For over two months, Maxine, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, has been waiting inside her kennel at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter.
Shelter life isn’t easy, but Maxine has found her own way of asking for comfort — by gently sliding her paw through the bars and resting it in the hands of anyone willing to stop and hold it.
“This beautiful dog is desperate for affection,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post that quickly touched hearts.
Maxine wasn’t surrendered because of anything she did wrong. Her family loved her, but when their other dog couldn’t accept her, they had no choice but to bring Maxine to the shelter, hoping she’d find a new start.
“She was great with everyone in the home, but the other dog did not like her,” Melissa, the shelter’s volunteer coordinator, told The Dodo.
Since then, Maxine has been patiently waiting.
But with adoptions moving slowly and the shelter now at full capacity, her chances have been slim. Still, her spirit hasn’t dimmed.
Whenever someone pauses at her kennel, Maxine’s tail begins to thump with joy. In one video shared by the shelter, she presses close to the bars, soaking up every bit of affection she can get.
She leans into a visitor’s touch, rolls onto her back for belly rubs, and showers their fingers with kisses — all while never letting go of their hand.
Maxine’s caregivers adore her, but what she really needs is a family of her own.
“Adoptions are free right now because the shelter is at maxed capacity,” Melissa said. “We’re hoping this will help her find her people.”
Because of her past experience, Maxine would do best as the only pet in her home — where she can soak up all the love for herself. The shelter will also support her adoption with a free spay surgery, making it easier for the right family to take her home.
Until that day comes, Maxine will keep reaching her paw through the bars, holding hands with anyone willing to stop — a gentle reminder that she’s still waiting for her happily ever after.
If you’d like to learn more about Maxine, contact the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter and ask for resident #A549158.
