A shelter dog who arrived with injuries so severe he had to have one of his legs amputated is struggling to find the forever home he desperately needs.
Magnum has been at Austin Pets Alive (APA) in Texas since April of 2022, having been brought to the facility from a rural shelter that was previously struggling to meet his medical needs.
His story came to the fore on social media after an APA shelter volunteer, who asked not to be named, posted a video about Magnum to TikTok under the handle goodboygonehome. They told Newsweek: "Magnum was brought to a rural shelter as a stray with an old injury to his front leg and shoulder. APA vets did an assessment and decided it would be best to amputate."
More than two years on, however, and Magnum is still with APA, which is proving to be a source of some concern. "He's been there too long," the volunteer carer said. "Animal shelters are a stressful place to live and that stress weighs on the animals even though we do what we can to enrich their lives while they are there."
A 2021 study from the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, highlighted the numerous environmental changes that can lead to stress among shelter dogs.
These include novel or loud noises like barking, unfamiliar people, different surroundings, limited social interactions and an entirely new schedule.
Magnum's situation is further compounded by his disability. He struggles to get around the shelter and has arthritis in his one remaining front leg. That's partly why it's become increasingly important that he gets adopted.
The volunteer behind the goodboygonehome account said: "Home environments where they have someone who can monitor them more closely and consistently as well as having soft places to sleep is significantly better for them to slow the progression of arthritis."
Sadly, as the video posted online explains, though the shelter gets visitors, "no one ever asks to meet him." There are some specific reasons why Magnum has struggled to get adopted though.
"Part of it is that he doesn't like other dogs. He'd rather be the only pet than have to share the love," the shelter volunteer said. "He's also a high energy jumpy and mouthy boy so he might knock over smaller kids. That limits his options for who he can go home with."
They also suspect that some may be "intimidated" at the prospect of managing Magnum's medical needs in the not-too-distant future. "He will need pain management and joint supplements for the rest of his life," they said. "We are working on getting him a prosthetic to help with his mobility and give him additional support for his front half."
Nevertheless, the volunteer who first shared his story, having spent countless hours with Magnum, has a pretty good idea of what kind of home would suit him best.
"Magnum is a very high energy and playful dog and would love to go home with an active family who can provide him lots of physical and mental outlets for that energy," they said.
"A home without any stairs would be easier on his joints, but he doesn't need a yard, just a good long walk or two every day! He loves people, just gets exuberant when expressing his love. He gives the best hugs."
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