A Quiet Kennel Away From the Busy Floor
When visitors walk through the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC), they are met with rows of hopeful faces—dogs waiting for someone to stop, smile, and fall in love.
But tucked away from the bustling adoption floor, where the noise and excitement can overwhelm, there is one dog who waits in the quieter kennels at the back.
His name is Deuce. A black-and-white pittie with soulful eyes, Deuce may not be the first dog you see when you enter the shelter, but once you meet him, you never forget him.
A Paw Reaching Through the Bars
Deuce has his own special way of saying hello. When someone walks by his kennel, he lifts his paw and presses it against the bars, silently begging for just a moment of attention.
His eyes follow every step, every movement, as if he’s searching for the one person who will finally stop and see the love he has to give.
“Deuce almost always has his paws up on the cage,” shared Sarah Fisher, communications manager at HSTC. “He is always tracking people with his eyes, eager to get any small amount of attention.”
That simple gesture—a paw reaching out—holds a world of meaning. It is Deuce’s way of saying, I’m here. Please don’t walk past me.
A Difficult Journey Back to the Shelter
This isn’t Deuce’s first time behind kennel doors. He first arrived at the shelter in September, after being abandoned by his owner. In November, his luck seemed to turn when he was adopted into a home. But just a month later, he was back.
His new adopter’s health had declined, and though it wasn’t anyone’s fault, Deuce once again found himself at HSTC, confused and waiting for another chance.
“When he was surrendered to us the second time, Deuce jumped up on the counter and greeted everyone while they were sitting at their computers,” Fisher recalled. “It was quite a sight.”
Even in moments of uncertainty, Deuce’s loving and playful spirit shines through.
Two Sides of Deuce: Calm and Rambunctious
Behind the kennel bars, Deuce appears calm and gentle, looking up at visitors with quiet hope. But outside those walls, his true personality bursts forward. He is energetic, lively, and ready to play—qualities that can sometimes overwhelm potential adopters who are not prepared for the training and patience a dog like him requires.
“When people visit him, he is calm and loving, but gets extremely rambunctious when taken out of the kennel,” Fisher explained. “Unfortunately, his visitors were not ready for the training commitment, so they decided against adopting him.”
But this energy isn’t a flaw—it’s part of who Deuce is: a full-grown pup with a big heart, just waiting for the right person to match his zest for life.
The Staff Who Believe in Him
While Deuce waits, he isn’t waiting alone. The HSTC staff has dedicated themselves to making his days brighter. They take him out multiple times a day for long walks, spend time with him in the agility field, and let him enjoy off-leash moments in the play yards.
They keep his mind busy with enrichment puzzles and training sessions, helping him channel his energy into learning and growth. And little by little, Deuce has been making steady progress.
“Our lead trainer, Heidi Fischer, says he would be best in a home that can provide daily exercise and leash training,” Fisher said. “She also noted that he has great engagement with using treats and is very trainable. Deuce loves to walk on a leash while holding toys in his mouth. Our training team works with him every day, and he has been making great progress.”
A Dog With Endless Loyalty
What Deuce needs most isn’t complicated—it’s simply someone willing to give him a chance. Beneath his energy and playful nature lies a heart overflowing with loyalty.
“Deuce is an extremely loyal dog,” Fisher shared. “We are hoping that somebody will see his potential like we do.”
Deuce may not be the easiest dog to adopt. He requires time, patience, and training. But the reward of his love is immeasurable. For the right family, he will not just be a pet—he will be a lifelong companion, a best friend who greets every day with enthusiasm and affection.
Hoping for His Happy Ending
Every day, Deuce reaches his paw through the kennel bars, his eyes following every visitor who passes by. He doesn’t ask for much—just a glance, a kind word, a hand that might take his paw and never let go.
His story is one of resilience, patience, and hope. And though he has been overlooked by many, the staff at HSTC never stop believing that his perfect match is out there.
One day soon, someone will see Deuce not just as a dog behind bars, but as the loving, loyal companion he truly is. And when that moment comes, Deuce’s wait will finally be over.
