But as Moncayo approached the shelter on Feb. 10, he noticed a sweet-looking pooch gazing him by means of the entrance window. The canine reminded him of his late canine, Rusty, who ran away almost 30 years in the past.
“They’re identical,” mentioned Moncayo, 51. “Rusty was exactly the same stature and build.”
Although his daughter had been begging him to get a canine, Moncayo mentioned, “being a single parent, and with inflation being so high … it’s not in my budget to pay for a dog.”
But the pup within the window drew him in.
After making his supply, Moncayo requested workers if he and his daughter might meet the canine. He was excited to be taught that there was a promotion happening — it was Super Bowl weekend, and the shelter held an “Adoption Bowl” eventwaiving adoption charges for dogs that have been 45 kilos or larger.
“The goal was to get as many dogs as possible into loving homes,” mentioned Rebecca Cavedon, communications supervisor for the county’s Department of Animal Sheltering.
Shelter workers launched Moncayo and Sabrina to Jihoo, a 6-year-old 65-pound pit bull combine.
“Right away, he played with my daughter. He was very sensitive and gentle,” mentioned Moncayo, noting that Jihoo additionally appeared obedient and well-trained. “This dog is unbelievable.”
“They seemed to mesh together right away,” mentioned Cavedon. “It simply appeared prefer it was the proper match.”
Moncayo adored Jihoo’s brown-and-white coat, his massive eyes and the freckles on his snout.
“He’s beautiful,” mentioned Moncayo, a Navy veteran who’s working as a meals supply driver whereas he’s between jobs.
Moncayo was additionally touched by the canine’s background.
Jihoo was surrendered by his homeowners final June and had been on the shelter for greater than 240 days. On common, pups keep on the shelter for about 24 days.
“His guardians could no longer care for him,” mentioned Cavedon, explaining that though they weren’t in a position hold the canine, “they loved him very much.”
Since massive dogs are usually harder to undertake out, Cavedon mentioned, Jihoo remained on the shelter for longer than typical.
“It can be hard to get some of the larger dogs adopted, with a lack of affordable housing and affordable veterinary care as well,” she mentioned. “Last year alone, we saw a 30 percent increase in large dogs like Jihoo coming into our care. There’s such a critical need for large-dog adoptions.”
Staff on the shelter had developed a smooth spot for Jihoo.
“He was very special to all of our staff and volunteers,” mentioned Cavedon. “He’s just an amazingly gentle, sweet, kind boy.”
It solely took a couple of minutes for Moncayo and his daughter to really feel the identical method about Jihoo. On the spot, Moncayo determined that the canine was meant to be theirs.
“It was a no-brainer. It was a done deal,” he mentioned, including that he didn’t have one other canine after Rusty, as he didn’t really feel prepared.
“It was like an empty space in my heart that just needed to be filled up,” Moncayo mentioned. “It had to be healed, and now it’s filled with so much love for our beautiful new dog.”
After going by means of paperwork and finishing a counseling session with shelter workers, Moncayo adopted the canine that day.
“I went to drop off some food, and I walked out with Jihoo,” mentioned Moncayo. “What are the odds of that?”
In addition to waiving Jihoo’s adoption payment (which might have been $100), the shelter additionally outfitted Moncayo with provides for his new pup, together with a crate, meals, toys and a leash.
“We always want to set families up for success when they leave our doors,” mentioned Cavedon, noting that the shelter was capable of undertake out 20 dogs over the four-day Adoption Bowl occasion.
So far, Jihoo has been acclimating nicely to his new home and household. He enjoys stomach rubs, enjoying fetch and licking faces.
“He is so affectionate and loving with both of us,” mentioned Moncayo, who lives along with his daughter in Prince William County. “He has been a blessing.”
“He makes us laugh all day long,” he added. “He’s a very funny dog.”
Moncayo lately delivered one other lunch order to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, and he introduced Jihoo with him to go to the workers. They have been delighted.
“We feel like a complete family now,” mentioned Moncayo. “He was always missing.”
