PINE GROVE, Pa. — In this week's 16 to the Rescue, we meet a 10-year-old boxer/mix who has lived at a shelter in Schuylkill County for more than half his life.
"You can definitely tell he's ready to leave. A lot of time, he just lays there. But he loves getting new toys and chewing him apart," said Katie Laverty, Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA.
That is why Houdini is this week's feature. Later this month, Houdini will have been at the shelter for seven years, and rescue workers at Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA are more than ready for him to find his forever home.
"He's very sweet. He does like to jump up on people. He's very strong. He loves going for walks, being out in the yard. He does jump fences though; he might not now because of his age, but he loves being outside," said Laverty.
Houdini was so happy to be outside when we visited the shelter in Schuylkill County that he almost didn't even realize the camera was there. Rescue workers say he needs to stay on a leash and will need an owner who understands his strength.
"A home with no other animals. Probably no neighbors with other animals unless they're 100% certain they can keep him contained because he is very strong," Laverty said.
Houdini has been adopted once since his time at the shelter, but it didn't work out because of a neighbor's dog. That's why rescue workers say he always gets overlooked, and now that he's 10, they say his older age is a factor, too. Rescue workers would like to see Houdini go to a home with someone who is able to take him on long walks daily, and no kids for Houdini.
"He doesn't make a mess inside. He knows where he is supposed to go to the bathroom. Even with being here so long, he knows how to sit, he's still trained. He loves attention. He loves playing with his toys. He loves when you go in the kennel with him and just sit there and pet him and spend time with him. He loves to be around people," Laverty said.
If you would like to meet Houdini, you can find his adoption information by clicking here.