u/Cocodelaune

🏀🐾 Shaq has been at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society for 6 long months. Named after one of basketball’s greatest, 2.5-year-old Shaq may not be quite as big as Shaquille O’Neal at “only” 74 pounds — he’s surely just as handsome and philanthropic, generous with his calm attention and sweet kisses. 😘

At first, Shaq was apprehensive about getting into the car. But with patience and little courage, he climbed in all by himself — just like the champ he is! 🏆

Shaq’s first-ever Hounds Around Town trip told us everything we needed to know. A little hesitation, then trust. A little worry, then wonder. He explored the SF River Trail, taking in every scent like the world was a gift he hadn’t quite expected.

His leash manners are exceptional — a remarkable quality for a dog his size. He doesn’t pull, doesn’t lunge, doesn’t demand. He simply walks alongside you, steady and present, as if he’s been practicing for the moment you’d finally show up.

He has spent 6 months at the shelter waiting for someone to see past the kennel, past the nerves, past the noise — and find the dog underneath. The one who rode quietly in the back seat with his nose to the cracked window. The one who waded happily into the river on his very first outing. The one who greeted strangers with the easygoing confidence of a dog who has decided the world is probably okay.

The shelter is not a fair portrait of who Shaq is. Kennels are loud. Days blur together. The best dogs become invisible. But take him outside, give him a little space and a little kindness, and you’ll see it immediately — a calm, affectionate soul who just needs a home to exhale in.

Shaq is ready to go home.

Visit the Santa Fe Animal Shelter to meet him in person.

Ask about Shaq — he’s been waiting long enough.