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ. If you would like to set up a meet and greet with your other furry friends, give the animal shelter a call to talk to them about scheduling a play date. Let's ensure Charlie finds his forever home!

Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
Photo by Harley Noble/TSM
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CONTINUE READING: How The Priceless Pups Campaign Helps Adopt Long-Term Shelter Dogs

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