NEW APPROACH – Hancock County Animal Shelter dog worker Whitney Osborn and the shelter’s longest canine resident, Dude, relax in the shelter break room recently. Osborn also is the ghostwriter for Dude’s Facebook page, “Diary of a Shelter Dog.” -- Stephanie Ujhelyi

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County Animal Shelter personnel have taken a unique approach to not only bringing attention to the plight of shelter animals but potentially finding a forever home for the longest canine resident.

Dude arrived at the facility in May 2024 and has barely gotten a second look, according to dog worker Whitney Osborn.

Osborn is the ghost writer for Dude’s recently created social media page, “Diary of a Shelter Dog: Dude’s Story.”

Around 2 years old, Dude is an 80-pound shepherd-akita mix.

“He is a great dog after he gets to know you,” Osborn added.

All personality, he loves to play fetch, cuddle and get belly rubs. His favorite treat is hot dogs and he is good with dogs and older kids.

“His Facebook page is getting a lot of attention despite just going up a week ago,” Osborn explained.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page had 40 “likes” and 85 “followers.”

With the shelter at maximum capacity, staff hopes his story helps to garner attention for the cause.

Since February, all adoption fees have been waived thanks to community sponsorships. Adoption fees for dogs normally are $100 and for cats $50.

Strays still are being accepted; however, due to the lack of cages, staff have to house them in smaller pop-up enclosures within the shelter until cages become available.

“We get one out and three more come in,” Osborn explained about the shelter’s plight.

And then there is Dude’s story, as May 24 will mark his first anniversary at the shelter.

As of last week, there were 21 available stray dogs plus 27 cats at the shelter. Another four cats were in adoption centers.

There is no deadline in place for the fee-free adoption special.

To adopt a dog, visit http://linkrr.ee/hcaswv Upon reviewing a completed application, shelter personnel will be in touch within seven to 10 days in order to schedule your meet-and-greet at the shelter.

To subscribe to Dude’s page, visit https://www.facebook.com/HCAS.Dude.

(Ujhelyi can be contacted at sujhelyi@mojonews.com)