Shelter Dog Is Only a Baby & Has Only Known Life Inside Kennel Walls

Deputy has spent so long waiting that it’s easy to forget he’s still just a young dog with his whole life ahead of him. A recent video shared by @buzzrescuesandsupports introduces the gorgeous shelter dog to people who may be meeting him for the very first time.

Deputy arrived at East Valley Shelter as a one-year-old stray. And now he’s about to celebrate his second birthday without ever knowing what it feels like to have a family of his own. Still, he is as excited to meet every visitor as if today could finally be the day he goes home for good.

Shelter dog who has grown up inside kennel walls looks to be adopted

The clip begins with the camera peeking over Deputy’s kennel door, where he’s already waiting right by the entrance. He looks up the second someone stops to see him, almost as if he’d been hoping this would be his moment. On-screen text introduces him as the longest resident at East Valley Shelter. And then it lists out all the reasons volunteers adore him. He’s goofy, he’s handsome, and he’s a playgroup rockstar.

Deputy quickly pops up to get closer to the person filming. He stretches himself tall toward the camera with plenty of enthusiasm. A second later, he lets out a couple of excited barks, almost like he’s joining the conversation. The caption jokes that, if anyone asked him, he’d probably say he’s more than ready to bust out of there.

That cheerful personality feels right at home for a young Labrador Retriever, a breed known for staying playful, social, and eager to make new friends wherever they go.

The shelter dog’s video has already picked up thousands of views. And plenty of viewers couldn’t understand why such an affectionate shelter dog is still waiting. One person pointed out the paintings hanging outside his kennel, saying it was obvious he’s loved by the people who know him. Another simply called him precious. Deputy may have grown up inside shelter walls, but there’s still plenty of puppy left in him.