Bumbi, an 8-year-old 120-pound Alaskan Malamute, was recently surrendered to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast in Palm City, Florida, because his owners felt he was too large for their home. The shelter shared a heartbreaking video on TikTok showing Bumbi looking confused and cuddling a stuffed toy in his kennel. Despite his large size, Bumbi is described as a sweet dog who loves treats and can perform basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘give paw’. While he can be selective about his dog friends, he is potty-trained, in good health, and enjoys being pet and cuddled.
According to Shelter Animals Count, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters in 2023, representing a 4 percent increase from the previous year. At the end of 2023, there were 117,000 more dogs and cats in the sheltering system compared to the previous year, indicating a growing issue in animal homelessness. Unfortunately, around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, which was a 15 percent increase from the year before. Shelters are working hard to reduce euthanasia rates through adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation efforts.
Despite multiple attempts to find Bumbi a new home, including a temporary foster placement that did not work out, the large Alaskan Malamute is still looking for a family to adopt him. The shelter is seeking someone with breed experience who is willing to take on the responsibilities of caring for a big dog like Bumbi. Ideally, Bumbi would thrive in a calm household with a big yard, although this is not a strict requirement. While potential adopters have come in for meet-and-greets, Bumbi has yet to find his forever home.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, founded in 1955, is a no-kill shelter with a mission to provide care to every animal that comes through its doors, regardless of health, age, temperament, or breed. The shelter is dedicated to ensuring that every animal receives the love and attention they deserve while they wait to be adopted into loving homes. Bumbi, like many other animals in shelters, is in need of a compassionate and understanding family who is willing to provide him with a forever home where he can feel safe and loved.
As Bumbi’s story gained attention on social media, many individuals expressed their love for the Alaskan Malamute breed and shared their own stories of caring for their pets. Despite the challenges faced by animals like Bumbi, there is hope that through awareness and education, more people will consider adopting pets from shelters and providing them with the love and care they deserve. If you have a funny or adorable video or picture of your pet to share, you can submit them to Newsweek for a chance to be featured in their Pet of the Week lineup. Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and fostering connections in the search for common ground among pet owners and animal lovers.
