Thousands of dogs need homes—so why is adopting one so difficult? It's a question Animatch (and many other rescues) hear all the time. One common concern is that Animatch rarely adopts dogs to families with very young children, though exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Many families picture the perfect holiday scene: kids and their new furry friend gathered around the Christmas tree—a true Hallmark moment. But dogs, especially puppies and adolescents, require time, patience, training, and plenty of exercise to grow into well-adjusted companions. Parents juggle many responsibilities—work and children often come first. That doesn’t mean they aren’t loving or responsible, but sometimes, they may not have fully considered the demands of raising a dog.

If you read our adoption bios, you’ll notice a common theme: many of our dogs are surrendered because their families "no longer had time for them." Sadly, that may have been the case for Sully. He was found as an unclaimed stray, and it’s possible his family took the easy way out. As a puppy, he may have been small enough to handle easily, but as he grew—and grew some more—his adolescent energy might have become overwhelming. While we can't say for sure, we do know one thing: Sully is ready for a second chance.

With his soulful eyes and gentle nature, Sully is an amazing companion just waiting for the right home. He’s looking for an active family who will include him in their daily adventures. He does need some work on leash manners (he pulls like a train!), but apart from that, he’s an absolute joy. Sully gets along well with other dogs, but what he truly longs for is a committed human—a best friend to call his own.

Could that be you? If so, please fill out the Adoption Form and give Sully the forever home he deserves.